Game of DRONES

Highland Games have a special place in the heart of Invernessians – they’ve taken place in the Highland capital since 1822 after all, so have become a must-attend event for generations of families.

Each year locals are joined by thousands of visitors who descend on the city to witness for themselves what is a very traditional and entertaining day out.

Games chieftain, provost Helen Carmichael, said: “Our expanded Games and Gala Weekend programme is filled with activities and events for everybody to enjoy and is the result of many months of work behind the scenes to create something very special indeed.”

This year’s programme has been expanded to make it a bumper gala weekend of activities, starting on Friday July 19 when the City of Inverness Pipe Band, Highland and country dancers perform on the lawns outside Eden Court Theatre.

Later that evening, the 2019 Highlands Strongest Man and Strongest Woman Championships take place in Northern Meeting Park, adjacent to the theatre.

The Games take place on Saturday July 20 in Bught Park and open with a mass Highland fling and a special ceremony marking the 100th

anniversary of the founding of the Inverness Legion Pipes and Drums.

Competition for the heavy events looks set to be fierce, so lots of cheering and support from the crowds is a must.

Other attractions include a visit from the 19th Regiment Royal Artillery (The Scottish Gunners); Scotland’s Biggest Inter Clan Gathering; Highland Dancing; the Exclusively Highlands Craft Fair; Horne’s Fun Fair; a traders village; children’s zone; Armed Forces displays and the prestigious Solo Piping competitions organised by the Inverness Piping Society.

All under 12s will be admitted free of charge to the games, which makes it a good-value family day out.

On Sunday July 21 will be the Inverness Gala, with numerous events taking place in Bught Park.

These include the Proud Ness parade; Ruff Ness – a fun event for dogs and their owners; a junior shinty festival and live music concert.

Another popular event for locals and visitors alike is the annual Black Isle Show, which takes place in the Mannsfield Showground, Muir of Ord, on July 31 and August 1.

A day out that offers you all the fun of the farm and a taste of rural life, events range from livestock parades to a craft and food hall, and flower show.

More than 300 traders and stall holders will be there, so be sure to bring your purse and wallet.

For those who like their day out to have high energy, the main arena attraction this year comes from Broke FMX and Freestyle Motocross which sees athletes performing some incredible acrobatic stunts.