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Support the Highland Games with a digital twist
We are working in partnership to create a virtual Highland Games iconic Heavies Competition that complies with Coronavirus restrictions, ensuring the games continue.
Highland Games are famous throughout the world and are a celebration Scotland’s proud culture and rich heritage. The realities of the Covid-19 pandemic mean many events have been cancelled this year due to various restrictions put in place to combat Coronavirus and keep people safe.
However, as it is said, the show must go on. The cancellations led to the partnership being formed to create virtual Highland Games. The council is working with Braemar Royal Highland Society, the Scottish Highland Games Association, Visit Aberdeenshire, Visit Scotland, Event Scotland and even the Royal Family via Clarence House.
A closed ground event was filmed on Saturday, August 29, which included hill runs and military pipe bands performing which will be combined with archive footage, giving the virtual audience the opportunity to join in the games this year and celebrate their connections with Scotland.
On Saturday, September 12, Braemar will host a virtual Highland Games at the town’s Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park. It will be broadcast on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube and will include demonstrations of Highland Dancing, Solo Piping and a Heavy Athletes track and field competition.
You can play your part by letting people know by tagging @visitabdn and @eventsscotnews on your Facebook, Instagram or Twitter accounts and using the hashtag #VirtualHighlandGames
Chief Executive Jim Savege said: “Usually over the summer months there are many Highland Games events taking place in Aberdeenshire which are a welcome sight for residents and tourists alike.
“This year will be different as we must do all we can to keep people safe during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and I am delighted we have been instrumental in working in partnership to bring about a virtual Covid-19 compliant games, given everyone the chance to enjoy all the Highland Games has to offer on a digital platform.
“Hopefully next year the Highland Games can return in person to Aberdeenshire giving our communities a much-needed boost.”
Photograph courtesy of the Braemar Gathering Annual.