Thousands enjoyed a musical extravaganza at the Harris Tweed Hebrides Tattoo in Stornoway at the weekend.
Some eight pipebands including six time world champions the Simon Fraser University Pipeband (SFU) from Vancouver, performed on the green under the stunning backdrop of the majestic looking Lews Castle fringed by yachts and fishing boats moored in the harbour.
The event was organised as part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations.
Twirling batons propelled into the air thrilled the crowds as they watched a drum major display team from the International School of Scottish Drum Majors led by Billy Jordan of Scottish Power Pipe Band.
Outdoor performances by local dancers, horse displays, a samba band, and Gaelic choirs entertained the audience on Friday night.
A big hit was the procession of Shetland Vikings -
A spectacular fireworks finale brought the official five hour event to a close though the party continued in local pubs with impromptu musical performances as well as street dancing up to 4am in Stornoway town centre.
Charlie Nicolson of organisers, Stornoway Amenity Trust, said: “The night was brilliant
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“The piping, Vikings, dancers and horse display, made an excellent night for the community.
“We’ve ad very, very positive feedback. People are saying we should do it more often but these events are very hard to organise.”
Mr Nicolson added: “We thank everybody involved, Harris Tweed Hebrides and our other sponsors, the pipe bands, the Stornoway Trust, and all those that supported us.
“Around 500 people were involved in the performances on the night with a big volunteer effort behind the scene.”
Afterwards, Catherine Morrison of Stornoway said the tattoo was “fantastic.”
She said: “It was great, really, really good. We thoroughly enjoyed it especially the fireworks. The pipe bands were also fantastic. Great organisation.”
Heather Donnelly of Stornoway said: “It makes me proud to be Scottish. This was just
amazing. The whole of the island got together to watch it. It gave a real sense of
the island -
Tourist Jeoffory Tresorier and his friends from France enjoyed the event.
Mr Tresorier said: “It was very impressive to see such a lot of bagpipers and drummers in the same place.”
A grand concert in Stornoway Sports Centre was sold out the following evening.
The performers also joined in the Lewis Carnival procession and festivities on Saturday.
Thousands thrilled at Hebrides Tattoo 10/8/14
Andrew Wilson, 8, of North Lochs was fascinated by the Shetland Vikings