What an amazing autumn and winter of events it’s shaping up to be in Caithness and Sutherland, with a great range of festivals, food and drink, craft markets, Christmas and New Year events and more!
Loads of events are already listed on our What’s On calendar and be sure to visit back over autumn and winter to see what new events have appeared.
Enjoy!
Spooky Autumn
Spooky Trail
Throughout October, 11.00am – 4.00pm
Forse of Nature, Latheron
Forse Of Nature, near Latheron in Caithness will be running their annual spooky woodland trail throughout October!
Come along and see how many monsters and ghouls you can spot!
- Make sure you wrap up warm and wear sturdy shoes
- Please be considerate of other visitors and keep your distance
- If you are coming in a larger group please book a table in the cafe in advance
- Please note the trail may close at short notice depending on weather conditions - keep an eye on our Facebook for updates
- Please be aware that the trail is strictly only accessible between 11am - 4pm to make sure we can keep everyone safe!
Looking forward to seeing you all through October!
More details through Forse of Nature
Spooky Music
Thursday 20th October, 11.00am & 2.00pm
Forse of Nature, Latheron
In addition to Forse of Nature’s Spooky Trail - New and very excitingly for this year we will also have some fabulous spooky music sessions by Play Away Music UK.
These little classes for little musicians are 45 fun-filled minutes of music, songs and boogieing, suitable for ages 0-5.
At just £5 per child or £7.50 for two siblings attending together, they make a perfect wee Halloween treat!
The sessions will run on Thursday 20th October at 11am & 2pm, spaces are limited so please be sure to book in advance!
To book please email: [email protected]
Mr Artigiano's Puppet Show
Saturday 28th October
At the Mill Theatre, Thurso on Saturday 28th October, for one night only, Thurso Players' juniors will be putting on their first ever show for Halloween, called "Mr Artigiano's Puppet Show".
This spooky night will include an original play all about living puppets written and directed by Thurso Players' own Faye Sutherland. The juniors will also be partaking in acts that go with the night's spooky theme.
You don't want to miss this spectacular show full of singing, dancing and creepy characters. It'll be the perfect Halloween treat.
More information through Thurso Players
Food and drink
Dornoch Whisky Festival
Friday 28th – Sunday 30th October
Dornoch
The Dornoch Whisky Festival is back in full swing this year from Friday 28th October – Sunday 30th October 2022.
As a firm fixture in the Autumn calendar, the Dornoch Whisky Festival offers a relaxing weekend of whisky-related activities in the beautiful Highland town of Dornoch.
We have many whisky related (and some non-whisky related!) events happening throughout the town at the end of October with our main Grand Tasting that features over 20 brands happening on Saturday 29th October.
On top of this we have fantastic dinners at the Dornoch Castle Hotel and Links House at Royal Dornoch as well as brand tastings held at the Eagle Hotel, the Royal Dornoch Golf Club and independently run specialist tastings from Dornoch Distillery and the Carnegie Whisky Cellars – as well as lots more on offer throughout the weekend.
Tickets and programme can be found here.
Taste North Festival
Sunday 6th November, 11.00am – 4.30pm
East Caithness Community Facility
The Scottish mainland’s most northerly food festival is coming back with a bang in a brand new location on Sunday 6th November. Prepare for a day filled with fun, food, competition, shopping and lots of great ideas to take home and try out for yourself.
More details on the Taste North page
Spirit of Caithness Festival
Launching 6th November and continuing throughout November
Across Caithness
Check out the Venture North What’s On page for more details on individual events included in this first ever pilot festival celebrating Caithness’ vibrant distilled, and brewed, flavours. With event hosts right across the county and a range of unique experiences for you to enjoy.
More details on the what’s on page
Arts, Music and Culture
When Bodies Whisper
Ongoing until 26th March 2023
Timespan, Helmsdale
When Bodies Whisper is a group exhibition exploring the transformative power of gossip. Addressing the revolutionary ethos inherent in gossip and storytelling practices as rumours, myths, legends and superstitions, the artists Anika Ahuja, Natsumi Sakamoto, Sekai Machache, Camara Taylor, Hanna Tuulikki, claim possibilities of communion, rupture and overturning of given narratives.
