Viking Invasion to hit the streets of Inverness

Viking Invasion to hit the Highland capital. Picture: PA

The Up Helly Aa squad will be visiting the Highland captital on Saturday as part of a major series of events looking back at the history of Vikings.

At 4pm there will be a Family Parade from Inverness Museum to the Castle especially for youngsters.

They will get the chance to make the Viking Army look even more formidable by joining in the sword and shield making workshops in the Museum earlier in the afternoon.

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In the evening the Jarl Squad will return to the city centre at 7pm for two hours of fun featuring performances by the City of Inverness Pipe Band, Mascot Madness and the Fraser School of Highland Dance, before following the Pipe Band in a procession at 9pm from the High Street up to Inverness Castle to wait for the sun to go down.

The procession will end with the Jarl Squad lighting up their torches as darkness falls.

Inverness Museum & Art Gallery will have a full programme of activities on the night and families will be able to enjoy Spooky Storytelling for adults and older children or visit the exhibition Valhalla – Life and Death in Viking Britain from the Jorvik Viking Centre from 7pm.

Also planned for Saturday night are adult events in the museum where free talks and tastings about Viking Brewing, hosted by Johnny Horn from the Hanging Bat Brewery, and the chance to sample a taste of Shetland Reel Gin will be on offer.

Councillor Graham Ross, chair of the Highland Council’s Inverness Events and Festivals Committee, said: “What a spectacular opportunity for family fun and enjoyment this partnership Viking project between Highland Council and High Life Highland is bringing to Inverness this weekend.

“I am sure there will be lots of people young and old channelling their inner Viking as they march with the Jarl Squad or take part in some of the activities at Inverness Museum.”

Viking Invasion! is sponsored by the City of Inverness Common Good Fund as part of the Inverness Events and Festivals Summer Programme.