Inverness bonfire night attracts 18,000 crowd
A CROWD of 18,000 attended the Inverness bonfire and fireworks display at the Bught Park.
Most revellers heeded advance warnings to leave their cars at home and walked to the event with many following the Royal British Legion Pipe Bands of Inverness and Dingwall, and the City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band as they paraded along Ness Walk and Bught Road.
Provost of Inverness Councillor Helen Carmichael lit the giant 50ft high bonfire which featured a giant Guy made by pupils at Balloch Primary School.
She said: "What a fantastic turn-out from people in Inverness and further afield. The public support for this Inverness Common Good funded event full reinforces the City of Inverness area committee’s support for the Inverness Events and Festival’s programme, of which this is a major event in its calendar."
The crowd were treated to a spectacular 20-minute show by the award winning Fireworks Scotland display team which was accompanied by music.
In the run up to bonfire night, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service had appealed to the public to choose to attend organised events rather than do-it-yourself fireworks displays or illegal bonfires.
Inverness station manager Deryck Mackay said: "Everyone who chose to attend the organised event this year played their part in helping to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe. Thankfully the night passed without any serious incident."
Councillor Glynis Sinclair, chair of the Inverness events and festivals working group said: "This was the best bonfire night we have had. I am delighted that the public turned out in their thousands and that the evening went without incident or injury. Public safety is first and foremost the main reason why we organise this event.
"By holding a main bonfire event for Inverness we are discouraging smaller bonfires and firework events taking place across the area and we have the full support of the emergency services for this public safety approach."
She added: "The increase in numbers of people attending the bonfire and recent Halloween event demonstrate the huge demand and appreciation that there is from the public wishing to celebrate the seasonal events."
Other partners Police Scotland and NHS Highland reported a quiet evening for emergency response teams.
