Highland Council welcomes orienteers to World and Scottish events
A warm Highland welcome to
orienteering athletes from around the globe competing in the World Orienteering
Championships and Scottish 6 Days from 31 July to 8 August is being extended from
The Highland Council.
Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Margaret Davidson said: “We are
delighted to be hosting this year’s World Orienteering Championships and
Scottish 6 Days Orienteering. Highland has firmly established itself as a
wonderful venue for international events - such as the UCI Mountain Bike World
Cup and the Scottish Open Golf Championship - with a reputation for high
standards, good organisation and excellent courses and facilities. Having these
prestigious orienteering events take place in the Highlands, continues this
tradition while also providing an incredible opportunity to promote the whole
area as a holiday and outdoor activity destination."
At an opening ceremony being held on Nairn Links on Saturday 1 August at 4.45pm
Provost of Nairn, Councillor Laurie Fraser, will welcome competitors, visitors
and guests to Nairn and the Highlands.
Provost Fraser said: “We already know what a fantastic place Highland is to
live, work and play in, and I am proud to make this welcome to Nairn. I am
certain that our landscapes will suitably challenge the athletes coming to
compete. To the many friends and families coming with them, I hope you all
enjoy your visit and make the most of our beautiful region and the facilities
and services on offer.”
Glen Affric is one of the key areas in Highland where races are being held and
the Council’s Convener, Councillor Isobel McCallum will be attending on Friday
7 August. She said: “With a record number participants now registered for the
event the potential economic benefit to the local area is expected to be over
£2.5million. As well as this economic boost for the Highlands, the orienteering
events are raising public awareness and encouraging more participants and more
new entrants to the sport. Everyone has been working very hard to ensure that
Highland is ready to welcome people from across the globe to what will be a
very memorable experience. Praise should go to all the many organisations and
volunteers who have given their time and support to bring world orienteering to
the Highlands and I wish all the participants every success.”
A dedicated campsite at Bught Park in Inverness will be home to many athletes
and their families and friends during the events. An event centre will be
located at Eden Court Theatre where outdoor medal ceremonies will take place on
the 3, 6 and 7 August. The event’s closing ceremony will also take place here
from 18.45pm onwards on Friday 7 August.
On Friday 31 July the Provost of Inverness, Councillor Helen Carmichael will be
welcoming a delegation of officials from Sweden to the Highlands, including the
Mayor of Stromstad, the venue for the next World Championship event.
She will also be taking part in the 2015 closing ceremony.
Provost Carmichael said: “I’m really looking forward to meeting the
competitors and visitors as well as the people who have worked so hard to host
this international major sporting event. They have helped to give a welcome
boost to local business, and created links with our schools, young people and
clubs. This will provide great opportunities for an orienteering legacy in the
area.”