THOUSANDS of music fans have been left disappointed after this summer's RockNess festival was cancelled to avoid a clash with the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games.
Organisers made the announcement on Facebook after being unable to reschedule its June date to avoid the Brazil football tournament and Glasgow 2014 in June and July.
The decision is also a blow for the Highland economy as 35,000 fans, along with pop and rock stars expected to flock to the venue at Dores, north-east Loch Ness.
In a statement, the organisers thanked fans for their support over the past eight years and promised to be back in 2015.
It said: "We'd like to thank you for your support over the last eight years. Due to the addition of a number of events alongside the World Cup and the Commonwealth Games, we've decided to take a year off.
"We're using this break to make the vent bigger and better than ever in 2015 so have an amazing summer and see you back at the Loch next year!"
The World Cup runs from June 12 to July 13 and Commonwealth Games from July 23 to August 3.
The festival is worth at least £6.5m for Highland businesses, with around half of the revellers coming from outside the area. Last year acts included Fatboy Slim, Madness, Basement Jaxx and Plan B.
One fan, Kieran Stewart, of Inverness, tweeted: "Knew it was coming but still a bit gutted. Last year was superb."
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