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Towards the end of 1998, Members of Aboyne Highland Games started to give thought to how best to acknowledge the Millennium. The initiatives proposed to mark Games Day, 5th August 2000, were having Millennium Games medals struck for awarding to the winner(s) of each competition; having a new Pipe Tune composed," Aboyne Games 2000"; commissioning a new Aboyne Highland Games Banner; and having a video made of the Games. (All these were achieved and marked a very successful Games Day in 2000). Members, nevertheless, thought that these projects, however commendable in themselves, were really only relevant to Games Day. Something, it was felt, of a more abiding nature was required to commemorate the existence of Aboyne Highland Games which after all had been taking place on the Green since 1867. After the annual turmoil of activity before and during the Games all traces of their occurrence would vanish 'Brigadoon-like' into the ether and nothing remained to enlighten the casual visitor that this was the venue for Aboyne Highland Games. So some sort of permanent marker on the Green drawing attention to the Games was considered. Members felt, though, that any such indicator should be something useful and not simply a pointless monument. Now, since it is the custom for the various pipe bands attending the Games to march on to the Green from the Station Square, it had hitherto been necessary to remove part of the perimeter fence near the Fountain to allow them access without their coming into conflict with the spectators flocking on to the Green at that point. Then when all the bands were in, the fence had to be re-erected. Thus it was that the idea of installing permanent gates at the Fountain which would a low separate access to spectators and pipe bands took root. A further hope was that the Gates would form a suitable complement to the Fountain and together they would create a focal point in the village, which would perhaps tempt the passer-by to stop for a while and sample what Aboyne has to offer Following a suggestion from The Marquis of Huntly, the Games' Chieftain, it was decided to echo the design of the tops of the gate pillars at the Parish Church across the Green, on the gates leading on to the Green and on to Huntly Road. (A similar pair exists in the grounds of Aboyne Castle). The more 'cylindrical' form of the Fountain was also incorporated by making the tops more circular in plan with a view to reflecting that influence thus effecting a degree of compatibility. The main parts of the pillars are constructed with local stone and blend well with surrounding buildings, particularly the Huntly Arms Hotel. It is a source of great pride for Members of Aboyne Highland Games that they were able to achieve completion of these Gates without recourse to external funding. They hope the Gates will be a pleasing addition to the amenity of Aboyne. |
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Gerry Robb, Architectural Design Services
Bridgend Bridgeview Road Aboyne 013398 86359 |
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George Smith, Builder
Dee-Sealladh Charleston Road Aboyne 013398 86547 |
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Kirk Natural Stone Ltd
Bridgend Fyvie 01651 0891891 |
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Douglas J. Reid, Agricultural Engineer
Pitmedden Smithy Torphins 013398 82318 |
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Black Isle Bonze
Newton of Belivat Glenferness Nairn 01309 651260 |
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Leslie Coutts, Painter
Willowbank Low Road Aboyne 013398 86576 |
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Aberdeenshire Council
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Members of Aboyne Highland Games are grateful for the support and encouragement received from many quarters while carrying out this project. While it is not possible to itemise every instance, particular mention might be made of the assistance given by our local heavyweight athlete, Calum Morrison, who acted the part of a mobile crane in helping to hoist the heavy ornamental pillars into position. |
