ONE of Cumnock's biggest events has this week announced its return.

The Cumnock Highland Games will return this year despite doubts over tis future.

Organisers have struggled to secure funding in recent years but organisers of the 2016 edition of the event have secured funding that will now see the event go ahead in August.

The event will return to Broomfield on Sunday August 21 after organisers secured the support of both East Ayrshire Council and Cumnock and Doon Valley Minerals Trust.

This years games will its eleventh year, having grown to become one of Ayrshire’s biggest days out, with crowds of thousands every year enjoying the spectacle of the caber-tossing highland heavies, marching pipe bands and hundreds of highland dancers, plus stalls, fun fair, food and beer tent.

Jim McMillan, who leads the team of local volunteers who arrange the event every year, said: “We are very pleased to confirm that it is game on for Cumnock Highland Games 2016, and that Broomfield Park is able to host us once again this year.

“Last year’s 10th anniversary games was a fantastic day, attended by record numbers of participants and supported by thousands of local people and visitors to the area. We hope everyone, and more, will support us again this year. There are still plenty of opportunities for locals to get involved in the event too – be that as a stall holder, as a competitor or as a volunteer – so please get in touch if you’d like to play a part in Cumnock Highland Games.”

The Games will take place on the afternoon of Sunday August 21.

Further details of the blockbuster event will be announced in due course.