The future of a Highland games has been thrown into doubt after two key organisers quit.The Cornhill Games is in its 20th year and has proved increasingly popular.
But outgoing secretary Shona Hay, who has quit after 17 years along with treasurer Linda Beattie, says she fears the event is in jeopardy.
Replacements for the two positions are yet to be found.
This year’s games, due to go ahead on June 3, will be not be affected.
But last night Ms Hay said: “I really don’t know if it will continue. We held an extraordinary meeting in February to discuss replacements, but no one has come forward yet.
“This will be my 17th year organising the games and I think it was time to stand down, the workload has become too much.”
The event has been well attended in previous years, with over 2,000 people attending the 2016 edition, drawing crowds from across the north-east and further afield.
The games include the popular Knock Hill race, alongside traditional events like Highland dancing, caber toss and tug-of-war.
Banff and District independent councillor, John Cox, said: “The Highland games are Cornhill. They have such a pedigree and it would be a major blow to both Cornhill and Banff to lose this event.”
Councillor Iain Taylor stressed the important role the community has to play in saving the games.
He said: “It would be sad to lose such an event, but it’s up the community to pull together to ensure that this does not happen.”
A Grampian record 186 competitors took part in the Highland dancing contest last year.
In the Knock Hill race, runners have to complete the eight-and-a-half mile course from Cornhill to the top and back in under one hour and 45 minutes.
A meeting has been arranged for Monday, March 20 at Hay Memorial Hall to discuss the future of the games and possible new recruits.
