Highland 2007 was a festival incorporating hundreds of events over one year to celebrate the diverse and unique culture of the Highlands and Islands in a similar way to the European City of Culture programme.
Pete Irvine was appointed as the major Event Consultant to devise an opening and subsequently closing event and two new summer festivals, all of which were to be delivered to “international standard”.
The H2007 Launch and Monster Street Party was held on the night of the 12th January 2007 (Old Scot’s New Year) in Inverness city centre. Opening with Highland Pipers and a Gaelic Choir, First Minister Jack McConnell launched the year-long initiative followed by a spectacular city centre fireworks display from Inverness Castle and the banks of the River Ness.
The world’s most famous monster Nessie, “invited monsters from all over Europe” to the Highlands and over a dozen European street theatre companies interacted with |
the audience through the city centre streets, with a stunning aerial show finale high above the rooftops from French company Transe Express.
As part of the new InvernessFest summer programme and working with the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Unique brought a flavour of Edinburgh’s international programme to the Highlands and to the spectacular setting of Fort George one of the most dramatic, historic backdrops in Scotland and the best preserved and largest fort in Europe.
Highlights of the Highland Tattoo included:
The Golden Lions Parachute Display Team, The Pipes and Drums of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, The Imps Youth Motorcycle Display Team, The Highland Tattoo Dancers and Military Bands. The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Lowland Band of the Royal Regiments of Scotland and The Royal Signals Northern Bands.
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