Highland truck show looking for sponsors to make Muir of Ord event 'bigger and better' in 2024
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A popular family event in the Highlands is looking for financial backing to grow the show this year.
After what was the most successful year yet in 2023, the team behind TruckNess is working to bring the event back to the Black Isle Showground on August 10 – and are calling for new potential sponsors to get in touch.
Last year, the event attracted more than 5000 people, however challenging times and the cost-of-living crisis mean that the team is doing an extra push to make sure the event is another success.
Main organiser Nicola Mitchell said: "The TruckNess team are striving tirelessly to put on an event that will celebrate the work of all those who are involved in the haulage industry in the Highlands and Islands, and a show that will have a family friendly feel to it and attract entries from all over Scotland.
"This year in the current climate we are finding it more difficult to attract companies and businesses to assist in the running costs of the event but having seen how successful the event has been in the past we will continue to put together the best show we can.
"TruckNess operates on a 'break-even basis', with lots of volunteers and with an event of this size there are always compulsory set-up costs incurred, hence the necessity for levies on exhibitors, trade stands and admissions.
"TruckNess started with no funding so the show will go on no matter what – however we want to continue to grow and see the show go from strength to strength."
Ms Mitchell – who took over from former lead organiser George MacLennan after he stepped back last year – said that most importantly the support of sponsors means that the show can raise as much money as possible for Cash For Kids.
Since starting in 2017, TruckNess has raised over £40,000 for the charity.
Lauren MacInnes, charity executive at Cash For Kids, said: "We are so thankful to be the benefitting charity of this event and all money raised will stay in our local communities.
"With the money from TruckNess 2023 we were able to support many children across the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire.
"We supported a young girl from Moray with an eye-gazing device. This piece of equipment was a lifeline for the family and gave their child a voice. We also funded a number of local schools to have access to the local sensory bus."
Anyone interested in sponsoring the event, should email trucknessinverness@gmail.com
