Organisers of Highland Games hope the spirit of the traditional gatherings will continue online after this year’s calendar was lost completely.
All events have been confirmed as cancelled, meaning 2020 will be without the extravaganzas that have been running for decades, or even centuries in some cases.
It also leaves many small communities across the north and north-east without their sole gathering of townsfolk and tourists, often the only place locals can participate in sports in front of a crowd.
In turn, warnings have been issued about the impact on local economies from the lack of visitors with small traders who bring their crafts to the games expected to suffer most.
As Patron of The Scottish Highland Games Association, The Duke of Rothesay has written about the cancellation of this year's Games.
Read HRH’s message of support to those involved with the Highland Games ➡️ https://t.co/xrSuK0U9x0 pic.twitter.com/m6A7vpu4eu
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) May 15, 2020
However Ian Grieve, secretary of Scottish Highland Games Association (SHGA), has praised organisers for keeping momentum moving, and taking some events online.
He said: ‘The calendar of Highland Games this year may now be empty, but that doesn’t mean we’re sitting back.
“We have a few surprises already and more on the way.
“Strathmore has shown online how to make a fun caber for kids, Aboyne has an online solo piping competition, Ballater will be raising the standard and inviting supporters to send in clips, Stirling is lining up some virtual activities which people can participate in, and we have others looking to do more with online resources to deliver something that will interest, excite and entertain.”
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has also forced other popular annual events across the region to organise online alternatives to recreate the spirit.
At the weekend the Keith TMSA (Traditional Music and Song Association) broadcast a series of events online to coincide with the days streets in the Moray town would be filled with the sound of instruments and singing.
The Stonehaven Folk Festival is also planning something similar on the weekend of July 11 and 12.
While the loss of events in 2020 is “dreadful, with wide impacts”, Mr Grieve says the games are being positive about the future with hopes that 2021 will be a bumper year across the north and north-east.
He said: “We’re already planning for next year, to come back stronger, better – welcoming back all our supporters and friends, hopefully some new ones too, people who haven’t attended a highland games before.
“I would urge people to think about helping their local games – come and make a difference.”
