This weekend, 12 and 13 January, sees a host of events taking place throughout Inverness to mark the official launch of Highland 2007, Scotland’s year of Highland culture.

The celebrations begin at 7pm on Friday 12 January with the Highland 2007 launch and Lifescan Monster Street Party.

First Minister Jack McConnell, will officially launch the year with the help of the Mod winning Inverness Gaelic Choir, the Massed Pipes and Drums of the Highlands, a spectacular fireworks display and, announced today, Blazin Fiddles.

As part of the launch of Highland 2007, specially-commissioned work by Highland video artist Graeme Roger will be projected on to the windows of the ground floor building on the corner of Bank Street and Bridge Street. This artwork, titled Northern Soul, incorporates film portraits of individuals, as well as imagery collected from throughout the Highlands.

The Lifescan Monster Street Party following on from the launch features a breathtaking aerial ballet presented by French company Transe Expresse. And it is announced today that a second performance of Transe Expresse will take place on Saturday 13 January in Falcon Square at 8pm.

Everyone is encouraged to continue the Highland 2007 Launch celebrations on Saturday 13 January in Inverness. Events include:

• 9am – 11am: Monster Family Splash at Inverness Aquadome. Tel: 01463 667505 for more details.
• 10am: Inverness Museum and Art Gallery re-opens after a £1.3 million refurbishment. As well as the revamped permanent exhibitions, visitors are invited to the new exhibition Fonn ’s Duthchas – Land and Legacy, brought together for Highland 2007 and at IMAG until 17 March.
• 11am: Old New Year Shinty Match, Bught Park. Continuing the Highland tradition of New Year shinty matches, Glen Urquhart and Strathglass compete for the Gaidhealtachd 2007 Cup.
• 1pm: Duthchas: The Legacy. Eastgate shopping centre hosts a mini-exhibition on contemporary Highland culture, from the national exhibition Fonn ’s Duthchas.
• 8pm: Transe Expresse aerial ballet, Falcon Square.

Highland 2007 launch events are suitable for all ages. Many of the events are out-of-doors so please dress for the weather.

For more detailed information about this event, visit the Highland 2007 website's 'launch and street party page'