BOOtanics cancelled for this evening after 'torrential rainfall' in Inverness today – it is hoped that families with tickets can still visit this weekend
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FAMILIES who were excited about a trip to the spooky goings on at Inverness Botanic Gardens have had their tickets cancelled due to torrential rain.
The event, that more than 5000 people were signed up to visit over five nights, proved so popular that tickets sold out in one hour earlier today.
But an email to those who had managed to get free tickets to the event, sent this evening, said the event was unable to go ahead.
An email from High Life Highland sent to those with tickets for tonight's event said: "We are very sorry that tonight’s ‘Night@theBOOtanics’ has had to be cancelled due to the weather.
"We are sure you will be as disappointed as we are, but want to assure you that this is a decision we have not taken lightly. Unfortunately the torrential rain in Inverness today means the experience would not be what we would want for our visitors.
"We want families to enjoy the illumination trail, but the intensity of the downpours today has meant that in a number of areas within the gardens the rain is not draining as quickly as it normally would and features of the experience are inaccessible.
"Should you still wish to attend we will do our very best to try and accommodate your visit over the next two days and will be back in touch with you regarding this as soon as we can.
The email continued: "Once again, we apologise to everyone that was looking forward to tonight’s event and we really hope to see you soon."
A High Life Highland spokesman said: “Unfortunately Friday night’s Night@theBOOtanics has had to be cancelled due to the severe weather.
“We appreciate people will have been as disappointed as we were, but it was not a decision we took lightly.
“Unfortunately, the torrential rain in Inverness throughout the day meant the experience would not be what we wanted for our visitors - particularly as the majority would have been with young children.
“The intensity of the downpours meant the rain is not draining away as quickly as it would normally, and the surrounding areas are also extremely wet with water - leaving some features of the illuminations trail inaccessible.
“We are endeavouring to do out very best to try and accommodate those who missed out on Friday with a visit to enjoy the illumination trail before it finishes on Sunday evening.”
