Scottish Highland games considering how to include non-binary gender competitors

Scotland's Highland games are considering how to encourage competitors with a 'non-binary' gender following demands that traditional men-only events should not receive public funding.

Ian Grieve, secretary of the Scottish Highland Games Association (SHGA), told the Telegraph the issue of how to include competitors who do not consider themselves men or women was "under active discussion."

He said this and the inclusion of transgender competitors have been added to the agenda "for further discussion" at the organisation's meeting next month.

The development emerged after he emailed the SHGA's committee members about longstanding calls to allow more women to compete in events.

He said that "it might not stop there" and highlighted a link to new guidance issued by Scottish Athletics to race organisers "who want to ensure they are inclusive of non-binary participants."

The athletics governing body north of the Border has said "we fully support and encourage" including a third race gender category for those who consider themselves neither male nor female.

The disclosure that the SHGA may follow suit followed a warning by Rhoda Grant, a Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands, that the games should promote gender equality if they want to continue receiving Scottish Government funding.

They have come under fire for failing to do enough to encourage female competitors, with campaigners calling for equal prize money and the introduction of a handicapping system similar to that used in golf.

Mr Grieve said next month's meeting would follow discussions with Scottish Athletics, government agency EventScotland and Willie Rennie, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, who was named chieftain of Cupar Highland Games last year.

He said that by this time the SHGA "may have a clearer understanding of how we may take this forward." He added: "The SHGA remains committed to equality in competition."

The Scottish Trans Alliance admitted it was "not aware of any trans individuals or groups who have been applying pressure on the Highland Games to become non-binary inclusive."

James Morton, the organisation's manager, said he would welcome the SHGA considering the inclusion of non-binary people but said "this should not be used as an excuse to needlessly delay including women."