Chairman’s Message
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Ian G. Scott
A Banff loon, moved to Deeside with his parents in 1960. Following a career in Banking and Finance, latterly south of the Border, he retired to Aboyne in 1997. He has a passion for country sports and the traditions of Highland Games. He is Chairman of both the River Dee Board and Trust, and was appointed Chairman of Aboyne Highland Games in 2007.
Come and join us on the Village Green, Aboyne on August 7th for the 143rd Aboyne Highland Games.
It is hard to believe that a traditional Highland Games started by local enthusiasts, including the famous athlete Donald Dinnie in 1867, is still going strong.
2009 was a great year for Aboyne Games. With kind sponsorship support from: NATIONAL LOTTERY AWARDS FOR ALL, EVENTSCOTLAND and ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL.
We were able to participate in the successful North East Clan Fortnight, part of the Scotland wide Homecoming Event. We greatly increased our seating capacity with the acquisition of a new 800 seat stand, enlarged and improved the quality of our Trade Stands and created a new Clan village. Here, our loyal local Clansmen and some newcomers, could meet and greet their friends from a’ the airts.
To crown our Homecoming celebrations, we held a Clan March hosted by our Chieftain, The Most Honourable The Marquis of Huntly at his family seat, Aboyne Castle. Led by the wonderful military Pipes and Drums of The Gordon Highlanders Band, over 200 Clansmen marched under their respective banners to the Games Arena on the Green.
2010 Games and those for years to come will benefit from the changes and improvements we made in Homecoming year. We have a few “aces up our sleeves” for this year’s Games. Announcements will be made on these nearer the time.
I do hope you will join us on August 7th. Our visitor research has shown that Aboyne Highland Games are noted as being “traditional and exceptionally friendly”. We also boast 96 arena events during the day and provide a wonderful Family Ceilidh on the Friday night before, and a marquee Dance on the night of the games. We also have one of the largest travelling funfares around and a display of Trade Stands second to none.
All these activities are carried out by an exceptional committee of hard working local volunteers. I thank them profusely for their efforts
I look forward to welcoming you to Aboyne Highland Games on August 7th, 2010.
Ian G. Scott, Chairman