Stornoway stages first Pride event as thousands also attend Inverness march

Two Pride festivals will take place in Scotland this weekend, including a first for the Outer Hebrides. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.Two Pride festivals will take place in Scotland this weekend, including a first for the Outer Hebrides. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.
Two Pride festivals will take place in Scotland this weekend, including a first for the Outer Hebrides. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.
Pride events have been held in the Western Isles and Inverness, attracting thousands of supporters.

The LGBTI celebration in Stornoway, Lewis, was the first of its kind to be held in the Outer Hebrides, with around 400 people attending.

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Meanwhile several thousand people are thought to have attended ProudNess, the first Pride event to be held in Inverness in 16 years.

A parade at the latter began in the city’s Falcon Square, culminating with workshops, stalls and live music in Eden Court.

The rainbow flag was flown from the Town House and Highland Council’s headquarters in support of the event.

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In Stornoway, the event began with speeches and music from An Lanntair, followed by a parade, stalls and entertainment.

Susanne Erbida, one of the organisers of Hebridean Pride, said: “We want to show that it is okay to be different, that LGBT+ people do not have to be afraid to go public with their sexuality.

“That there is nothing wrong with being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and anything in between.”

Scott Cuthbertson, development manager for the Equality Network, said: “No matter where you live in Scotland, no matter if you’re LGBTI or not, everyone in Scotland should be able to be who they are and love who they love without fear or prejudice.

“Our research shows that it’s not always easy to be LGBTI in the Highlands and islands of Scotland.

“That’s why it’s so great to see the LGBTI community and allies coming together today in Inverness and Stornoway for these historic pride events.”