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​The Gathering returns with everything spring could throw at it!


By Margaret Chrystall

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​When it comes to stormy weather, it’s always important to have the right equipment to cope – and for The Gathering festival, that includes their faithful crowd.

In what is a tough year for the events industry, the festival at the Northern Meeting Park played host on Saturday to its usual mix of families, older couples and younger people plus many who travel – from the West or farther away, to get a taste of the one-day festival. From 2019, traditional and contemporary Highland culture including food, drink and most importantly music, has become The Gathering’s signature – with its city setting.

Torridon’s Kenny Smith, hands in the air to lure back the sun. All pictures: James Mackenzie
Torridon’s Kenny Smith, hands in the air to lure back the sun. All pictures: James Mackenzie

Speaking after the event, festival producer Dougie Brown said on Monday: “We were lucky. We had a great spike in sales in the week leading up to the event, and had also been selling well over the last few as well.

“We didn’t want to cut anything back – and to deliver it all. But costs have spiralled and sales declined, so it’s the perfect storm and the next few years might be tight.”

Shona and Seamus Daniels.
Shona and Seamus Daniels.

Saturday started with the City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band and closed on a high with Tide Lines. In between was a deluge, evening chills and almost summer sun –all part of this first festival of the spring!

The sun shining as the crowd relaxed at the main stage.
The sun shining as the crowd relaxed at the main stage.
The Foster family from Abriachan. Picture: James Mackenzie.
The Foster family from Abriachan. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Donnie and Norrie having a moment.
Donnie and Norrie having a moment.
Taking a selfie. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Taking a selfie. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Callum Evans and Christopher Evans. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Callum Evans and Christopher Evans. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Chyrelle Hudson, Hailie Chisholm and Ava Sutherland.
Chyrelle Hudson, Hailie Chisholm and Ava Sutherland.
Torridon on stage.
Torridon on stage.
Abi Carson, Katherine Holm and Lexie Maclarty. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Abi Carson, Katherine Holm and Lexie Maclarty. Picture: James Mackenzie.
. Picture: James Mackenzie.
. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Alison McMillan, Rebecca McMillan and Gemma Geddes.
Alison McMillan, Rebecca McMillan and Gemma Geddes.
Chloe Mannion, Brandon Swain and Natalie Anderson. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Chloe Mannion, Brandon Swain and Natalie Anderson. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Ross Oag and family. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Ross Oag and family. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Claire Gelaney and Jorgie Wood. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Claire Gelaney and Jorgie Wood. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Marree Ferries and family. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Marree Ferries and family. Picture: James Mackenzie.

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