Inverness chamber’s big night raised more than £7,700 for Maggie’s

And Tony Blair's spin doctor, Alastair Campbell, was a big hit with his bagpipes.

By Keith Findlay

May 22 2024, 6:00 am

Alastair Campbell and his bagpipes helped to raise thousands of pounds for charity. Image: Inverness Chamber of Commerce

A charity prize draw at this year’s Highland Business Dinner in Inverness has raised a “fantastic” £7,706, the organisers have revealed.

The cash is going to Maggie’s Highlands, which offers free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer, as well as their families and friends.

Alastair Campbell was the keynote speaker for last Friday’s dinner at Drumossie Hotel.

The former journalist and spokesman for ex-prime minister Tony Blair piped in top table guests and later answered a wide range of questions from a 352-strong audience.

l-r Inverness Chamber of Commerce CEO Colin Marr, Alastair Campbell and chamber president Eunice McAdam at Drumossie Hotel. Image: Inverness Chamber of Commerce

Keynote speaker Alastair Campbell and event host Nicky Marr. Image: Inverness Chamber of Commerce

More than 350 people attended the Highland Business Dinner. Image: Inverness Chamber of Commerce

Inverness Chamber of Commerce’s flagship event was hosted by broadcaster Nicky Marr.

Colin Marr, Nicky’s husband, is the chamber’s chief executive so he had a key role too.

Mr Marr said: “It was a night of celebration, reflection, inspiration, and entertainment for our Highland business community.

“There was a fantastic buzz in the room, with businesses making full use of the opportunity to meet their colleagues, rekindle old connections and make new relationships.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes chats to Parklands Care Homes managing director Ron Taylor. Image: Inverness Chamber of Commerce

Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport CEO Calum MacPherson. Image: Inverness Chamber of Commerce

Chamber president Eunice McAdam highlighted key business successes in the region during the past year.

And Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport chief executive Calum MacPherson delivered a powerful overview of renewable energy projects in the Highlands

Mr MacPherson encouraged everyone in the room, including Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, to “act now to ensure we capitalise on this opportunity for the prosperity of the whole region”.