The challenging pandemic backdrop has failed to prevent progress on “extremely ambitious” proposals for city centre events in the coming weeks

The charity High Life Highland (HLH), which took on management of the city’s events programme on behalf of Highland Council’s Inverness city committee, is working with two well-known event companies in order to put on activities for people to enjoy that will mark key dates between now and the end of the year.

It is understood focus is on Halloween, fireworks night and the festive season. HLH’s recently appointed events development manager, Amy MacLeod, is overseeing the planning and creation of the activities.

“I am hopeful that we will be able to announce our programme very soon,” she said.

“We have a number of pieces of the jigsaw to fit together before we can absolutely say what we will be putting on; where, and when things will be taking place, and how we will be able to deliver what we are planning.”

Ms MacLeod is from Inverness, and has worked previously for music festivals near and far, including Belladrum, RockNess and Creamfields.

“We have been working hard to co-ordinate a number of events specifically designed around allowing individuals and families to recognise and celebrate key dates in the calendar, in a safe and secure way,” she said.

“Taking our plan forward is not just about ensuring Covid compliance, but also around an ever-changing backdrop being faced by everyone in the events sector and not just High Life Highland.”

She is eager to give the people of Inverness and surrounding areas something to look forward to.

“Everyone I am speaking to is doing what they can to support and assist our plans, while obviously juggling many other projects and priorities – and for this, I am obviously extremely grateful,” she added.

“I am hopeful that between HLH and our partners, our knowledge and relationships across the sector will help take plans forward and most importantly bring some sparkle to look forward to as we come to the end of what has been a challenging year for everyone.”

Events expert Liam Christie is working with HLH to deliver proposed events. He organised the first Live Music Drive In Shows in Scotland delivered through lockdown restrictions on the Black Isle Showground.

“I am only too aware of the challenges currently being faced on a day-to-day basis by the sector as it emerges from the pandemic – so I think what is being proposed for Inverness is extremely ambitious and should be applauded, particularly when other areas of Scotland have taken a decision to cancel all events until next year,” he said.

“Not overlooking the need for the safety of those attending, the uncertainty in terms of how the plans being proposed will work within the Scottish Government’s passport scheme has obviously continued to put plans ‘on hold’ while further government guidelines were considered and issued.”

Lesley Strang, who will also work with HLH to produce the events programme, has worked on Tall Ships at Ullapool and the Year of Culture 2007 opening and closing events in the Highlands.

“Everyone involved in event operations, from those that supply basic equipment and security to creative artists and catering companies are facing their own challenges before they are able to commit to a contract with HLH for the plans proposed for the remainder of the year,” she said.

“There are some really exciting plans being considered – and the public can be assured that HLH and its partners will work extremely hard and do what we can to bring a programme of activities where many thought there would be nothing.”