A CALL HAS gone out for Moray residents to get behind the most important annual international event being hosted in the region.
Organisers of Piping at Forres, centred around the European Pipe Band Championships and an event that brings thousands of visitors to the region each year, are highlighting the importance of volunteers as a key to their success.
The event has generated millions of pounds of benefit to the local economy and has become the top attraction in Moray – bringing thousands to Grant Park to hear over 100 of the top Pipe Bands compete in their grade.
Forres Events Ltd, the company behind the event, is run on a not for profit basis, and its directors and organisers are unpaid volunteers – just part of the force that is key to the success of the event. Now the organisers are asking as many people as possible to volunteer to help.
Chairman of Forres Events Ltd, Alan James – who takes time out from running A J Engineering in Forres and volunteers his time for free – said: “Piping At Forres not only offers a great day out for all the family, and brings new and returning visitors to Moray but it has a significant economic benefit to the area.
“The volunteers are an essential part of the team that is able to deliver this. Our visitors and competitors have praised the friendliness of the local community in past years and I hope that we will be able to offer them a really memorable and enjoyable experience again this year. But to do this we need help, please!”
Jacqui Hassan and her daughter Katyi have volunteered for the last two years. Katvi said “It is a great day, seeing the bands, listening to the piping and seeing the visitors enjoy the beautiful surrounding.
“I really enjoyed being part of the team of volunteers last year and look forward to volunteering again on 25 June.”
The role of the community in the event was formally recognised when in 2015 Piping at Forres won the Moray Speyside Community Tourism award. It was also a finalist and given a Judges’ Special Commendation in the 2015 Highland and Islands Tourism Awards.
Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to contact Sandra MacIver, who co-ordinates the volunteers. Sandra commented: “If those who are interested in volunteering could kindly contact me before June 12 that would help us in our final planning. Briefing will be given before the event.”
Sandra can be contacted by email at volunteer@pipingatforres.com or by leaving a message on 07817 106 662.
Meanwhile, tickets for Piping at Forres are now on sale at Beaver Travel in Forres and Elgin, Brodie Countryfare, The Bookshop, Logie Steading, Brambles Boutique, Nairn, Ewe & Me, Aberlour and Grantown-on-Spey or online at www.pipingatforres.com.