Highland Games season wiped out with Braemar Gathering added to list of cancelled events

Scotland’s Highland Games season has been effectively wiped out this summer with three of the biggest gatherings on the calendar now added to the list of cancelled events.

The Braemar Gathering has been cancelled this year with nearly 60 other Highland Games not going ahead this year due to coronavirus.

Braemar Gathering, Lonach Gathering and Games and Aboyne Highland Games have announced they won’t be going ahead in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

It means that more than 60 Highland Games have now been cancelled across Scotland this year, with the events usually generating around £25 million in total for the Scottish economy.

Prince Phillip, HRH Queen Elizabeth and HRH Prince Charles are pictured at the Braemar Gathering near Braemar, Aberdeenshire in 2015. The event has been regularly attended by the reigning monarch and members of the Royal Family since 1848.

David Geddes President of the Braemar Royal Highland Society said “It’s been a very difficult decision to make, and to cancel a gathering is something which I had hoped I would never have to do in my time as President, however the uncertainty and continued spread of the outbreak, which threatens the wellbeing of our community, visitors and volunteers has meant we have put safety at the forefront of our considerations for this years gathering.

“Being one of the last events of the highland games year we had hoped that we might still be able to run the gathering as normal and have been working towards that, however the recent updates on the continued spread of COVID-19, travel restrictions and instructions from the Scottish and UK Governments have shown that this will not now be possible without putting folk at risk.

“We know the Gathering is a highlight in many people’s year and an event which many make plans well in

advance for.

“We share your disappointment and offer our hope and thoughts that you stay well and keep safe in the days ahead. Like the hills around Braemar, the Gathering will be here next year, and we look forward to happier times and to welcoming you here in 2021.”

Tickets already purchased for this year’s Gathering these will be honoured and valid for 2021.

The next Braemar Gathering will be held on Satuday, September 4 2021.

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