organisers unhappy at lack of television coverage and media publicity for big event
Oban revellers can expect clear night for Hogmanay party
Published:
Hordes of revellers are descending on Oban for the Hogmanay celebrations when a cold, clear night is forecast.
Organisers of Oban Hogmanay Homecoming Street Party yesterday said some tickets are still available for the 8,000-capacity, £85,000 spectacle.
Event director and local councillor Neil Mackay said that tickets were still available from Oban Filling Station, Soroba Road, which is open late this evening.
Councillor Mackay added: “I am slightly disenchanted that we are not getting the television coverage that we deserve, having distinguished ourselves overnight last year as the premier location to take in Hogmanay on the whole of the west coast of Scotland.
“We are also disillusioned by the Glasgow-based national press, who seemed to forget about the west coast in their coverage.
“While we are being ignored, we are still reaching all expectations of the event. The first event last year overnight was voted Scotland’s third best event after Glasgow and Edinburgh. We are preparing for another great night.”
Inspector Neil Wallace, of Oban police station, said: “Everything is in hand. We will be looking for the public to play their part by not overindulging in alcohol before they come to the event, because, if they do, they will not be permitted entry whether they have paid or not.”
Tickets cost £11.50 per adult and £6.50 for children aged five-12. Under-fives go free.
Pasi Forbes, a service adviser at Oban’s Tourist Information Centre, said yesterday: “The phone has been ringing constantly with people looking for accommodation over the past few days. I think the whole town will be fully booked for Hogmanay.
“The town is quite busy already and the tourist office has been very busy. People are coming from all over. There are a lot of French and English people.”
An excellent Scottish line-up has been put together, with headliners The Red Hot Chilli Pipers set to wow the crowds.
Also performing are the popular ceilidh band Skerryvore, set to give an exclusive performance of their version of Caledonia.
There will be more music from Oban High School Pipe Band, Oban Homecoming Gaelic Choir and local 80s rock band, The Works.
There will also be a fireworks display, fully licensed bar and traditional Scottish food.
The event kicks off at 9pm in the cordoned off arena in the local Tesco Superstore car park.
Meanwhile, with the isle of Skye bustling with tourists, Portree’s Somerled Square is expected to be packed.
In the run-up to the bells a joint community service by the ministers of the Free Church and Church of Scotland will be held in the Parish Church at 11.00pm.
The Pipes and Drums of the Isle-of-Skye Pipe Band will march into Somerled Square. Just before midnight a lament will be played at the town's war memorial by a lone piper and the New Year will be welcomed in with a volley of fireworks provided by a local hotel.
