Inverness Courier's happier highlights of 2023: June
Some media may focus on doom and gloom but we like to share positive stories about people in our communities.
Here's a selection from June:
They never wavered.
Outnumbered, but not outclassed, Caley Thistle's traveling support shook the proverbial fist at the Celtic juggernaut for the full ninety-six minutes of the Scottish Cup Final.
In the end, it was not to be for Billy Dodds' men, but this Hampden experience — a first for many fans and another chapter for others — will live on in the memories of them all.
It began as one mother's dream after witnessing the isolation experienced by her son who has severe learning difficulties.
After 10 years and raising a phenomenal £4.8 million, the Haven Centre for children and young people with severe learning difficulties and complex needs in the Highlands is about to become a reality.
An Inverness teenager has completed the Cape Wrath Trail in memory of her little brother – and to raise vital funding for cancer research.
Arden Tuerlinckx ran the 230-mile route to Fort William in tribute to Frodi, who died after an 18-month battle with bone cancer.
“It was very emotional in the last 5K,” she said. “I was kind of starting to think of how far I had come and that it was an incredible experience."
Organisers of the new Get Set for Summer event were blown away by everything about the free-to-enter extravaganza when over 8000 visitors descended on the city’s Northern Meeting Park on Saturday.
High Life Highland and LCC Live brought together a perfect partnership to deliver an event to thousands of people over a six-hour period, based on the concept of giving back to the community at a time when many individuals and families are struggling.
New public toilets and motorhome waste facilities have been officially opened at Falls of Foyers.
It follows an extensive infrastructure improvement project, supported by the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF) and match funded by Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust, SSE Renewables, Highland Council and Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES).
An Italian team smashed their target time crossing the length of Loch Ness on three one-man lightweight sailboats in four hours and 59 minutes.
The crew formed by experienced sailors Manuel Vlacich, Franco Deganutti and Daniele Barzanelli took off from Fort Augustus in stormy conditions and arrived at Lochend after being forced to a couple of stops to adapt their vessels to the weather conditions.
They said this is the first time the feat has been attempted on this type of vessel, and an official confirmation from Guinness World Record should arrive in 12 weeks.
Swimmers braved the elements as they took part in the 2023 Kessock Ferry Swim.
Over 270 people took part in the 1200 metre swim across the tidal narrows of the old ferry route between South and North Kessock.
Nairn was sparkling this weekend with the staging of a brand new festival.
I Feel Love was organised by the Bandstand pub and restaurant with an LGBTQI+ friendly and inclusive approach.
