Missing Highland games trophy found after being lost almost 100 years ago

A Highland Games trophy that went missing almost 100 years ago is set to return to Scotland after being found.

The Cabrach Trust, which in 2022 reintroduced The Cabrach Picnic and Games after a hiatus of 87-years, initiated the hunt for the lost silver Rose Bowl which was traditionally awarded to the best-performing athlete at the event.

After a nationwide search the century-old silverware will travel almost the length of the UK from Devon to the Cabrach, returning it to its rightful home in the North East of Scotland.

The prize was originally gifted to the community in 1926 by a John Harper, a native of Upper Cabrach and a high-ranking officer in the Hong Kong police force.

The Cabrach Picnic and Games was a staple of the Highland Games calendar and ran annually from 1877 to 1935 before being reintroduced in 2022. Supplied

Adrian Taylor, who’s grandfather Charles last claimed the prize, was found to be in possession of the missing trophy.

Mr Taylor, who lives in Devon, saw an online news article in June 2023 and an opportunity to return the silverware to home soil.

The 73-year-old was having a house clear-out when he came across the Rose Bowl, after searching online he discovered that The Cabrach Trust was seeking its safe return to Scotland.

“My grandfather Charles Taylor was the last winner of the Rose Bowl – he was a brilliant athlete as well as a fine musician, being particularly talented in the bagpipes – and, though it’s been nice to have the silverware in the family for the past few decades, it is fitting that, with the return of The Cabrach Picnic and Games two years ago, it returns home,” he said.

The Cabrach Picnic and Games was a staple of the Highland Games calendar and ran annually from 1877 to 1935.

It returned to growing popularity in the past two years, with around 500 people enjoying food and drink, Highland dancing, and family friendly have-a-go traditional Highland sports.

The Cabrach Trust resurrected the popular event as part of its efforts to regenerate the Cabrach and bring together the local and wider north-east community.

Jonathan Christie, CEO of The Cabrach Trust, said he was “beyond delighted” to welcome back the Rose Bowl after receiving the call from Mr Taylor.

“Having committed to reintroducing The Cabrach Picnic and Games for people, near and far, to enjoy, we are so happy to have the Rose Bowl, traditionally the top prize in the 1920s, available as the grand prize for the best-performing competitor at the event,” he said.

Charlie Murray, chair of the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association, said: “The Cabrach Rose Bowl represents a key component of the history of Scottish Highland Games. Silverware like this is steeped in the heritage of traditional Highland sport, and it is culturally very significant that such prizes remain as the reward for the finest athletes that grace our games.”