Guest post by A Highland Blend
We are so fortunate to have a multitude of businesses and organisations in our region who work together to showcase each other to visitors. When you venture north to Caithness and Sutherland, you’re likely to see a combination of amazing ingredients, hardworking producers, inventive creatives, and professional hospitality providers!
Here’s my rundown of ways in which you can experience them while on your travels:
1. Keep an eye out on Venture North’s what’s on page for the latest events. As well as annual and well-loved events right across the region, look out for new festivals, such as The Far North Spirits and Beer Festival; a celebration of our fantastic spirits and brews produced in the far north of the Scottish Highlands.
The inaugural festival is coming up in November 2022 and features a programme of exciting events, designed to immerse you in the ways in which our local spirits and brews are intrinsically part of our region's scenery, history, heritage, stories, and of course how they pair with our locally produced food!
- 11 November – “Nancy’s Whisky Show” storytelling and tastings with Dunnet Bay Distillers
- 12 November – Gin and chocolate tasting with Dunnet Bay Distillers and Caithness Chocolate
- 17 November – Gin and rum tasting with Bin Ends & The Whisky Cellar and Ice & Fire Distillery
- 18 November - Cocktail masterclass with North Point Distillery
- 20 November – “Tales and Tipples” with 8 Doors Distillery and John O’Groats Brewery
Find out more via The Far North Spirits and Beer Festival Facebook page
2. If you have a favourite distillery or brewery in mind to visit, it’s always worth ringing ahead to book your tour/tasting experience. If you prefer gin over whisky or vice versa, why not create your own spirit trail across Caithness and Sutherland? Any of the friendly staff based at the distilleries or breweries will be happy to advise you on where you can make your next stop to taste the best of the area.
3. Lyth Arts Centre organise programmes of world-class touring music, film, art and theatre, not only in Lyth itself but in various venues across Caithness and the north of Sutherland, as well as collaborating with local artists to deliver creative opportunities for all ages. Take a look at their site to see What’s On.
4. If you’re looking for a high-energy break on the water, North Coast Watersports partner with some wonderful accommodation, tour operators and restaurants to offer a range of surf retreats on the North Coast of Sutherland and Caithness.
5. Above and Beyond Tours offer ‘Taste & Tipple’ tours – a day-tour itinerary which is completely bespoke to your interests, and takes in the best of Caithness food and drink according to your preferences. They even provide a pick up/drop off service from your accommodation, so you don’t have to decide on a designated driver!
About the author: A Highland Blend offers digital marketing and administration support for businesses in the North Highlands. Susan also loves to promote the Northern Highlands and writes extensively about the best places to visit on her blog.
