The Northern Meeting (NM) originated in June 1788 when thirteen Highland gentlemen met in Inverness and drew up a set of resolutions for the holding of an annual meeting 'for the purpose of promoting a Social Intercourse'. Their immediate aim was to liven up social life in the Highlands by organising activities for the 'Pleasure and Innocent Amusement' of the members. Invitations were sent out to 110 people, and by October seventy nine people had applied to become members. This initial membership was largely made up of landowners in the local area, but it also included the Provost and Baillies and a number of lawyers, doctors, bankers and merchants from Inverness.

Naturally the activities have evolved. The Northern Meeting no longer organises the Highland Games in Inverness, but it still holds grand balls in the summer and at Christmas, as well as more informal reel parties, and occasional lunches and cocktail parties. Recently, in conjunction with other Highland Gatherings overseas events have taken place in Vienna and Venice and a further event is planned in Istanbul in 2012. In addition the Northern Meeting continues to organise the international solo piping competition which take place in Inverness at the beginning of September. Known to the piping world as 'The Northern Meeting' this is the most prestigious competition for solo pipers from around the world.

Having survived for 220 years, including the exigencies of two world wars, there seems no reason why the NM should not survive another 200 years. Changes have taken place in the past and no doubt others will take place in the future as the Society evolves to meet its objectives of social discourse, pleasure and innocent amusement.

To enter the Northern Meeting Piping Competitions please click the link below.

www.piping.northern-meeting.org

Northern Meeting Calendar 2013

Sat 20th July 2013 Thurs 22nd August 2013	Inverness Highland Games Summer Cocktails, Farraline House
Fri 23rd August 2013	Summer Ball, Fort George
Sat 24th August 2013	Picnic Ball, Fort George
Thurs 5th & Fri 6th September 2013	Senior Piping Competition, Eden Court
Sat 7th September 2013	Junior Piping Competition, Eden Court
Wed 2nd October 2013	Autumn Dinner & AGM,Storehouse of Foulis
Fri 27th December 2013	9 to 90's Reel Party
Sat 28th December 2013	Winter Ball
Sun 9th February 2014	Winter Lunch