Falcon Square to be Inverness big screen fan zone for Euro football finals?

Discussions are taking place that could lead to Inverness city centre joining the excitement of Scotland competing in the Euro 2024 finals.

The idea is to transform Falcon Square to a venue for up to 2500 fans to watch matches including the opening game where Scotland take on the host nation Germany on June 14.

Businessman Don Lawson, a director of Inverness City Centre Bid and licensee of Johnny Foxes bar and restaurant, is behind the move, as is Chris Kershaw, manager of the Eastgate Shopping Centre which owns Falcon Square.

Mr Lawson, an ardent Scotland follower sees the fan zone as having a family atmosphere with pre-match entertainment, stalls and food.

Mr Lawson said: "Aberdeen and Dundee are joining Edinburgh and Glasgow by having fan zones, so why not Inverness?

"I think the idea is a real goer, and I have met which Chris Kershaw who is up with it.

"Discussions are ongoing and I will be attending a meeting on Wed involving the police, Highland Council, the Eastgate Centre, the licensed trade and Bid. There would have to be tickets issued for the event to control numbers, but they would be free and issued on a first come first served basis.

"It would be primarily aimed at families who can come into town before the 8pm matches have something to eat and join in the big game atmosphere with Scotland tops, kilts and bagpipes. Everyone I have talked to thinks it is a great idea.

"Some bars might be a bit upset at the idea, but it will not be competing for their regulars, and it has not been decided yet if the fan zone will be licensed or not."

Mr Kershaw said: "We are actively looking into it. It is very much at the preliminary stages, and we have not yet discussed with the council what we can or cannot do."

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