The Robert Gordon's College Pipe Band and Highland Dancers will be part of the Paint The Town Tartan Highland Fling in Aberdeen city centre. Image - supplied by Robert Gordon's College.
Aberdeen Inspired is having a Highland Fling in the city centre to help kick off its World Cup Paint The Town Tartan campaign.
The Robert Gordon’s College Pipe Band and Highland Dancers will be performing at the Trinity Centre, Bon Accord Centre and Union Terrace Gardens on Wednesday, June 10, the day before the World Cup officially opens in the USA.
Joining them will be Aberdeen’s Lord Provost Dr David Cameron and local business leaders and traders – many of whom have already signed up for the Paint The Town Tartan drive to dress their venues in tartan bunting, balloons and messages of support for the Scotland squad.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said the Highland Fling event was aimed at creating even more excitement and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the Granite City as Scotland returns to the World Cup for the first time in 30 years.
He said: “There can be no better way to get the World Cup party started than with the rousing sound of the pipes and drums of Robert Gordon’s College and the spectacle of their Highland Dancers putting their best foot forward.
“I hope that people enjoy this spectacle and take it as their opportunity to get excited and involved in Aberdeen’s World Cup celebrations while supporting our vital bricks and mortar shops, restaurants, bars and other venues.”
The fun will start at the Trinity Centre outside the Official Scotland Shop at 10am, before moving on for a performance in Union Terrace Gardens and ending with another display at the Bon Accord Centre by the RGC Pipe Band and Highland Dancers, who recently took part in the 2026 New York Tartan Day Parade.
Getting ready to Paint The Town Tartan with Aberdeen Inspired, from left, Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired; Kenny Bruce, Centre Manager at Trinity Centre Aberdeen; piper Rebecca Knox, of Robert Gordon's College Pipe Band; Kate Kenyon, of Aberdeen Inspired, and Paul Thomas and Cameron McIntosh, both of the Official Scotland Shop. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Aberdeen Lord Provost, Dr David Cameron, said: “The Paint the Town Tartan campaign helps to showcase the best of our city - bringing people together to celebrate and encourage shared community spirit.
“As we look ahead to the excitement of the World Cup, I encourage everyone across the city to come together, enjoy the festivities, and support their teams in a spirit of friendliness and inclusion - Aberdeen is ready to celebrate!”
Kate Kenyon, who is overseeing Paint The Town Tartan for Aberdeen Inspired, said the campaign already generated a lot of interest in the city centre, including attracting the support of Dons and Scotland legends Willie Miller and Alex McLeish.
“All of our activation packs of bunting in the Aberdeen Forever tartan along with Scottish-themed balloons have been snapped up and we can’t wait to see what businesses will do to Paint The Town Tartan at their premises in their own unique and vibrant styles.
“It won’t just be a boost for the city centre – it will also be a loud and clear message to the Scotland squad that Aberdeen is behind them every step of the way.”
Best foot forward for the Robert Gordon's College Pipe Band and Highland Dancers during the 2026 New York Tartan Day Parade. Image - supplied by Robert Gordon's College.
As part of Paint The Town Tartan, Aberdeen Inspired is encouraging businesses to join their Spot The Ball contest, which kicks off on Thursday, June 11, to tie in with the opening of the World Cup.
Participating venues will hide miniature footballs – about the size of a Subbuteo ball – on their premises for sharp-eyed visitors to find. Prizes ranging from giveaways to discounts will be up for grabs.
There is also one golden ball to be found, with the lucky winner netting a £100 Aberdeen Gift Card. That pot will be increased by £20 for every goal Scotland scores in the World Cup.
Kate said: “You can feel the excitement for the World Cup building across Scotland and Aberdeen is very much at the front of that wave of excitement and hope for the Scottish squad.
“The best way to enjoy it to the fullest is to Paint The Town Tartan!”
You can find out more about Paint The Town Tartan and, for businesses, how to be part of Spot The Ball, at the Aberdeen Inspired website.