Highland history is made in Inverness this winter

VisitScotland invites you to attend the first ever live screening of global highland games in Inverness this Hogmanay. The dawn of 2009 will see the official twinning of the Inverness Highland Games and the Triad Highland Games in North Carolina with the Waipu Highland Games in New Zealand.

Live events including caber toss, hammer throw and weight over the bar from the three destinations will be broadcast on giant screens in Inverness.

The story of Waipu is a remarkable one that started in 1817. Following forced eviction from their Highland homes a kinship based community of Gaelic speaking Scottish Highlanders embarked on what was to be a 40 year migration via Nova Scotia and Australia to New Zealand.

Inverness Winter Festival brings some festive sparkle to the capital of the Highlands and as well as the Highland Games includes a vast array of events including The March of the Highland Flingers, Launch of the Lanterns, New Year ceilidh, theatre shows and a magical firework display.

The Highlands are known for the range of activities on offer; skiing, snowboarding, wildlife watching and cycling or for a more serene experience watch white mist float over the mythical Loch Ness. All of the above activities are offering great discounts as part of the Winter White campaign and further information can be found on the website.

Daviot Lodge B&B near Inverness is offering three nights for £99 per person this winter. For further information and to make the most of your winter break to Inverness log on to visitscotland.com/white.