Council response to Highland Military Tattoo Board decision

The Highland Council has responded to the news that the Board of The Highland Military Tattoo have taken the decision not hold another Tattoo.

Provost of Inverness and Area Cllr Helen Carmichael said: “While we respect the decision of the Board of Directors of the Highland Military Tattoo, this is very sad news for the Highlands.

“The Highland Council, largely through local Councillors and the Inverness Common Good Fund has supported the Tattoo for the past four years by providing over £70,000 worth of sponsorship. This funding was invested in the Tattoo - which was a high quality event - in the shoulder months of the tourism calendar with the aim of helping to attract domestic and overseas tourism to the area.

“While Inverness and the Highland region are experiencing a bumper tourism year, we cannot be complacent. The Highland Council and Inverness Common Good have done all that they can to support the Highland Military Tattoo along with other sponsors.  However, the Tattoo’s Board of Directors have made it clear that without a headline sponsor they will not go on.

“The inclusion of high quality year-round activities and events in the Inverness and the Highland tourism calendar are vital to the local economy and I would urge any businesses with a Highland footprint to consider their corporate social responsibilities and to support the Highland Military Tattoo as a headline sponsor.”