Tomintoul prepares for Olympic glory

TOMINTOUL is all set to fulfil its burning ambition to host the Olympic Torch, with the final preparations now being put to an array of performances and events before the flame passes through the village on Monday.

As the only community in Moray welcoming the torch, the crowds are expected to descend on Tomintoul in their masses to catch a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of one of the Olympics’ most recognisable symbols.

It is expected to pass through the village at 1.32pm.

A Moray ‘High’ Choir has been formed from communities across the area, and rehearsals have been taking place over recent weeks to perfect the repertoire.

Final practice sessions are being held this week in Elgin, as the choir prepares to perform songs including ‘Run’ by Snow Patrol, ‘Adiemus’ by Karl Jenkins and ‘Highland Cathedral’.

Also on Monday, eight local primary schools will be holding their own mini version of the Games throughout the day.

Over 300 young people will compete in various sports disciplines held in locations throughout the village, before breaking to see the torch at 1.30pm, and then returning to complete a series of races in the afternoon.

Medals and awards will then be presented at the end of the event, at around 3pm.

A marquee to hold a bar, stalls and home cooking will be built in the town square for the day, and ‘green’ travel displays will also take place.

In addition, a flypast by a search-and-rescue helicopter will take to the skies as the torch passes. The RAF crew on board is also planning to film the events on the streets for posterity.

The main street in Tomintoul will be closed for two hours from noon until 2pm, and residents have been advised to park their vehicles off the street for the day.

Councillor Fiona Murdoch, the chair of the council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee, said the event, funded by Moray Council and Creative Scotland, will showcase the best of Moray.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Tomintoul and Moray to have our moment on the world stage," she said.

"The Olympic Flame gives us the chance to show off the beauty of Moray and the warm welcome that awaits our visitors."

A full programme of the day’s events, a parking plan and route of the torch will be on the Moray Council’s website at www.moray.gov.uk