Ceangail Achieves Record Success and Outlines Ambitious Plans for the Future on Social Enterprise Day

Stirling’s renowned social enterprise Ceangail is pleased to announce its plans for the upcoming Social Enterprise Day on November 21st. The organization, known for organizing the Stirling Highland Games, has had a successful year with record attendance and significant economic impact for the city. As they look towards the future, Ceangail is excited to share their vision for a new, permanent home for the games.

Executive Director Matt McGrandles expressed his pride in celebrating Social Enterprise Day with the community, and shared the organization’s mission to inspire and support young people. The new Burgh Meadows Sports Ground is set to create a lasting legacy for future generations, with plans to use funds from the Highland Games, grants, and public donations to support vocational training for young adults aged 16 and up.

Since taking on the Stirling Highland Games in 2014, Ceangail has made a significant impact in various sectors, including their social mission. As they prepare to celebrate Social Enterprise Day, they are proud to highlight their achievements to date, including a £368,153 investment in projects, 40,398 visitors to The Games over the years, and a £3,933,533 economic impact that has benefited the Stirling economy. Additionally, 162 young people have been trained with skills to help them find employment, and 494 volunteers have supported the Highland Games through their continued professional development.

Community Enterprise and Social Enterprise Scotland CEO Douglas Westwater commended Ceangail’s work, stating that it is an impressive example of innovative place-based enterprise and tenacity in the face of challenging times. He also added that it is a model that can be replicated across Scotland.

The Stirling Highland Games take place at Stirling Sports Village, offering stunning views of the National Wallace Monument, Cambuskenneth Abbey, and Stirling Castle. Ceangail is committed to ensuring the continued success of the games and is currently planning for a permanent home with better facilities. They are looking to take on the Borrowmeadow Farmstead land, currently unutilized brownfield land owned by Stirling Council, as the ideal site for their social enterprise to grow and expand its delivery. The proposed Burgh Meadows development includes a versatile space designed for events such as the Stirling Highland Games, with a maximum capacity of 10,000 visitors.

Social enterprise specialist and consultant Jim Bennett praised the Stirling Highland Games as a highlight of the annual events calendar, bringing enjoyment to locals and visitors while providing a boost to the local economy. He also noted that it is a true example of social enterprise in action, helping fund Ceangail’s invaluable work supporting young people. Bennett added that Ceangail’s plans for a community-owned events space ensure a bright future for both the organization and the Stirling Highland Games.

Ceangail’s ambitious 10-year plan outlines the development in stages, starting with a Community Asset Transfer from Stirling Council to establish the sports ground. The second stage involves building a community pavilion with facilities for sports on the ground floor and spaces for community activities and vocational training on the upper floor. The third stage includes restoring the historic Laird’s House and transforming it into the Burgh Meadow Heritage Centre, which will feature a heritage wall on the ground floor.

This proposed community wealth building development will boost sports, culture, and heritage in Stirling. It will also ensure the future of the Stirling Highland Games, whose current site suffers from a lack of investment for a safe sports field with drainage, access, and facilities improvements required to meet future growth.

17-year-old school leaver Craig shared his experience with Ceangail’s training, stating that it was different from what he was expecting. He appreciated being included in discussions about essential skills needed by employers, which made him feel more comfortable speaking in the group. He also praised the practical experience and working with the group, stating that it was better than other opportunities he had been a part of.

Ceangail is seeking support from local businesses and the community to bring their ambitious plans to life. They encourage anyone interested in contributing to their social mission or learning more about the Burgh Meadows vision to email office@ceangail.org or visit www.burghmeadows.scot. Individuals can also support Ceangail’s social profits by purchasing tickets to the 2025 Stirling Highland Games event at www.stirlinghighlandgames.com, which will allow the organization to deliver more vocational training opportunities for young people.

For further information, please contact Nicky Hesketh at 07960 827 554 or email nicky@greynickel.com.

About Ceangail:

Ceangail CIC is a social enterprise based in Stirling, Scotland, dedicated to helping young people gain hands-on experience in tourism through vocational training. They believe this approach provides better engagement and meaningful opportunities, connecting communities through impactful projects.

Contact: Matt McGrandles, Exec Director

M: 07739 736 659

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