Chieftain announced for Piping Inverness
Inverness’ first female Provost has been chosen as the Chieftain for the European Pipe Band Championships, the first female to take on the role in over six years.
Provost of Inverness, Helen Carmichael said she was honoured to be asked to fulfil the role of Chieftain for the European Pipe Band Championships, which takes place as part of Piping Inverness on Saturday 29th June in Bught Park.
As Chieftain, Provost Carmichael will meet with competing bands, hand out awards to those recognised for their playing and meet the thousands of visitors attending the inaugural Piping Inverness.
Delighted with her role as Chieftain, the Provost of Inverness, Helen Carmichael said: “It really is a tremendous honour and privilege to be the Chieftain for such a prestigious event. Not only will the Championships bring significant economic benefit to the city, but it is going to be a great opportunity to showcase what Inverness and the whole Highlands can offer.
“I very much look forward to welcoming the many competitors and spectators from across the world to what I am sure will be a terrific occasion filled with lots of memorable sights and rousing pipe bands to savour.”
Claire Kidger of LCC Live, the event’s organiser, said:“We are delighted that Provost Carmichael is to be Chieftain for the first in a series of European Pipe Band Championships being held in Inverness. She has been extremely supportive of the event, as well as the range of events we host locally, and it was the natural choice for Provost Carmichael to host Piping Inverness, welcoming thousands of visitors to the city.”
Over 140 bands are competing in the European Pipe Band Championships, including eight Pipe Bands from Australia, one from the USA, and one from Switzerland. In total, 4,000 pipers and drummers are expected to attend the one-day event.
In addition to the European Pipe Band Championships, Piping Inverness will also include a Highland Dance competition, live entertainment from Boogie Woogie the One Man Band and the Big Scotsmen, as well as a range of activities for all ages, including wood carving, basket weaving and the chance to see 2wit 2woo’s rescue owls. A food and drink village will keep competitors and visitors fuelled throughout the day, whilst there will also be a craft and retail village, offering a range of gifts to take home.
Claire added:“Piping Inverness is shaping up to be a fantastic, fun, family day out, and we’re delighted to announce even more activities and entertainment for the day, including the Big Scotsmen and 2wit 2woo Owl Rescue.”
Piping Inverness has set-up a Park and Ride system from the University of the Highlands and Islands (1 Inverness Campus, Inverness, IV2 5NA) on the outskirts of the city. This is in addition to City Centre parking, which is also available for visitors. For further information, visit: www.pipinginverness.com.
Notes
The European Pipe Band Championships will take place on Saturday 29th June 2019 at Inverness’ Bught Park under the banner ‘Piping Inverness’.
The one-day event is expected to attract over four thousand pipers and drummers to compete across a number of Grades, and 20,000 visitors.
Over 140 bands are expected to compete for the prestigious title of European Champions, which is judged by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA). Last year, bands from around the UK, Eire, Denmark and Australia attended along with 33 Drum Majors and a number of junior bands (Grade Juvenile).
There will also be a Highland Dance competition as well as traditional craft stalls, live entertainment and food and drink outlets, which all combine to make this a fun-filled family event.
Piping Inverness is being organised by local event specialist LCC Live, following a successful bid to the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA). It will host the event for a further two years (2020 and 2021), after June’s Championships, and bring about a multi-million-pound boost to the local economy each year.