Beating Retreat at Inverness Leisure Centre

Issued on behalf of High Life Highland

High Life Highland pipers and drummers will be performing a Beating Retreat at Inverness Leisure on June 12.

Alongside members of Lochaber High School Senior Wind Band, Inverness Schools Wind Band, and East Highland Concert Band, HLH’s instrumental music service will be playing in the main hall of the leisure centre from 3pm.

HLH head of music development Norman Bolton said: “This is a first for High Life Highland’s pipers and drummers from across Highland and we can’t wait for the privilege to play.

“Our instructors and bands have been rehearsing independently and will gather on the morning of the event to complete the final parts of what promises to be a programme not to miss.

“The concert will include separate and joint performances from all the groups involved and chief executive of HLH Steve Walsh will take the salute at the end.”

Beating Retreat is an iconic military parade dating back to the 1690s. The beating of the drum was originally used to order troops to break off fighting and withdraw.

It later signified the closing of the gates and called troops back to base.

These days it is ceremonial, but remains a popular element of events such as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and The Queen’s official birthday celebrations.

Entry is by cash donation and doors open from 2.40pm for a 3pm start.