Council reminder that all civic Hogmanay events are cancelled

The Highland council is reminding people that the Red Hot Highland Fling at Hogmanay event in Inverness will not be taking place this year.

It, like all other Christmas and New Year-themed civic events including the Winter Wonderland at Whin Park and the Christmas lights switch-on parade, has been cancelled due to the ongoing Covid pandemic.

Chair of the Inverness Events and Festival Group Cllr Graham Ross said: “Our focus very much remains on giving the health and welfare of our community the highest priority and although this year will feel very different for many people, I encourage everyone to stick to all the current government guidance surrounding meeting up with family and friends.

“We shall be monitoring the developing situation closely in the months ahead and we look forward to resuming our city’s events programme when it is safe to do so.”

The Provost of Inverness, Helen Carmichael added: "It is regrettable that due to coronavirus the annual Red Hot Highland Fling Hogmanay event will not be taking place this year. I know this will be a huge disappointment to the many thousands of people who have supported this event over the years as it has become a highlight of the calendar.  However, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone an enjoyable Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.”

Last week the Council had to issue a reminder that the Winter Wonderland event was cancelled after reports that an unauthorised third-party was falsely promoting that the event and trying to sell tickets. Anyone who inadvertently purchased tickets for this cancelled event should report this transaction to the police or Highland Council’s Trading Standards Team – trading.standards@highland.gov.uk

The Highland Council’s Environmental Health team are advising any business or organisation who are considering putting on a Christmas or New Year event for the public to attend, to make early contact with them to discuss their proposals.

The Scottish Government has issued sector guidance for events and for festive activities 

Anyone planning a public festive activity should contact Environmental health on 01349 886603 or email envhealth@highland.gov.uk.