Inverness is set to host the regional final of a prestigious new European singing competition which will attract an internet audience from around the world. Nòs Ùr, meaning 'new style' in Gaelic, is a Celtic and Scots language competition based on the Eurovision Song Contest format.

The competition will also feature a performance by leading Scots singer Karine Polwart in her role as a guest presenter. Two winners selected from the international field of entrants will go on to represent the Celtic and Scots languages at a Grand European Final called Liet Lavlut in Sweden this October.

The Inverness final takes place at Eden Court (Saturday 21^st June) and will see finalists who speak a variety of minority languages performing in Gaelic, Scots, Irish, Welsh and Breton. Two winners will be selected, one by a jury and the other by the public. The audience will be able to take part in the voting, picking their favourite by ballot. Organisers are expecting audiences from around the world to listen in via the internet and also vote. It will go out on: www.nos-ur.eu at 7:30pm GMT.  

Event organiser Brian Ó hEadhra said: “We are expecting people from all of the regions involved in Nòs Ùr to be listening into our final on the internet. It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Celtic and Scots languages, the musical talent in the area, and Inverness as a venue for prestige events.

“Each act will be performing their own original songs which cover a wide range of topics from an angry punk anthem, to lost love, to the death of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed. We are delighted that the famous Scottish singer Karine Polwart will also be appearing as a guest presenter and performing on the night. It really will be an entertaining final and with so much opportunity for the public to vote we won’t know the winners right up until the final minute.

“The competition is tough but it needs to be if we’re to have a chance of winning the Grand European Final where other languages being represented will come from the Nordic, Baltic, Alpine, Russian, Romany and Northern Iberia regions.

The event is being staged by goEvents which promotes and develops creative arts in the Highlands and Islands. It is supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Highland Council, Colmcille, Scottish Arts Council and UHI Millennium Institute.

Tickets are available on a 2 for 1 basis from Eden Court on 01463 234234.