YOUR VIEWS: Axing of Red Hot Highland Fling at Hogmanay sparks mixed reaction from Inverness residents and others
Scrapping the biggest Hogmanay party in the Highlands has sparked a mixed reaction from people in the region.
The Red Hot Highland Fling will not be going ahead in the Northern Meeting Park this year, with Highland Council citing logistical issues associated with ongoing refurbishment works at the site as the reason.
But despite that, and last year’s Fling requiring a £100,000 subsidy from the public purse, the local authority has promised it will be back in 2025.
News that the 2024 event has been called off has prompted a wide array of reactions among residents and tourists alike.
Some, such Kevin Wells took to social media to call the decision to axe it “terrible”, while Catherine Gilchrist worried what the knock-on impact might be, saying: “Watch the revenue disappear for hotels, bar, restaurants, shops and the council in doing this... absolutely madness”.
Belle Hall added: “Typical, don't give a stuff for the residents, only interested in the tourists.”
And others like Gerry Reynolds raised concerns over the loss of income to those who worked to put the event on every year. He said: “The sad thing is that the vast majority of the [Inverness Common Good] grant money spent staging the event went to Highland or Scottish firms employing Highland folk”.
Questions were also raised by some as to why alternative locations could not be found for it instead.
Donald Cameron said: “Could Falcon Square and the the top of Academy Street not be fenced off temporarily to host the event? Easy access for equipment via the road between Morrisons and the back of Eastgate 2 and parking in Morrisons for lorries after they have unloaded. Parking in the Rose Street for cars etc, maybe park and ride from ICT and Torvean.”
And Shaun Simpson suggested they “shift it to the ICT ground”.
Ray Shields, meanwhile, believed the signs were long in coming: “You could see last year they were setting it up to pull the plug.”
But not everyone was opposed to the move to axe the 2024 event.
Billy Sprout said: “Good, it’s wasteful.”
Daniel Hall added: “Not the time or the place. Inverness needs an upgrade in the interest of the community.”
And Cath Hepburn suggested: “Put money to better use.”
Others were pragmatic about the cancellation, and said the loss of the Red Hot Highland Fling did not have to ruin people’s Hogmanays.
“It's not actually the end of the world is it. Everyone can still celebrate Hogmanay!” said Susan Forbes.
Catherine Gilchrist added: “Everyone that wants to gather at midnight in Inverness should just do it, have a laugh and sing the biggest rendition of Auld Lang Syne, Flower of Scotland and enjoy it.”
For others, the news sparked memories of Hogmanays of yesteryear, and suggestions that the loss of the Highland Fling could inspire people to return to those traditions.
Graeme Gunn said: “Back in the day we all used to go round each others houses and had a great time! Yes? It was a way of life, walking around your village with a carry out and knocking on doors. The whole Hogmanay party is about businesses making profit!! Why are we at the stage when there’s so many talented Scottish folk music bands that would embrace to play in front of a crowd! Every village has an empty hall? Fill it up?
Sarah Turnbull replied: ”Loved that. Our son was speechless when we explained how you took your bottles gave folk a drink then moved on taking your bottles with you Always great fun now folk need things to be organised for them and at a price.”
Also replying to Mr Gunn, Neil Greene said: “No idea why it all stopped, I used to love doing this as a kid.”
- What do you think? Are you sad to see the Fling axed for 2024 or are you glad it’s missing a year? Would you prefer to see the money spent on something else? What are your alternative plans for Hogmanay? Let us know at newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk.
