The concept of 2007 as 'Scotland's Year of Highland Culture' was suggested by then First Minister of the Scottish Parliament, Jack McConnell. During the Convention of Highlands and Islands in 2003, he declared that he was so impressed by the momentum built up by the failed Inverness/Highlands bid to be European Capital of Culture 2008, that he would back a celebration of Highland culture in 2007.

Its proponents had claimed that Highland 2007 would bring significant economic and social benefits which would endure well beyond the celebrations themselves. However, there has been criticism of the event as being Inverness-centric and marginalising the Gaelic language.

Events

The programme of events developed for Highland 2007 encompassed the Arts, the Environment, Heritage, Language, Science and Sport. Street Parties, a rededication of Culloden Battlefield, a homecoming for expatriot Orcadians, a marathon in Inverness and a showcase of Gaelic Song with Anne Lorne Gilles have been planned. Rock band Runrig will also be playing Drumnadrochit. The programme also included The Vital Spark Interpretation Conference - a hugely successful event which saw heritage interpreters from across the world meeting for three days in Aviemore.

The year officially started on the 12th of January 2007 in Inverness with a street party and a reencatment of the historic shinty match between Strathglass Shinty Club and Glenurquhart Shinty Club at the Bught Park.

The Monster Street Party in Inverness

Links

• Highland 2007 website
• Highlands & Islands Enterprise
• The Camanachd Association
• The Highland Council
• The Scottish Executive
• VisitScotland
• VisitHighlands
• EventScotland
• Glasgow 2014
• Highlands & Islands Arts
• West Highland Free Press, with criticism of Highland 2007
• Fiddles Added to Opening Concert Bill to avoid criticism