Cornhill Highland Games ready to return following Covid pandemic

Organisers of a popular north east Highland games are looking forward to the return of the event following a two-year hiatus due to Covid.

The Cornhill Highland Games will take place on Saturday, June 4 and will draw visitors from far afield to enjoy a programme of traditional activities.

Competitors will take part in a variety of heavy and light events from 11am, including the toss the caber and throwing the hammer contests. Teams will also battle it out in the tug o’ war competitions, where Young Farmers men and ladies’ winners will qualify for Royal Highland Show competitions later this year.

Now in its 50th year, the popular local Knock Hill Race will get underway at 11am. The 8.5 mile road and hill route challenges participants, with monetary prizes available thanks to sponsorship from locally based equipment rental specialists Motive Offshore Group.

A number of children’s races will take place in the games arena from 2pm, with entry available on the day. Catering vans will provide a variety of snacks, and visitors can enjoy entertainment from Portsoy Pipe Band.

Due to circumstances outwith the control of the organising committee, there will no Highland Dancing competition, stalls, licensed bar or entertainment. As a result, there will be no admission charges at the gate, with free entry for all visitors.

Cornhill Highland Games Chairman, James Gregg, said: “We are very much looking forward to the return of the games after the disappointment of having to cancel two years in a row due to Covid.

"The organising committee has faced many challenges in the course of organising this year’s event, and we have had to make some difficult decisions due to circumstances outwith our control, which has resulted in a reduced event programme.

"However, our principal aim was always to ensure we could host the event in some form for both competitors and visitors to enjoy.”

Cornhill Highland Games is traditionally one of the highlights on the local events calendar, and part of the competition circuit for the Grampian Highland Games Association and Scottish Highland Games Association. Established in 1997, the event draws thousands of visitors from across Scotland and further afield.

For more information about the event visit www.cornhillhighlandgames.org.uk

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