Piping Inverness to return in 2022 and 2023
The event, which incorporates the European Pipe Band Championships, brought more than 17,500 visitors the last time it was held in 2019
A major pipe band event will return to the Highlands in 2022 and 2023.
Piping Inverness, which incorporates the European Pipe Band Championships, had to be postponed two years in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, events company LCC Live have negotiated a contract extension to hold the event for a further two years.
Last held in 2019, Piping Inverness attracted more than 17,500 visitors and over 100 pipe bands from around the world, including Australia and America.
Light at the end of the tunnel
Organisers say the event's return will be a big boost to tourism and the region's economy.
LCC Live Director Les Kidger is 'extremely confident' Piping Inverness can take place safely in 2022
He said: "It’s been a difficult couple of years for the event and music industry, but we do see light at the end of the tunnel and are therefore making plans for a series of events and concerts next summer, including Piping Inverness.
"Piping Inverness was first brought to the city in 2019, and we’d hoped to deliver it again in 2020 and 2021, but due to the pandemic, that wasn’t to be.
"We’re excited to be talking about Piping Inverness again, and we’re working closely with The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association to ensure we can deliver the event as safely as we can in 2022 and 2023.
"We’d like to thank The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association for extending our agreement, and we look forward to working closely with them, as well as our partners at Highland Council, Highlife Highland and Event Scotland, to ensure we deliver successful events in 2022 and 2023."
'Much-needed boost' for residents and visitors
Chairman of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, Kevin Reilly commented: "We can’t wait to get to back to Inverness! LCC Live delivered one of the best piping events we’ve ever hosted, and we’re extremely excited to announce that the European Pipe Band Championships are back in the Highlands in 2022.
"There’s no better feeling than seeing and hearing the hundreds of pipe bands that descend to compete in major competitions, including the European Pipe Band Championships – we’re so looking forward to it!"
The Provost of Inverness, Councillor Helen Carmichael said: "I’m absolutely delighted that plans to host this prestigious event are moving forward and I am sure tickets will be snapped up very quickly.
"Not only will Piping Inverness 2022 bring significant economic benefit to the city, but it is going to be a chance to really showcase our city and the surrounding Highlands to visitors from around the world.
“After the restrictions of Covid-19, this really provides an exciting opportunity to give our businesses and residents a much-needed boost and to get back the vibrancy we have all missed.
"Inverness is well placed to receive both competitors and the many visitors that will come, and we welcome the chance to offer the special warm Highland hospitality we are known for. My fellow councillors and I look forward to working closely with the organisers to make Piping Inverness 2022 a very memorable event."
Piping Inverness will take place on Saturday 25th June 2022, for which tickets are due to go on sale in the coming weeks.