Inverness' Hogmanay celebrations cancelled due to 'rising costs'

Highland Council described the move to cancel the event as a 'very difficult decision'.

22nd Aug 2024

Posted in

The Highlands

Inverness’ Hogmanay celebrations will not be held this year due to access issues and increased costs.

Held annually since 2008 the Red Hot Highland Fling has attracted acts such as The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Skerryvore.

Bught and Northern Meeting parks, the usual venues, are currently undergoing improvement works meaning access to the sites is “limited” and which has led to “increased costings for infrastructure”.

Highland Council described the move to cancel the event as a “very difficult decision” but have confirmed the festival will be back for 2025.

Provost of Inverness, councillor Glynis Sinclair said: “We have to ensure that all our community events can be delivered successfully and noting the unique circumstances posed by the re-development of Northern Meeting Park we have decided that we will reserve our resources for an exciting return of the much loved Red Hot Highland Fling in 2025.”

Don Johnstone chief executive of Visit Inverness Loch Ness said: “The Red Hot Highland Fling has been central to the Hogmanay celebrations in Inverness for a number of years, and there will doubtless be disappointment at this news.

“Given the circumstances it was the most responsible decision for the group to take. By making this decision early, it will hopefully provide local hospitality businesses the opportunity to further enhance their own offerings, which play an important part in the new year celebrations for both locals and visitors.”