This Saturday (12 January) The Highland Council presents Highland Lights ~ Solais na Gaidhealtachd, the grand finale to Highland 2007 in Inverness and a great start to the New Year in the Highland capital.

Linda Fabiani, Minister for Culture will lead the magical, musical Torchlight Procession starting on Huntly Street at 7pm with some spectacular fire surprises!

Minister for Culture Linda Fabiani said:  “I am delighted to join the Highland 2007 closing celebrations.  Scotland’s Year of Highland Culture has been a resounding success and has presented the region’s rich cultural heritage to a worldwide audience.  The legacy of Highland 2007 will continue to bring real benefits to the Highlands and to the whole of Scotland for a long time to come.”

The procession will wind its way along the riverside with music and entertainment along the route provided by a variety of local pipe bands including the Northern Constabulary Pipe Band, drum and samba bands, ceilidh music, a Carnival Brass Band and stunning fire performers. (See editors notes for a full list of performers.)

The Torchlight Procession ends at the waterfront beside the Kessock Bridge where the entertainment continues until 8.30pm when one of the most spectacular firework displays in the UK in 2008 is set to enthrall all who see it.  The stunning display will be created by Groupe F, the world’s premier pyrotechnic company and creators of many magnificent shows including most recently the iconic London Eye on Hogmanay.

The fireworks will be choreographed to music which will be broadcast on MFR with tracks from local Celtic super group the Peatbog Faeries and Scots indie rockers Franz Ferdinand as well as tracks from well known classical composers.

Provost Bob Wynd, Chairman of The Highland Council's Inverness City Committee, said: “I am looking forward to Highland Lights and the fantastic programme of entertainment on offer at venues around the city on Saturday. I am confident that this will provide a thrilling spectacle for the people of Inverness and will positively promote Inverness across the UK.  This is going to be a night to remember and an experience not to be missed.”

Check www.highland2007.com for up to date information about Highland Lights.

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Editor’s notes

• Road closures in Inverness on 12 January 2008 for Highland Lights – see www.highland2007.com/highland-lights-traffic-information.html for full details.
• Water closure on 12 January - there is no passage under the Kessock Bridge between 8pm - 9pm.
• On site parking will be available at Inverness Caledonian Thistle football stadium.  The car park will be open from 6pm at a cost of £3 per car.  Access to the car park is from the A9 Kessock Roundabout.  For further information contact Inverness Caledonian Thistle Football Club on 01463 222880 option 5.
• The list of bands and performers taking part in Highland Lights currently includes – (Please note - this list may be subject to change)
  Northern Constabulary Pipe Band
  Charleston and Nairn Pipes and Drums
  Ullapool and District Junior Pipe Band
  Isle of Skye Pipe Band
  Dingwall Royal British Legion Pipe Band
  Ross and Cromarty Pipes and Drums School
  Nairn Academy Musicians
  Happyness Drum Circle
  The Broch Inspectors – (ceilidh band)
  Carrumba – (Samba drum band)
  Commotion – (Samba drumming group)
  Orkestra del Sol – (Carnival Brass Band)
  Belenos – (fire poi)
  Spirit of the Moment – (fire performers)
• During the Torchlight procession you can carry a flaming torch for charity.  The charities supported by the sale of torches will be Friends of Arms (The MS Therapy Centre), Barnardo’s and Highland Hospice.  The wax-based torches can be bought from market stalls in the High Street and Huntly Street from 4.30pm on the 12 January for a minimum donation of £5.
• Highland 2007 is working with businesses in Inverness who promise an exciting programme of music and dance in venues across the city to round off your evening. Hotels, bars, restaurants and other venues are hosting a wide range of entertainment – A ‘What’s On’ guide for events and entertainment on 12 January will be available from 21 December 2007.
• Partners for Highland Lights include -
  MFR
  Press & Journal
  Scottish Provincial Press
• Groupe F are an internationally renowned French fireworks company who specialise in large scale pyrotechnic shows.  They combine colours, rhythm and dramatic design to create intense and memorable displays for events such as the Olympic Games in Athens, the Millennium in Paris and the inauguration of the Millennium Bridge in London. They have vast experience of firing in challenging locations world wide, including many bridges.