Expect a livelier, more central Highland Pride this June , organisers have proposed a new looped parade route starting and finishing at Eden Court, promising a bigger Pride village, youth takeovers and quieter spaces for anyone who needs them. It’s a fresh, more inviting line-up for Inverness’ biggest LGBTQ+ celebration.

Essential Takeaways

  • New parade plan: Parade will start and finish at Eden Court, forming a loop along Ness Bridge, Church Street, Baron Taylor’s Street and Inglis Street.
  • Bigger Pride village: Expanded activity expected at Eden Court with a mini sports village on the grass and more stalls and indoor entertainment.
  • Youth focus: LGBT+ Youth Scotland will take over the Maclean Room, aiming to make the event more relevant to younger people.
  • Sensory-friendly: Quiet spaces will be available throughout the day, including a reserved box in the Empire Theatre for sensory needs.
  • Call for allies: Organisers emphasise “allyship” and want curious locals to join the parade and the party afterwards.

New route centres the celebrations , and feels more welcoming

Kicking off and finishing at Eden Court gives the march a clearer, more theatrical start and finish, with the theatre acting as a focal point for crowds and stalls. You can already picture the sound of music spilling out onto the Ness, and a compact loop makes the event easier to follow for families and first-timers. Organisers say the move is subject to Highland Council sign-off, but it’s designed to be both celebratory and practical.

Backstory-wise, Highland Pride has shifted parade starts over recent years between spots such as Crown Primary and Falcon Square. This looped route tidies that up and keeps the action tightly focused in the city centre , useful if you want to pop in, watch, then head to the Pride village without getting lost in a long procession.

A bigger Pride village means more to do and see

Expect the Eden Court lawns to host a mini sports village, while indoor spaces will offer stalls, exhibitions and performances. The Pride village is being pitched as bigger than last year’s, so there should be both room to browse and quieter corners to retreat to. If you like a lot of variety , food, crafts, community stalls and live acts , this looks set to deliver.

Practical tip: arrive early if you want front-row spots for performances, and bring a small folding chair or blanket for the grass; it’ll make a long day more comfortable.

Youth partnership is a deliberate, long-term move

Highland Pride’s closer partnership with LGBT+ Youth Scotland is more than a one-off stall swap. The takeover of the Maclean Room reflects a strategic decision to attract and support younger people, and organisers say it responds to community feedback. That matters because engaging younger generations keeps events current and helps build lasting connections.

If you’re a parent or young person curious about Pride, this could be an ideal, lower-pressure entry point. LGBT+ Youth Scotland will have resources and spaces tailored for youth, so it’s worth checking their schedule on the day.

Allyship is the theme , and organisers want locals to join

Chairperson Simon Allison has been vocal about inviting people who are “curious” or supportive but haven’t taken part before. The theme of allyship is practical: Pride isn’t just for LGBTQ+ people, it’s a moment for the whole community to show visible support. Allison also noted the strange phenomenon of online detractors who don’t even live locally, and urged locals to demonstrate real solidarity in person.

Quick advice: if you’ve never marched, just come along, walk in a small group and chat to stallholders. It’s a low-bar way to be visible and supportive.

Sensory-friendly touches and community responsiveness

Organisers are making an effort to include quiet spaces and a sensory-friendly theatre box, which is a simple but meaningful accommodation for people who need it. Highland Pride says many of the new features , from the route to the youth programming , are direct responses to suggestions or needs voiced by the community over time.

Looking ahead, the new route and partnerships feel like the start of something more sustainable for Pride in Inverness: more locally rooted, more accessible and more varied.

It’s a small change that could make every part of Pride easier to enjoy.

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