Comic fan hails real-life heroes
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THEY are better known for their obsession with fictional superheroes but the organisers of the Highlands’ new comic convention are even more passionate about honouring the real-life heroes of the emergency services.
Inverness Comic Con – NessCon for short – is, in its own words, "a premium geek-fest celebrating the world of comic, TV and film". The inaugural event was held in July at Eden Court Theatre.
That two-day gathering was fantastic fun for all concerned – but NessCon is very serious about supporting the first Highland Heroes Awards through its sponsorship of the Emergency Service Hero of the Year category.
The awards, launched earlier this month, will recognise individuals from all walks of life throughout the Highlands who go out of their way to make a lasting difference to their communities.
Readers of five weekly newspapers published by Scottish Provincial Press are being invited to nominate their local heroes in 12 categories.
NessCon is one of the newest conventions in Scotland and the UK. Those attending are encouraged to express themselves in "cosplay" (costume play) where they create unique outfits of superhero characters.
The success of the first event, in July, has encouraged event director Darrel Paterson from Highland Heart Events to start planning a NessCon sequel in 2018.
"I am pleased to be supporting the Highland Heroes Awards and the Emergency Service Hero of the Year category," Darrel said. "It’s our job at NessCon to celebrate fictional superheroes and what that means to our fans. I am even more thrilled to be supporting real-life heroes and all they do to keep us safe. Our brand fits well with this.
"I wish all the nominees the best of luck and look forward to meeting the Highland ‘superhero’ of the emergency services at the awards ceremony later in the year."
The deadline for entries in all categories of the 2017 Highland Heroes Awards is Monday, September 11. A judging panel will draw up a shortlist of three nominees in each category, and a special supplement in early October will give details of how readers can vote for their favourites.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, on Thursday, November 9.
The Highland Heroes Awards will shine a light on excellence in community life and will generate positive publicity region-wide. Businesses wishing to take up one of the remaining sponsorship opportunities are invited to contact Sarah Mackay on s.mackay@spp-group.com
See the print edition of the Inverness Courier for a nomination form.
