The Northern Meeting Piping Competition will return to Inverness next month, bringing most of the world’s best solo players to the Highlands.
Competitors from across the globe will arrive in the city to take part in what has been dubbed the finest solo piping contest in the world.
The event will take place in Eden Court Theatre on Thursday August 30 and Friday August 31.
Major General Seymour Monro, chairman of the Northern Meeting Piping Trustees, said: “Eden Court Theatre will come alive to the sound of the best pipers in the world and I would encourage people to go along and experience it. These performers are musicians, they make their pipes sing.
“Everything about the event is spectacular. The wonderful setting of Eden Court Theatre provides perfect acoustics for such a display.
“We are encouraging people to come along and just experience the event – even if they just pop in and out. Inverness is a stunning location and with the Northern Meeting taking pace, it really can provide locals and tourists with two great days of Scottish tradition.”
The Northern Meeting Piping Competition has been held in Inverness since 1841, with pipers from Canada, America, New Zealand, Australia and Europe expected to gather to compete in the oldest musical competition in the world.
Maj Gen Monro added: “Whether it be playing solo or as part of a band, it’s so important that we encourage youngsters to take up this traditional Scottish instrument particularly as Scotland celebrates the Year of Young People.
“There is a huge drive amongst the piping fraternity to encourage more young players. It seems now that it’s the cool thing to do.
“We are also encouraging young musicians not taking part to come along and see what the Northern Meeting is all about. Tickets are free for those under 18 and I believe that once seen and heard it will inspire youngsters and the quality is never forgotten.”
The event is the first of two competitions to take place in Inverness after it was announced that the European Pipe Band Championships will be hosted in the city for the next three years, beginning in June 2019.