The works presented are situated and contextualised in the Scottish Highlands where folklore is still deeply rooted, contributing to forming bonds, challenging cultural norms, and giving sense to the world. The accumulation and metamorphosis of gossip, through its many perspectives and retellings, form the backbones of myths, legends, and superstitions. In some respects, folklore is the narrativisation of gossip, producing a plethora of diverse, embodied, stories that go beyond time, opening up to the broad visions and higher truths of mythical thinking.
More details through Timespan
Northern Stories Festival
Friday 7th – Sunday 16th October
Across Caithness
Northern Stories Festival 2022 is a spectacular celebration of the stories of the Far North of Scotland, taking place across Caithness this October. An exciting programme of online and in-person events will include an international line-up of performers and story-tellers from the Highlands, Scandinavia and Canada. With talks, workshops, films and exhibitions, there will be something for all the family to get involved in.
Don't miss 'The Tale of The Whale' - A 50ft whale will wash-up in Wick. Are you brave enough to enter and hear tales of shipwrecked pirates and siren songs? And a new photography and sound exhibition coming to Thurso called 'Painted People'. Inspired by our Pictish heritage as ‘painted people’, the exhibition will document contemporary tattoo stories of Caithness.
Book for festival events here
North Lands Creative: One Day Specials and Full Programme 2022-2023
Autumn & Winter 2022 through 2023
North Lands Creative Studio, Lybster
North Lands Creative are delighted to present a programme of remarkable quality, variety and internationally: from a landmark residency with Te Rongo Kirkwood, to intimate specialised taster one day specials and visiting artists classes. Uniting it all is our commitment to world-class arts and glass education.
One Day Specials Autumn/Winter 2022:
- Saturday 22nd October – Glass Blowing Taster Sessions
- Saturday 22nd October – Jewellery Workshop with Márta Edőcs
- Saturday 29th October – Wishing Bowls with Fiona Byrne
- Saturday 12th November – Beginners Flameworking with Ian Pearson
2022 One Day Special classes can be booked through North Lands Creative. The 2023 classes will open for booking on our website from October 2022. In the meantime you can view the full programme on the North Lands Creative site.
John O’Groats Book Festival Weekend
Friday 28th, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October
John O’Groats
The John O’Groats Book Festival is Scotland’s most northly mainland book festival and is now in its 4th year.
The aim this year has been to offer a wide range of book and writing related events. Throughout the year we have featured James Ross’ magical musical interpretation of the work of Neil M Gunn, a series of locally based writers, including a writing workshop for children, along with a series of events where authors talk about their work.
The 4th Festival will culminate with a weekend event over 28, 29 and 30 October when we will be delighted to welcome:
- Margaret Bennett - writer, folklorist, ethnologist, broadcaster, and singer.
- Barbara Henderson – award winning writer for young people
- Jennifer Henderson – writer of history and biography
- Jenny Colgan – Sunday Times best-selling author
- James Miller – Caithness born writer of history
More details through John O’Groats Book Festival
Duncan Chisholm in Concert
Friday 9th December, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Dornoch Cathedral, Dornoch
Fiddle legend Duncan Chisholm plays in the beautiful Dornoch Cathedral in Sutherland.
Duncan Chisholm is one of Scotland’s most recognised and accomplished fiddle players and composers; Duncan’s music contains the rarest of chemistries, a glorious combination of invention, tenderness and passion.
Born and brought up near Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland, Duncan has spent most of his life developing his unique musical voice. Fiddle playing at its best, Duncan’s feather-light handling of dynamics and ornamentation, allied with his pure-distilled tone, lend his characteristic spine-tingling magic to his music.
Tickets available through Eventbrite
Robert Dick Herbarium inspired artwork reproduced courtesy of Joanne B. Kaar, Brough
Dunnet Bay Distillers: ‘Holy Grass Hero: The Life of Robert Dick’ 2022/2023 Winter Exhibition
November/December 2022 until March 2023
Visitor Centre, Dunnet Bay Distillery
From November/December 2022 until March 2023, the Visitor Centre at Dunnet Bay Distillery, will host the Holy Grass Hero: The Life of Robert Dick exhibition and events programme. The exhibition will celebrate the life and work of Robert Dick, an eccentric polymath, scientific genius, and local hero.
Northern Holy Grass (Scientific name: Hierochloe borealis), believed to be extinct was rediscovered growing on the banks of the Thurso River by Robert Dick, a baker, and amateur natural historian. After its rediscovery this plant, used to make Holy Grass Vodka by Dunnet Bay Distillers, was re-introduced to the list of British flora.
