One of the most prestigious and highly regarded music events in the Highlands could go silent without an urgent injection of new blood.
A rallying call has gone out for volunteers to step in to support the Inverness Music Festival which, for generations, has drawn talented young competitors to a wide range of competition from bagpiping and Scottish country dancing to classical and modern music.
The festival’s administrator is about to retire and a replacement crew of volunteers is being sought to take on the event.
Highland Council is keen to hear from a recently retired person who might take on the mantle.
Interim festival chairman Roddy Balfour, a veteran councillor and seasoned piper, said: “We’ll be okay to run the festival next March but after we’ve got to be thinking hard about what we’re going to do.
“Are we going to go into abeyance? Are we going to go make it biennial? I think this is a crucial year.
“If it’s to survive, it requires the injection of new blood onto the organisation.
“I urge anyone with a love and interest in music, especially family or friends of competitors to consider joining us to keep the festival alive.”
Bruce MacGregor, the founder member of Blazin’ Fiddles and a competitor himself at the festival in his youth, said: “I have fond memories of the event.
“Anything that attracts youngsters to participate in music is surely an amazing thing that should never be thwarted.”
Echoing that, the council’s music development officer Norman Bolton said: “Music festivals can be a supportive and encouraging platform for developing young musicians’ performance skills.”
No special knowledge is required, but councillor Balfour said “enthusiasm and a willingness to help” would be important.
Anyone interested in stepping into the breach is invited to an informal gathering at the city’s Spectrum Centre at Farraline Park at 7pm on June 14.
Anyone wanting further information should email office@invernessmusicfestival.org or phone 01463 716616.
