Hot on the heels of the highly successful ‘Piping Hot Forres’ event last week Moray is again set to take centre stage with thousands visiting the region for an internationally-supported event.
The bi-annual Scottish six-days orienteering event will see around 3500 competitors, their families and supporters flood into the region from July 28 to August 3. Previous competitions have generated up to £2million into the economies of the host regions – and organisers expect the 2013 event to be one of the best ever.
While online entries closed on Sunday late entries will still be expected – although around 250 last-minute bookings has already seen the number of competitors rise to 3,492. Around 500 volunteers from orienteering clubs throughout Scotland are giving up their time to ensure that everything goes to plan for competitors who are travelling from as far afield as Sweden, France, Kenya and Norway.
Main organisers for the event, which was last held in Oban two years ago, are the Morayvian Orienteering Club and Grampian Orienteers. A spokesman said: “We are setting up practice courses from July 14 with many competitors expected to arrive in the area ahead of the main competition, with map packs made available from the shop at Brodie Castle.
“Local people are more than welcome to turn up on the day to enter non-championship courses at an entry cost of £4 a day for the junior courses and from £6 to £8 a day for the more technical courses.”
Many competitors will be camping out with the event’s official camp site and organisational centre at Brodie Castle. Competition routes during the event will be centred on Culbin, Lossiemouth and Roseisle as well as routes around Nairn.
The spokesman said: “The competition is designed to provide the highest quality orienteering over the week, in a relaxed atmosphere, and aims to appeal all ages and skill levels, from elite athletes to newcomers. Age classes range from 10 years and under to 80 years and above!”
A major sponsor for the event is local Whisky Distillery Benromach, for whom Stephen Rankin, Director of UK Sales for owners Gordon & MacPhail, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the 6 Days as it returns to our local area.
“It is wonderful that so many people from different orienteering clubs, from this country and overseas, are visiting our area for a sporting holiday, and will be able to get out and about and experience the best that Moray and Nairnshire have to offer. ”
Also welcoming the event to Moray was local MSP, Richard Lochhead, who said: “It has already been a fantastic summer for Moray with another highly successful Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival followed by the European Pipe Band Championships held in Forres last weekend. Regardless if it is people seeking to follow sporting or leisure interests our region has clearly demonstrated just how welcoming it can be.”
Further information can be found on the http://www.scottish6days.com/2013 website.