It's good to be back!

Our return to a live show had entries from all over Scotland and the Islands, all in line with guidance from HorseScotland and it worked a treat. Exhibitors were so pleased to be back out competing with their ponies again, but there was also a feeling of caution. With EventScotland support through SERF we were able to provide additional protection for our stewards, significant signage and guidance to all who attended, resulting in great feedback on how safe and well organised competitors felt, which was a great start for our return to competitions.

Our ambition will remain; to create a safe and vibrant atmosphere that collectively contributes to the iconic community culture that has become synonymous with Stockbridge and the city of Edinburgh. We are extremely grateful for the grant funding from EventScotland which allowed us to finalise the hiring of key infrastructure as well as agreeing contracts with our traders, musicians and staff.

Being back to producing live music for our audience was fantastic. Many of the artists who performed during the Survival Sessions had not been in a rehearsal space with their bandmates, let alone on stage in front of an audience, for many months. The digital hybrid event format allowed us to reach a global audience and give a worldwide platform to the culture and traditions of the Outer Hebrides.

I am extremely aware of the impact the past year has had on the livelihoods and wellbeing of so many individuals. Thus the desperate need for culture to return and enhance our lives once again. We need art and performances to be widely accessible for as many people as possible to experience and enjoy. The 'feel good' factor matters now more than ever before. Thanks to EventScotland, our Dutch Funders and Creative Scotland’s support, I was thrilled that Cryptic was able to present Signal-on-Sea. This was the first large-scale, international arts project in Scotland in 2021, it was free for all and took place on Irvine Beach this July. From joggers and dog walkers to day trippers and those travelling from further afield, it was a chance for everyone to escape and dream with beautiful views of this Scottish landscape whilst immersed in a sublime soundscape.

It was a year when the festival had to imagine itself anew to reach its audiences, using online and unconventional formats like never before. No one would ever say that this crisis was a good thing, but good things will come out of it, I hope, as the festival undoubtedly reached new audiences due to the innovations in its programme – innovations it may not have tested in any more normal year.

We were in a fortunate position in that we have been able to stage more than 40 events since the start of the pandemic and for the abrdn Scottish Open were able to draw on all that experience. It was the first event I’d been involved in where we had spectators on site and while that did present challenges in managing inner and outer bubbles it was fantastic to have fans back. The spectator experience feedback was really positive and the players were delighted to be able to compete in such a great atmosphere. It’s certainly whetted the appetite for when we can welcome fans back at full capacity again.

Despite all the challenges of the global pandemic we were able to present an inspiring programme of in-person exhibitions, installations, walks/tours/trails and a range of digital events, which brought some much-needed fun, inspiration and culture back to the streets of Edinburgh and to audiences around the globe. We feel incredibly lucky to be back to doing what we love and we are already planning for next year… watch this space!

It has been really encouraging to hear feedback from the organisers of some of the events we have recently supported. The importance of human interaction, connection and shared experiences has never been stronger and although it will take time to rebuild, we will continue working in collaboration with Scotland’s Event Advisory Group, the Scottish Government and the wider sector to support all efforts which help the sector both return and recover.