PETER STRACHAN: Events are integral to driving footfall in Inverness city centre
It was very heartening to hear the hugely positive reaction to the recent Inverness BID Classic Vehicle Show from many voices across the city, our region and further afield.
Comments like “enjoyed a fantastic day, great exhibition”, “amazing day – great turnout”, and “good to see the town alive again” all emphasise the importance of events to our city in driving footfall and boosting recovery.
Demonstrating that importance, many businesses reported a significant uptick in trading on the day.
The grand parade surpassed previous years in clearing the High Street in just 12 minutes and it certainly left its mark with many observers, with one visitor summing it up well: “The finale parade was spectacular to watch!”
And when you’ve got the City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band leading proceedings, who needs Ed Sheeran?
And it’s great to see the cruise programme back in full swing, following two years of massive uncertainty for a market which has proved vital for many businesses over the summer months in the years before the pandemic.
June has started strongly, with BID’s coach ambassadors welcoming visitors from no fewer than 26 coaches in a single day last week, with many of those visitors arriving in the Highlands via the cruise terminal at the Port of Cromarty Firth.
That’s more evidence – if we needed it – that our city is a big draw for the national and international tourism industry.
And finally, our warmest congratulations must go to our newly elected city leaders.
I know all businesses will join with me in welcoming Councillor Ian Brown and Councillor Glynis Campbell-Sinclair in their new roles as leader of the city of Inverness and area and Provost of Inverness respectively, as well as their deputes, Councillor Chris Ballance, Councillor Morven Reid and Councillor Jackie Hendry.
We look forward to working with them in partnership to drive our city forward, and to make Inverness a truly vibrant place for businesses, our community and our visitors.
For more about Inverness BID, visit www.invernessbid.co.uk
