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Nethy Bridge's Highland Games called off because of Covid-19


By Gavin Musgrove

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One of the oldest Highland Games in Scotland has succumbed to the coronavirus outbreak.

The organisers of the ever-popular Abernethy Games in Nethy Bridge announced last night that the event scheduled for the start of August was being cancelled for 2020.

It will be the first time in 75 years that the gathering has not taken place.

Crowds line up the games field at Abernethy last year.
Crowds line up the games field at Abernethy last year.

Sandy McCook, vice-chairman of the games committee, stated: "Due to the continuing uncertainty over the duration of the Covid-19 worldwide emergency, the committee has reluctantly come to the conclusion that there is no other option other than to cancel this year's Highland Games on Saturday 8th August.

"This will be the first cancellation of the games since the Second World War. Let's make Abernethy Highland Games 2021 the biggest and best yet."

The decision has been welcomed as common sense by those who usually attend the games.

One of the competitors Stan Reid said: "It's the best decision to look after everyone's health interests."

Lynne Grant was due to travel over from New Zealand for this year's gathering – the games are home to the Clan Grant Gathering when Grants from all over Scotland and the rest of the world gather here to celebrate.

"We were so looking forward to attending this year's games and joining in the celebration.

"It was a very sad day when we decided to postpone our trip until next year. Stay safe and stay home; we can beat this."

Highland Council convener, Bill Lobban, who was last year's special guest of honour at the games, said: "It is sad but a sensible decision."

Runners compete in one of the many track events staged at the Nethy Games.
Runners compete in one of the many track events staged at the Nethy Games.

Covid-19 is taking its toll on many summer events in the strath with a decision due soon on whether the Newtonmore Highland Games – the local curtain-raiser – will go ahead. The Strathspey Farmers Club is due to make an announcement on this year's Grantown Show next month.

In the meantime many event organisers are keeping a watching brief.

But in the current climate with nationwide high profile events - including Wimbledon yesterday - being called off, it is likely to be a barren events calendar into mid-summer at least for the strath and wider UK.

Grantown's ever popular Motormania is due to take place in September but even that is now in doubt.

A spokesperson said: "We are sure people will all appreciate the amount of planning that an event like Motormania takes – both in time and money, and as such we have to start the planning stage what seems like earlier every year.

"This year is exactly the same, and we have already had several meetings to discuss this years offering. However, as the days progress, it is becoming clear that this year may be a little different. For the first time in over 20 years this years event is in doubt.

"As we are all in the process of wait and see what happens, both personally and organisationally, at some stage we will have to make a decision whether we go ahead this year.

"We, as an organising committee, continue to hope for the best and plan for the worst.

"There are considerable expenses that we need to invest each year, that are usually covered in September by the income from the event. We do not wish to invest cash into something that may not actually happen as we are sure you understand.

"So right now – the decision is a resounding no decision, but we will keep monitoring the situation and make a final call as soon as we can be sure it’s the right way to go. Trade stall registration will not be opening just now, nor will vehicle registration."

Aviemore's Big Mix which saw such a sparkling launch in September last year is still on the calendar despite the cancellation of its informal 2020 get together announced last week.

All the businesses, musicians and festival goers are being advised by festival manager Susan Libeks who said: "We are currently unclear on the way forward for the festival this year and our launch date is naturally postponed until later in the year. Stay safe and keep well."


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