Hydro Ness and Ness Bridge in Inverness to be lit up in red and blue as part of programme of events to mark 276th anniversary of Battle of Culloden
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Two landmarks on the River Ness will be bathed in red and blue lights this weekend to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden.
From this evening until the early hours of Sunday, Hydro Ness – next to the Holm Mills bridge – and Ness Bridge in the city centre will be lit up to commemorate the 276th anniversary of the battle which marked the end of the Jacobite Rising.
Several events will also be held at the battlefield itself including a special tour exploring the tactics, the role of the cavalry and artillery, and the impact of the conflict on local communities.
A commemorative service, held in Gaelic, will also take place tomorrow at 11am at the Memorial Cairn. All are welcome to the service which is being held by the Gaelic Society of Inverness.
Raoul Curtis-Machin, operations manager at Culloden Battlefield, said a packed programme is planned.
"We are really excited about this year’s anniversary commemorations and to warmly welcome everyone back," he said.
"Inverness was a key prize for the Jacobite and the Government armies, and the battle had a massive impact on Highland culture.
"The aftermath of the battle still resonates today and it’s great that the links with the city will be there in lights for all to see."
Mr Curtis-Machine continued: "We’ve got a packed schedule of talks, tours and events over the weekend – in-person and online – and we are gearing up for a bumper return to international tourists."
The soon-to-be-completed Hydro Ness generates and supplies over 500,000 kwh of green electricity annually to nearby Inverness Leisure, helping to offset the organisation’s reliance on grid-supplied electricity and reducing Highland Council’s carbon footprint.
Malcolm Macleod, executive chief officer of infrastructure, environment and economy at Highland Council, was "thrilled" to confirm Hydro Ness will be illuminated to acknowledge the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden.
"This project embodies partnership working, so we were honoured to be asked and to help recognise the event at Culloden Battlefield," he said.
"Lighting Hydro Ness to help raise awareness or to celebrate events is something I am keen to see continue.
"Not only does it make the city and river area unique, it also helps enhance its natural beauty through vivid lighting displays."
Visit Inverness Loch Ness Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) provided £7000 in funding for the Hydro Ness scheme.
Michael Golding, chief executive of Visit Inverness Loch Ness, said Hydro Ness was not only a way to produce energy and reduce the region’s carbon footprint, it was also an attraction in itself.
"Hydro Ness is a piece of architectural and engineering art that provides an opportunity for visitors to interact with our renewable energy sector," he said.
"Having it and Ness Bridge lit up to commemorate the Battle of Culloden – an event that is ingrained in our area’s history - is something very special."
More information on Culloden Battlefield can be found at www.nts.org.uk.
Artefacts unearthed at battlefield
