Buildings to be illuminated for Dingwall 800 celebrations

Archive photographs are to be projected on to Dingwall’s town hall as part of celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the community’s royal burgh.

Households, businesses and community groups have also been asked to create window displays for the year-long festivities, which will be launched on 17 January.

The displays will form part of a new Bright Burgh Trail through the Highland town.

Royal burgh status was granted by kings and queens and gave towns special rights and privileges around trade. The practice ended in 1975.

Dingwall was created a royal burgh in 1226 under a charter granted by King Alexander ll.

The town’s early history includes its origins as a Viking power base.

Dingwall’s Cromartie car park is believed to be the site of a “thing”, the meeting place of a medieval Norse parliament.

The organisers of Dingwall 800 have encouraged residents to create displays inspired by its history and legends.

Among its myths is that it is believed to be the birthplace of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

On 17 January, windows and shopfronts are to be lit up between 17:00 and 21:30 and “striking” projections beamed on to the town hall.

The projected images will include of members of the community, as well as photographs from Dingwall Museum’s archive.

Event producer Siobhan MacIntyre said: “We hope this will be a memorable event to launch this special year, so wrap up warm, bring a torch, and enjoy the atmosphere with LED lanterns along the trail.

“Let’s fill Dingwall with light, colour and stories as we celebrate 800 years of community and heritage.”

Music festivals, a Viking re-enactment and community feasts are also planned for next year.