More details through Dunnet Bay Distillers
Lyth Arts Centre: Autumn Programme & Winter shows
Autumn & Winter 2022
Lyth Arts Centre, Lyth
Join us for the last leg of 2022 as we head back to LAC for some top quality music, film and theatre including shows from brilliant artists like The Poozies and the Gabriel Latchin Trio!
We also welcome the return of our Christmas Ceilidh and family Christmas show Ginger - a new, multi-sensory performance that will take children and their families on a fun-filled, biscuity adventure!
You can book for all of our Autumn and Winter events here
Natural Heritage
Evening boat tours
Friday 7th – Wednesday 12th October, 7.30pm – 7.50pm
Caithness Seacoast, Wick Harbour
Caithness Seacoast plan to run 20 minute Wick harbour cruises (including Wick bay if weather permits) during a few evenings of the local school holidays (Friday 7th to Wednesday 12th October).
See the harbour from a completely different view as experienced by night time sailors and fishermen. These cruises will be suitable for all the family (apart from infants). There will be commentary on the harbour history, past and present.
Sailing departing 7.30 to 7.50pm (additional later sailing if there is demand. The fares will be £10 for adults and £7 for children under 16.
Please book your place by calling 01955609200 or 07747404128, text, email [email protected] or facebook message.
Passengers must check in at our blue portacabin office. Payment by cash or card on arrival. Please bring warm outdoor clothing appropriate to the weather conditions. We will of course provide the lifejackets.
North West Highlands Geopark: Geoheritage Festival Zoom Talks
September 2022 until March 2023
7.30pm – 9.00pm webinars, via Zoom
The North West Highlands Geopark will be hosting an online talk every month throughout the winter - from September to March.
- 20 October - The Origins of the Stac Fada Impact Ejecta
- 17 November - Hamish Johnston on his relative Matthew Forster Heddle, mountaineer and mineralogist
- 8 December - Simon Harley on aspects of 40m years of field geology in the Geopark
- 19 January - Hannah Mathers on Erratic behaviour, reading NWHG glacial history from strange mountain-top boulders
- 16 February - Tom Bradwell on the Minch Ice stream
- 16 March - Con Gillen on the Lewisian of the Hebrides compared to that of the geopark
Specialist speakers will cover a wide range of topics relating to the geology of the North West Highlands. The talks will be on Zoom and free to attend.
Visit their website for updates and registration details.
High Life Highland Countryside Ranger Events
September 2022 – December 2022
Across Caithness & Sutherland
Join High Life Highland Countryside Rangers for a range of outdoor and wildlife activities, learning and wellness events this autumn and winter across Caithness and Sutherland.
Pre-booking is essential and you can find details of this and all the planned events via the High Life Highland website. We make no charge for our events but we rely on your donations to help us protect our Highland wildlife and heritage.
Alternatively, contact us if you, your group or school want to arrange a bespoke event or activity. Email: [email protected]
Retreats and wellness
Coorie Retreat
Friday 4th – Sunday 6th November 2022 (£299 all inclusive)
Forse of Nature, Caithness
Cosy up with our most relaxing retreat.
You’ll arrive late Friday afternoon in time to settle in and get to know everyone. We have a relaxed first evening of delicious food, followed by stories round the fire and a bedtime yoga nidra.
We’ll start Saturday with a morning meditation followed by breakfast and some restorative yoga. After yoga we’ll get out and about in the gorgeous grounds for a bit of exploring and then back for a warmup and delicious lunch. We will spend the afternoon on some cosy crafting and, of course, plenty of tea and cake. Dinner is followed by stargazing, northern lights searches or owl spotting in the woods. A cosy bedtime yoga nidra is followed by time to relax or an early night.
Your last day will start with morning meditation and yoga and you will then have some free time to go walking, relax or have a tour of the house. We’ll make sure you’re well fed before we say our goodbyes after lunch.
Rooms are single occupancy, but we can arrange shared rooms on request.
To book go to Vitality Retreats
Winter Fire Retreat
Friday 6th – Sunday 8th January 2023 (£299 all inclusive)
Forse of Nature, Caithness
Join us for our most popular retreat and start 2023 in style.
You’ll arrive late Friday afternoon in time to settle in and get to know everyone. We have a relaxed first evening of delicious food, followed by stories round the fire and a bedtime yoga nidra.
