Ceangail, one of Stirling’s leading social enterprises, is celebrating Social Enterprise Day by reflecting on a record-breaking year and unveiling exciting plans for the future. Best known for hosting the Stirling Highland Games, Ceangail uses proceeds from the event, as well as grants and public donations, to fund vocational training for young adults aged 16 and over.
This year has marked a significant achievement for Ceangail, with record attendance and a substantial positive impact on Stirling’s economy. We’re excited to celebrate Social Enterprise Day with our community and share our vision for a new permanent home for the Stirling Highland Games. The Burgh Meadows Sports Ground project will help ensure the Games leave a lasting legacy and continue to inspire young people,” said Matt McGrandles, Executive Director of Ceangail CIC.
A Year of Remarkable Achievements
Since Ceangail took charge of the Stirling Highland Games in 2014, it has contributed significantly to both the local economy and the community. This year, Ceangail celebrates:
- £368,153 invested in various projects through sponsorship, grants, and fundraising.
- A total of 40,398 visitors over the years, with an impressive 6,500 attending in 2024 alone.
- £3,933,533 generated in economic impact, benefitting Stirling’s local businesses and services.
- 162 young people equipped with skills and practical experience to help them enter the workforce.
- 494 volunteers actively engaged in supporting the Games through continuous professional development opportunities.
Celebrating Social Impact and Community Spirit
We’ve been following Ceangail’s work for many years and admire its commitment to making a positive difference for the local community. The Stirling Highland Games is a prime example of place-based social enterprise, successfully combining community development with cultural events. Ceangail’s achievements highlight the potential for similar models across Scotland,” said Douglas Westwater, CEO of Community Enterprise.
Held at Stirling Sports Village, with breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as the National Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, the Games are a highlight of the region’s annual events. Ceangail’s vision for a permanent site aims to ensure the Games continue to thrive while providing enhanced facilities for the future.
A Vision for the Future: Burgh Meadows Sports Ground
Ceangail is currently exploring the opportunity to develop Borrowmeadow Farmstead, an underutilised brownfield site owned by Stirling Council. The proposed Burgh Meadows development will feature:
- Burgh Meadows Sports Ground: A flexible venue for major events like the Stirling Highland Games, capable of hosting up to 10,000 visitors.
- Community Pavilion: A space offering sports facilities on the ground floor and areas for community engagement and vocational training on the upper level.
- Burgh Meadow Heritage Centre: The restoration of the historic Laird’s House, which will become a centre for heritage, culture, and community events.
These developments are part of Ceangail’s ambitious 10-year plan to create a vibrant, sustainable community hub that will benefit local residents and visitors.
Empowering Young People through Training
The Stirling Highland Games are not only a key event for the region but also a platform for providing valuable work experience and vocational training. Craig, a 17-year-old participant, shared his thoughts on the program: “The training I received was far more engaging than I expected. It was great to be involved in discussions about real-world skills, and seeing the Games in action gave me practical experience that is more valuable than anything else I’ve done.”
Call for Community Support
To turn their vision into reality, Ceangail is reaching out for support from local businesses and the broader community. With their help, Ceangail is determined to create a lasting impact for future generations of young people in Stirling.
“We are thrilled about the future and stay dedicated to the continued success and growth of the Stirling Highland Games. Together, with the support of the community, we can ensure this project becomes a thriving hub for sports, culture, and youth development,” concluded Matt McGrandles