PICTURES: Snapshots from Hogmanay celebrations as Red Hot Highland Fling returns to Inverness
REVELLERS from all corners of Scotland and overseas gathered in the Highland capital on Saturday to celebrate the start of the new year.
Thousands flocked at Northern Meeting Park Arena in Inverness waiting for the bells to chime at midnight after a night of music, dance and cheer at the Red Hot Highland Fling.
After two years of events being cancelled due to Covid restrictions, everyone was delighted to celebrate again in person the start of the new year.
People in attendance – including tourists from Germany, Belgium and other parts of the world – were warmed up on the chilly wintery night by the traditional Scottish tunes of Tweed, Mànran and Torridon and the humour brought by comedian Fred MacAulay, who was the host for the event.
Inverness Provost Glynis Sinclair – who was unable to attend the event for health reasons – said: “The Red Hot Highland Fling has been a massive success this year and I’m grateful for the assistance of Deputy Provost Jackie Hendry and Deputy Provost Morven Reid in hosting the event.
“It was a real honour to have event compere Fred MacAulay welcome 2023 to the city of Inverness.
“It was just amazing to have so much friendship and enjoyment rolling out across the crowds in the arena.”
Paying tribute to those involved, she added: “Now the event is over and has been such a success, I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing this amazing event to Inverness.
“This would include our compere Fred MacAulay, the bands that entertained the crowds throughout the night Torridon, Mànran and Tweed – who had the crowds bouncing from the very start to the very end. I would also thank those involved in the safety advisory group for ensuring the event went safely for all those in attendance.
“It is so good to see that this Red Hot Highland Fling has been a great success for so many people.”
The free event saw all 5069 tickets booked in advance.
Mr MacAulay said: “It’s the first Hogmanay event since 2019/20 – the night-time industry was hit very hard and it took a while to get back going.
“I’ve done a few Hogmanay events over the years and there is always a special atmosphere. It’s not the kind of thing you can rest on your laurels though, people want it to happen without a hitch!”
Just before midnight the music stopped and everyone joined in the countdown, followed by a fireworks display.
The Inverness Common Good Fund contributed £150,000 towards the event, which was delivered by High Life Highland on behalf of Highland Council’s Inverness events and festivals working group.
