A brace of Moray events, showcasing two of Scotland’s most famous trademarks, are going into battle to vie for a top tourism prize.
Piping at Forres and the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival have been shortlisted for the Best Cultural Event or Festival gong at the upcoming Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards.
The bagpiping extravaganza attracted a record crowd to Grant Park in Forres this summer, and eventually boosted the region’s economy by more than £1million.
Meanwhile, the whisky event welcomed visitors from 37 countries during hundreds of tours and tasting events across the area’s malt plants.
Representatives from both festivals will gather at an awards ceremony in Inverness next month.
More than 20,000 people flocked to Forres when 120 bands took part in the European Pipe Band Championships in June.
And an independent economic report has since confirmed that the one-day event generated more than £1million for the surrounding area.
Forres Events Ltd has overseen the gathering since it was launched in 2013 and group director, Joanna Taylor, responded: “Being shortlisted is a testament to a lot of hard work by many, many people
“This event is now firmly part of the local calendar, but it is clearly attractive to tourists as well, who are choosing to combine it with visiting some of Moray’s other attractions.”
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has grown every year since its inception in 1999, and offered more than 500 tastings, tours and activities this spring.
Last year’s gathering attracted 26,389 people and festival manager, Pery Zakeri, added: “We were delighted to be shortlisted and this year’s festival has been hailed as the best yet.
“Tickets are selling faster every year, and the number of different countries represented is increasing all the time.
“It’s great that we have been nominated alongside Piping at Forres, because both events celebrate phenomena that are at the heart of Scottish culture.”
The two Moray events face further competition in their category from the Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon and the Oban Winter Festival.
The winner will be announced at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Friday, November 4.
Meanwhile, Gordon Castle’s Highland Games and Country Fair has been nominated for the Best Sporting Event award, and Craigellachie’s Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre is in contention for Best Visitor Attraction.