Aboyne Highland Games called off for second year due to Covid-19

Organisers of the Aboyne Highland Games have made the difficult decision to cancel this year's event.

The Games was due to take place on August 7 but has been called off over continued uncertainties from the coronavirus pandemic. 

It's the second year in a row the Games has been called off with plans now being made to mark the event online - including holding two online music competitions. 

Around 10,000 visitors each year flock to the Aberdeenshire town to watch a packed programme of tradional events from tug o'war, highland dancing and piping. 

Alistair Grant, chairman of Aboyne Highland Games, said: "We know the news of the cancellation of Aboyne Highland Games will be disappointing to the local community, competitors, visitors, partners and sponsors, all of whose support is invaluable to our success.

"It is not a decision the committee has made easily, particularly when it is for a second consecutive year and knowing the impact it can have on our event partners.

“As much as there is positivity around restrictions being eased and normality returning to our lives, many uncertainties and concerns also remain. 

"The worries of our community must be listened to, any potential impact on wider public services considered, and with potentially fewer visitor the financial viability and long-term sustainability of the event accounted for

“Games day will be marked on Saturday, 07 August, albeit differently. The strong, positive response to last year’s online piping competition sees it return, while a virtual fiddle contest is being added. 

"Both providing opportunities for musicians to compete in 2021. Just like our fellow Highland Games across Scotland, we are optimistic that in 2022 we will be back in our usual format, celebrating and continuing Scotland’s cultural heritage. 

"That strong sense of community afforded by the games will be in abundance when we do welcome the world back onto Aboyne Green for Aboyne Highland Games.”

The committee have already began focusing on planning for the 2022 Games which is scheduled to take place on August 6. 

For more information visit aboynegames.com.