HYDRO Ness and Ness Bridge were lit up in red and blue this past weekend to mark the 276th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden.
From the evening of Friday 15th until the early hours of Sunday 17th April, Hydro Ness on the banks of the River Ness, adjacent to the Holm Mills bridge, and Ness Bridge in the city centre will be lit up to commemorate the Battle of Culloden, 276 years after the vicious battle which marked the end of the Jacobite Rising.
Over the 276th anniversary weekend, a number of events were also held at Culloden Battlefield itself. These included a special tour exploring the tactics, the role of the cavalry and artillery, and the impact of the conflict on local communities, as well as an event highlighting the consequences of the conflict and discussing the often forgotten perspectives of war. This was particularly relevant given what is currently happening in Europe.
Raoul Curtis-Machin, Operations Manager at Culloden Battlefield, said: “We are really excited about this year’s anniversary commemorations and to warmly welcome everyone back. Inverness was a key prize for the Jacobite and the Government armies, and the battle had a massive impact on Highland culture. The aftermath of the battle still resonates today and it’s great that the links with the city were there in lights for all to see. We had a packed schedule of talks, tours and events over the weekend, both in-person and online, which were very well-received. And this weekend was just the beginning as we gear up for a bumper return to international tourists.”
The soon to be completed Hydro Ness generates and supplies over 500,000 kwh of green electricity annually to nearby Inverness Leisure, helping to offset the organisation’s reliance on grid-supplied electricity and reducing the Highland Council’s carbon footprint.
Malcolm Macleod, Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure, Environment and Economy at the Highland Council, said: “I was thrilled to see Hydro Ness illuminated to acknowledge the anniversary of the Battle of Culloden. This project embodies partnership working, so we were honoured to be asked and to help recognise the event at Culloden Battlefield on the evening of the 15th. Lighting Hydro Ness to help raise awareness or to celebrate events is something I am keen to see continue. Not only does it make the city and river area unique, it also helps enhance its natural beauty through vivid lighting displays.”
Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) Visit Inverness Loch Ness provided £7,000 in funding for the Hydro Ness scheme.
“Hydro Ness is not only a way to produce energy and reduce our region’s carbon footprint, but it is an attraction in itself,” explained Michael Golding, CEO of Visit Inverness Loch Ness.
“Hydro Ness is a piece of architectural and engineering art that provides an opportunity for visitors to interact with our renewable energy sector. Having it and Ness Bridge lit up to commemorate the Battle of Culloden – an event that is ingrained in our area’s history – is something very special.”
To find out more about the Hydro Ness scheme, please visit:https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/1210/environment/971/hydro_ness
More information on Culloden Battlefield can be found at:https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culloden
