Fundraising trial in Inverness is hailed a success

A FUNDRAISING initiative aimed at generating extra cash for events across the Inverness area has proved so successful, organisers are planning to roll it out further.

Members of the public can buy a ticket for just a pound as part of the Thrifty 50 scheme, with a draw winner receiving a cash prize and the rest being ploughed into a fund for future events.

It was tested out last weekend with tickets available at both the Inverness Highland Games and Inverness Gala held at the city’s Bught Park.

The prizewinner from Saturday scooped a top prize of £532.50 and, with fewer tickets sold at Sunday’s event, the second winning ticket stands to earn its owner £65.

Gerry Reynolds, Highland Council’s head of events, said the initiative had proved popular with visitors. He added: “We are very pleased with the start over the course of the weekend.”

Organisers are now already planning to run similar fundraising efforts at other events such as Halloween, Bonfire Night and Hogmanay celebrations.

In addition, Mr Reynolds said a line of commemorative merchandise, tied in with the upcoming 200th anniversary of the Inverness Highland Games in 2022, had also proved popular with visitors to this year’s event.

For anyone who missed out, the commemorative Highland Games items are still available to buy online.

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