We’ll start Saturday with a morning meditation followed by breakfast and some restorative yoga. After yoga we’ll get out and about in the gorgeous grounds for a bit of exploring and then back for a warmup and delicious lunch. We will spend the afternoon releasing 2022 and visioning your most AMAZING 2023 and, of course, plenty of tea and cake. Our legendary fire ceremony and a cosy bedtime yoga nidra follows dinner.
Our northerly location, low light pollution and infinite skies are perfect for stargazing and in this retreat there is a good chance of spotting the Northern Lights.
Your last day will start with morning meditation and yoga and you will then have some free time to go walking, relax or have a tour of the house. We’ll make sure you’re well fed before we say our goodbyes after lunch.
Rooms are single occupancy, but we can arrange shared rooms on request.
To book go to Vitality Retreats
Highlands Wellness Retreat
Friday 10th – Sunday 12th March 2023
Newton Lodge, Kylesku
Connect with nature and refresh your soul
Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of the far North West Highlands. Our cosy lodge is in the perfect location to take time out for yourself, reconnect with nature, de-stress and unwind and just… Breathe. Reset yourself to the slower pace of Highland time and leave feeling invigorated, refreshed and with a clear and positive mindset.
Our team of expert coaches from Scotland Retreats will guide you through this journey enabling you to reconnect with yourself and your vision in life, with a clear understanding of how you can achieve it!
For further details see: Wellness Retreat Scotland | Newton Lodge | Special Offer
Craft fairs
Caithness Market
Friday 28th October, 5.00pm – 9.00pm
Mackays Hotel, Wick
During the height of the pandemic, CaithnessMarket ran virtual markets across social media, with many local businesses gaining much needed sales and awareness. Over £3500 has been raised for Caithness based charities from the donations of traders.
A final in-person market has been organised and it’s a chance for locals and visitors alike to get some locally made Christmas presents sorted!
For more details see www.facebook.com/caithnessmarket or www.instagram/caithnessmarket
Made in Assynt: Christmas Craft Market
Saturday 26th November, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Lochinver Village Hall
Come along to the Made in Assynt Christmas Craft Market on Saturday 26th November from 10am – 4pm in the Lochinver Village Hall. Featuring lots of local artists, crafters, producers and makers with a whole range of special handmade gifts, perfect for some Christmas shopping.
More information available through Made in Assynt
Golspie Xmas Market
Saturday 26th November, 10.00am – 3.00pm
Fountain Road Hall, Golspie
Golspie Xmas Market will be in the Fountain Road Hall on Saturday 26th of November. Doors open from 10am until 3pm and there will be a whole range of exhibitors inside, including Lighthouse crafts, Our Wee pick and mix sweets, Blood bikes, Silver-N-Things, Heather Lea croft with their home made food products and a lot of new crafts this year.
They will have some tasty mulled wine and mince pies in the hall and C Food and Eat will be stopping outside for even more options.
Golspie Choral Group will be entertaining everyone with a few songs around 1pm and there will also be a raffle table with some lovely prizes to win throughout the day.
Entry will be free, but there is a donation box for the refreshments.
Christmas and New Year events
Dornoch Christmas Festival
Saturday 3rd December
Dornoch
Come and enjoy a Day in Dornoch to launch the Christmas season! Do some Christmas shopping, enjoy our festive events, explore the town with its wide range of independent shops and cafes and then stay on to see the Christmas lights ‘switch on’ and sing carols in the Cathedral!
*The St Andrews fair is back at the Dornoch Social Club. 10am until 4pm, with its fantastic raffle and stalls; arts, crafts, food items, clothing, bric a brac, photography, woodworking and lots more! There will be delicious home baking, refreshments and homemade soup to keep everyone warm and cosy.
* Santa has installed his grotto at the Dornoch Hub for their Christmas Fair again this year. So please bring the children to have their photo take with Santa
*The Outdoor Christmas Market, is moving to the new Dornoch South Car Park for 2022 - with free parking and easy access to all the stalls. Open from 10am until 2pm with a range of craft and food stalls and the ever popular bacon rolls and hot chocolate to keep you warm.
*The Christmas lights will be switched on at 3.30pm and there will be carols in the Dornoch Cathedral at 4pm.
