Disappointed organisers of Crieff Highland Gathering have announced this year’s event has been cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Thousands of spectators were expected to descend on Market Park for the annual extravaganza, which was to have taken place on Sunday, August 16.
Crieff Hydro CEO Stephen Leckie, the current lord-lieutenant of Perth and Kinross, was in line to perform the role of chieftain at what was to be the event’s 150th anniversary celebration.
Board members took the decision at a virtual meeting on Tuesday evening this week, stating they had been left with “little option” in light of the latest information issued in a bid to stem the global COVID-19 outbreak by the UK and Scottish governments.
Staff at Murray Royal Hospital take stranded ducklings under their wings
The gathering was to be preceded by the Crieff Highland Gathering Music Fest – planned to be held in the same location on Saturday, August 15 – but this has also been cancelled.
Acts previously announced on the line-up for what would have been the second music festival included headliner DJs Scott Mills and Chris Stark of BBC Radio One, Scottish music legends Big Country and karaoke favourites Massaoke.
Anna McLean, chair of Crieff Highland Gathering, said: “It was the hardest decision we have ever had to make as a board.
“To cancel the games was something none of us could ever envisage, but we have to look after everyone’s wellbeing.
“The updates from both the Scottish and UK governments, along with the newly-announced travel restrictions for overseas visitors, mean that cancelling is the right thing to do.
“We are all extremely disappointed as it would have been our 150th anniversary and a great deal of preparation has already gone into it.
“We also know our disappointment will be shared by the town, our athletes, pipe bands, patrons, sponsors and trade stand holders, along with our visitors – some of whom travel from all around the world to be with us.
“We have delayed this final decision for as long as possible to give us every chance of being able to hold the games but with every announcement it is more and more apparent that mass gatherings will not be allowed in the foreseeable future.”
Anna continued: “We feel for anyone who has lost loved ones or has been affected by the virus.
“We know the town of Crieff, and the whole of Strathearn, will pull together to get through this and we hope to see everyone in a happier and healthier 2021.”
Anna concluded: “For those who have already purchased tickets through Eventbrite, we will process refunds.
“If people could be patient while we process them it would be appreciated.”
For more information, see the website www.crieffhighlandgathering.com or follow Crieff Highland Gathering on social media.
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