WHAT’S ON: Festive spirit in the air with craft fairs, ceilidhs, markets and more across Sutherland this coming week
What’s on in Sutherland this week?
TODAY/TONIGHT
LECTURE AND WORKSHOPS
Writer, Gaelic broadcaster and environmental consultant Ruaridh Maclean is giving a lecture on cultural and environmental sites in the Scottish Highlands at Bettyhill Library 2pm-3pm followed by a workshop on the placenames of Strathnaver and surrounding area 3.30pm-4pm. Free events but donations welcomed. Booking required for the workshop, email: bettyhill.library@highlifehighland.com or phone: 01641 521754
CHRISTMAS FAIR
Elphin Festive Fair at Elphin Community Hall 4pm-8pm and also tomorrow 10am-3pm. A wonderful selection of art, craft and food stalls.
SCHOOL CEILIDH
Lairg Primary School PTA St Andrew's Day ceilidh in Lairg Community Centre 7pm-10pm. All funds raised to Lairg Primary School PTA.
ST ANDREWS CELEBRATION
A celebration of Scottishness at Meikle Ferry Station 7.30pm. Enjoy an evening of traditional food and music while helping the Rotary Club of Tain and Easter Ross raise funds for the ongoing support of local groups and charities. Piper Gillian Sutherland will welcome guests from 6.30pm. Harpist and singer Jennifer Port will provide the musical entertainment from 7pm. Tickets £20. For more information and to book a place, call 01862 222011 or email: info@meikleferrystation.com or message Meikle Ferry Station on its Facebook page.
MEDIUMSHIP
A Night of Mediumship with Pamela Duff at Bunillidh Sports Club 7.30pm-9.30pm. £15; tickets from Glencoast shop or email:bunillidhscoialclub@outlook.com
TOMORROW
St ANDREW'S FAIR
Festivities in Dornoch at four venues from 10am-3pm. There will be an indoor market in Dornoch Hub (10am-3pm) and an outdoor market at Dornoch South Coach and Car Park (10am-2pm) Also 25 stalls at Dornoch Social Club and Santa's Grotto at Dornoch Academy.
COMMUNITY CINEMA
Timespan community cinema 11am-1pm. Two documentaries that explore the state of the fishing industry in the 1980s will be screened. Discussion afterwards from 2pm-3pm.
COFFEE MORNING
Coffee morning and craft fayre at Clyne Church, Brora from 10am. Guess the weight of the cake, how many sweets in jar, baking stall and raffle. Entry £4.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Christmas craft fair at Kildonan Village Hall 11am-4pm. Christmas gifts, cards, crafts and decorations. Free teas, coffees and mince pies if you buy.
FOOD AND GIFTS
The Kyle of Tongue hostel is open tomorrow, Sunday and Monday from 11am till 4pm with food and gifts on offer. All welcome.
FIREFEST
The Stoer Bistro and Bar, Bettyhill, in partnership with ARL Agri are once again holding a Firefest at the war memorial car park in Bettyhill from 3pm. Switching on of the village's Christmas tree lights, Christmas carols, entertainment by local band Echo, stalls and tastings, bar and cocktails.
SHOPPING EVENT
Brora village Christmas shopping evening 6pm-9pm. Free raffle; mulled wine and mince pies.
CULRAIN LIGHTS SWITCH-ON
Culrain Hall Christmas tree lights switch-on 6pm. 12 days of Christmas auction; carol singing; Christmas hamper raffle; mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies, hot dogs and baked potatoes.
PUB QUIZ
Pub Quiz at the Crask Inn. A fundraiser in aid of the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 1
SANTA FUN RUN
Santa Fun Run at Bonar Bridge 11am-12pm. Starts and finishes at the Kyle of Sutherland Hub.
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Christmas market at the Golspie Inn from 10am. All proceeds to local charities.
CHRISTMAS FAIR
Ardgay Hall Christmas Fair from 2pm. Gledfield Primary School carol singing, Santa's Grotto, crafts and food stalls, games. Refreshment Cafe by the Ladybird Club.
OPEN DAY
Community Open Day at Assynt Leisure, Lochinver, from 10am-4pm. Arts and crafts, archery and games, indoor rowing challenge. Primary School tombola. Soup, sandwiches, cakes and drinks. A fundraiser for Assynt Leisure.
MONDAY DECEMBER 2
BINGO
Family bingo with Santa at the Kyle of Sutherland Hub 3.15pm-4.30pm. Fantastic prizes. Free event but booking essential.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 3
CAROL SERVICE
Christmas carol service at Durness Village Hall 6.30pm. In aid of Highland Hospice. Refreshments available.
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4
WHIST DRIVE
Kyle of Sutherland Whist Club whist drive in Bonar Bridge community hall 7.30pm. Entry £2 includes tea. In aid of the Gala Week.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Brandon McPhee Trio Christmas concert with Manson Grant at Strathy Village Hall 7.30pm. Tickets £16 from Bettyhill and Melvich chop or ring Carole-Anne on: 07801 063021,or online at www.panrecords.co.uk