More information available through Visit Dornoch
Thurso Players Christmas Pantomime
Dates and times TBC
This year's panto is 'Dick Wickington' a Caithness version of the classic Dick Whittington. Written by John Glen and featuring all the traditional elements of panto. Come meet Dick and his family as they travel from the Mart to the Ord and to the other side of the world. Along the way the forces of good the Olrig Sidhe (fairy) and evil Queen Rat battle to see who comes out on top. Further details and advertising will follow soon.
As the director as well as the writer I'm looking forward to creating some great laughs and family fun. See you in The Mill Theatre.
More information through Thurso Players once details confirmed
Christmas at Lyth Arts Centre
December 2022
Lyth Arts Centre, Lyth
It’s Christmas time at Lyth Arts Centre with lots of fun seasonal shows and events to entertain the whole family!
- Friday 2nd December – Christmas Culture Café, 6.00pm – 9.00pm
- Thursday 8th December – Christmas Piano Trio, 8.00pm – 10.00pm
- Saturday 10th December – LAC Kids Christmas Ceilidh, 2.00pm – 4.00pm
- Saturday 10th December – LAC Christmas Ceilidh, 8.00pm – 11.30pm
We also welcome the return of our Christmas Ceilidh and family Christmas show Ginger - a new, multi-sensory performance that will take children and their families on a fun-filled, biscuity adventure!
- Showing Friday 16th December – Sunday 18th December
You can book for all of our Christmas events here
Hogmanay in Dornoch
31st December 2022 – 2nd January 2023
Dornoch
Welcome in the New Year in Dornoch!
We are delighted to see the return of the Hogmanay Street Party here in Dornoch. For years people have flocked from all over to experience a true, Scottish Hogmanay in Dornoch and we can’t wait to bring you that again!
A brief outline of the celebrations is below but will be updated when the full programme of events is available:
- 10pm – The Pipe Band kick off the evening
- 10:30pm – 11:55pm – Live Music in the Square
- 11:55pm – The Lone Piper on the battlements of the Dornoch Castle brings in the New Year!
- Midnight – The Fireworks!
- Midnight – 1:30am – Live music in the Square (and dancing!) resumes!
Whilst at the Street Party enjoy a tipple with the pop-up gin bar, keep the cold Scottish air at bay with some great food and remember to belt out the words to Auld Lang Syne just after midnight!
Hogmanay in Dornoch isn’t just centered around our Street Party; throughout the weekend we will have events at Dornoch Cathedral, Hogmanay dinners, first footing breakfasts, the return of the Loony Dook, New Year’s lunch, whisky tasting and much more.
More details available through Visit Dornoch
Dornoch Loony Dook
Sunday 1st January 2023, time TBC
Dornoch Beach Car Park
The Loony Dook, is a traditional Scottish event which takes place each New Year’s day. People gather together on beaches around Scotland and dive into the freezing water! What an invigorating way to bring in the New Year!!! The name “Loony Dook” is a combination of “Loony” (Crazy!!!) and “Dook”, a Scots term meaning “dip” or “bathe”.
Join us in Dornoch this New Year’s Day for a splash! If you don’t fancy joining in yourself then come and watch the brave souls taking part! There is soup and porridge available to keep warm!
Thanks to East Sutherland Rescue Association for their support in running this event.
More information available through Visit Dornoch
Thurso New Year Soakin'
Sunday 1st January 2023, time TBC
Thurso Beach
Starting in 2019, just before lockdown hit, we held our first Soakin’. It’s exactly what it sounds like, it’s a chance to get wet in the water at Thurso beach. Better known as the New Year Soakin’, we got people out early on January 1st, dressed up or not, sponsored or not, to dash into the water.
It was a brilliant success, we had plenty of folks out on the beach, and even more out to watch. It was a great wee event to mark the new year, and we absolutely loved being able to offer it, and hope to be able to continue this brilliant Thurso tradition for years to come!
More information through Thurso Community Development Trust once details confirmed
And more
Lots more Christmas and New Year events are in the planning so check out our what’s on calendar closer to December to find out about Santa visits, Christmas shopping evenings and New Year parties, to name just a few.
We hope you have a fantastic autumn and winter in Caithness and Sutherland!
The tale of the Highland Dragon: fact or fiction?
The Highlands have a rich history of fairy tales and folk lore that have intrigued and excited readers for generations with their captivating stories and magical creatures. None is perhaps more fascinating than the legend of the dragon that is said to have once stalked the Highlands.
Read