Netflix stars of ‘Home Game’ series feature in virtual highland games event launched to fill void of missed summer season

A special Highland games event blending competitive and virtual elements hosted by Braemar Royal Highland Society, organiser of The Braemar Gathering, has been launched by VisitAberdeenshire, VisitScotland and Aberdeenshire Council.

Highland Games 2020 celebrates the best of the Highland games tradition and is supported by The Duke of Rothesay (as The Prince of Wales is known when in Scotland), Patron of the Scottish Highland Games Association (SHGA).

With the majority of games around Scotland cancelled this summer, Braemar Royal Highland Society hosted a special behind closed doors competition and brought together games representatives from across Scotland.

Participants in the heavy events also included stars of the Netflix series, ‘Home Game’, a documentary series highlighting traditional and extreme sports around the world.

Competition highlights have been filmed and will be hosted by VisitAberdeenshire on its website, in the run up to Virtual Highland Games Day on Saturday 12 September.

Chris Foy, CEO, VisitAberdeenshire said: “Highland Games 2020 is special event that combines actual competition with a virtual experience for viewers across the world, keeping the lights on for a great Scottish tradition during this exceptional year.

“Highland games events contribute up to £25 million to the Scottish economy and have been sadly missed this year.”

Jo Robinson, VisitScotland’s Regional Director said: “The Scottish tourism and events industry has been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic so it’s fantastic to see such a traditional event embracing technology and offering an innovative way to enjoy the show, no matter where you are.

“We hope this event encourages existing and new fans of Highland Games to get involved and tune in for what is sure to be a great spectacle, and hopefully inspire them to visit and see one for themselves when the time is right.”

Mr Foy continued: “Virtual Highland Games Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the very best of Scotland on social media. By tagging VisitAberdeenshire and using #virtualhighlandgames, we want our online audience to get involved whether it be wearing tartan for day, sharing highland games memories or pledging to visit a highland games event in 2021.

Photo: Steven Rennie Photography