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Report by Colin Matheson, Assistant Coordinator, Scottish 6 Days, Lochaber 2021
For an event that very nearly didn’t happen it is great to report that the Scottish 6 Days in Lochaber has been an outstanding success. Permission to use Achnacarry (original Day 4 venue) was withdrawn late on Friday 9 July primarily in relation to concerns with Covid and the concerns/pressures within NHS Highland. We are welcome sometime in a post-Covid future!
Thanks to the excellent relationships that had been fostered with landowner Angus Macpherson of Biallid through our local contact Jo Cumming of Badenoch & Strathspey Orienteering Club and planner John Tullie who had been talking sheep and cattle with Angus, we had agreement to stage two days on Creag Dhubh. What a fantastic area too – well up to the standard required for a World Ranking Event. Tough, technical but also scenic.
Jahama Highland Estates Liaison Manager had confirmed earlier in the week that the decision to stage 2 x 3 Day competitions with restricted numbers had been a good call – permission for Day 2 (Inverlochy) had been in doubt as well. The other big unknown up until November 2020 was where could we find a sixth area? Lots of potential areas had to be turned down or alternatively we were turned down with lack of parking the main issue. Creag Meagaidh was an excellent “find” and was perfect for a last day Middle Distance race. The main drawback was that the only runnable and technical terrain, especially for older competitors, entailed a forced trek 3 km to the start and much the same back from the Finish. Super courses, lovely terrain and fine views were the reward.
Catch up on all the action and what happened at the Scottish 6 Days with the Daily Reports, Results and Day Video Diaries.
Sunday 1 August 2021 - Day 1: Ardchattan
Long distance event
Report - here
Results - here
Watch highlights from Day 1.
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Monday 2 August 2021 - Day 2: Inverlochy
Middle distance event and a UK Orienteering League fixture.
Report - here
Results - here
Watch highlights from Day 2.
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Tuesday 3 August 2021 - Day 3: Arisaig
Long distance event and a UK Orienteering League fixture.
Report - here
Results - here
Watch highlights from Day 3.
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Wednesday 4 August 2021 - Rest Day
Report here.
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Thursday 5 August 2021 - Day 4: Creag Dhubh
Long distance event
Report - here
Results - here
Watch highlights from Day 4.
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Friday 6 August 2021 - Day 5: Creag Dhubh
Long distance event and a World Ranking Event.
Report - here
Results - here
Watch highlights from Day 5.
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Saturday 7 August 2021 - Day 6: Creag Meagaidh
Middle distance event
Report - here
Results - here
Watch highlights from Day 6.
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The Scottish 6 Days will be back in Moray 2023 – subject to Board approval the most likely dates will be 30 July - 5 August, immediately post O-Ringen and a week clear of World Masters Oorienteering Championships 2023. Venues and the format of the event will be up for discussion – we look forward to getting your views and feedback.
Assistant Coordinator and the Scottish Orienteering Association Events Manager Colin Matheson, said:
“That’s it for me. 10 years in the role and time to retire. I never imagined it would end quite like this, but Lochaber 2021 has been a fitting swansong and perhaps surprisingly one of the best events I have been involved with. Thanks go to the many volunteers I have worked with, and though he is far too modest to take credit, a special thank you goes to Event Coordinator and SOA President Richard Oxlade who played a major role in pulling all the strands together to make the event happen.”
For more information visit: www.scottish6days.com
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British Orienteering would like to thank Event Coordinator and SOA President Richard Oxlade and all the club volunteers who have put in endless hours of hard work to make this event happen. Your work has made this event such a successful event and a great competition for orienteers to take part in over the last week.
British Orienteering would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank Colin Matheson Assistant Coordinator and the Scottish Orienteering Association Events Manager for all of his hard work, commitment and dedication to the sport he has given over the last ten years.
Colin, we wish you a very happy, healthy and long retirement, and look forward to seeing you competing at many orienteering events in the future.
Thank you to all competitors who have taken part in the Scottish 6 Days - and we wish you all a happy and safe journey home.
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Tel: 01629 583037, Email: info@britishorienteering.org.uk
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