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PICTURES: Alastair Campbell wows guests with piping display at Inverness Chamber of Commerce Highland Business Dinner


By Niall Harkiss

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Former PM spokesman Alastair Campbell wowed attendees at the Highland Business Dinner with a performance on the bagpipes. Picture: James Mackenzie
Former PM spokesman Alastair Campbell wowed attendees at the Highland Business Dinner with a performance on the bagpipes. Picture: James Mackenzie

Former PM spokesperson Alastair Campbell addressed guests as the main speaker at last night’s Inverness Chamber of Commerce’s Highland Business Dinner — before receiving a resounding applause for his performance on the bagpipes.

The event, held at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness, was attended by over 350 of the Highlands’ business leaders, in an evening designed to recognise the “diversity of the region’s business landscape, its professionals, leaders and entrepreneurs”.

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In his unscripted spot, Mr Campbell took questions from dinner guests, reflecting on his visits to the Highlands, his relationship with the late Charles Kennedy, mental health in politics and his love for football, among other topics.

He closed with a rendition of his favourite pipe tune.

An accomplished author, podcaster and mental health advocate, Mr Campbell is best remembered for his role as former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy.

He once busked around the world and performed in front of 2,500 people in Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall.

Calum Macpherson, CEO of Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF). Picture: James Mackenzie
Calum Macpherson, CEO of Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF). Picture: James Mackenzie

Also speaking at the event was Calum Macpherson, CEO of Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF).

Mr Macpherson celebrated the ground breaking of a new subsea cable factory being built by Sumitomo Electric at the Port of Nigg, and the redevelopment of the Port of Ardersier, championing the “critical role” the Freeport has played in these developments.

A total of over £7706 was raised throughout the night, to be donated to the event’s nominated charity partner, Maggie’s Highlands.

Law Society of Scotland. Picture: James Mackenzie
Law Society of Scotland. Picture: James Mackenzie
Alastair Campbell plays the pipes. Picture: James Mackenzie
Alastair Campbell plays the pipes. Picture: James Mackenzie
Colin Marr, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce. Picture: James Mackenzie
Colin Marr, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce. Picture: James Mackenzie
Eunice McAdam. Picture: James Mackenzie
Eunice McAdam. Picture: James Mackenzie
Nicky Marr. Picture: James Mackenzie
Nicky Marr. Picture: James Mackenzie

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