A history of Glasgow's great roads from prehistory to the present day and why people thought that the M8 was a good idea.

]]> Our modern towns and cities have been designed around cars. In this talk we ask if walking can create a new way to see and redesign 21st century Glasgow.

]]> Discover the alchemy, science and art of drawing with light with a workshop where participants will make their own Camera Obscura.

]]> Help make a collaborative drawing to design the city of the future using an innovative method combining projection, tracing and playing with a futuristic dolls house! We'll begin to ask questions on how we could design for multigenerational living and wellbeing.

Also on display will be some provocative designs by young architectural students.

]]> An evening of 5 minute presentations from current and recently graduated Architecture students from GSA & Strathclyde on their predictions of what a city of the future might look like. Coordinated by Missing in Architecture.

]]> Many politicians world-wide are keen on their cities becoming part of the Smart City Elite. This talk will ask: How can we ensure that this race to become smart does not impoverish our cities as social and cultural places? How can we ensure that all this technology makes us more human and happy?

]]> The Scottish Ecological Design Association look back at their 2016 publication of 100 buildings exemplifying a more thoughtful response to social, economic and environmental sustainability; discussing what makes these projects a guide for better ways to make the places we live.

]]> The 2050 Climate Group educates, engages and empowers young people to take climate change actions to enable a low carbon and climate resilient Scotland. Hear about their work and vision for what Glasgow could look like in 2050.

]]> A tour of our new studio space demonstrating our careful insertion of new elements into a historic industrial interior. Experience how we use the space, how it shapes our business and supports our design culture.

]]> Visit hidden historic sites and sample food and drink from some of the best independent eateries in town with food and travel writer Andrea Pearson (The List Eating and Drinking Guide, The Herald).
The story of the city told through food and drink.
Visit hidden historic sites and sample food and drink from some of the best independent eateries in town. Check out one of the city's ancient watering holes, find out how Robert Burns is involved in the city's cafe scene and learn what part a family recipe from the Outer Hebrides played in helping to regenerate the city.
Travel through 1,000 years of the Glasgow story with food and travel writer Andrea Pearson (The List Eating and Drinking Guide, The Herald) as she leads you on a guided tour to unearth the city's past, enjoying edible illustrations along the way.
The walking element takes approximately 45 minutes with one very slight hill.

]]> Cromdale & Advie Church of Scotland is a stone built building situated on the banks of the river Spey. The church as it stands today was rebuilt on the site of a much earlier church in 1809. Built into the wall is a reused date stone dated 1602.

]]> Inverallan Church is a magnificent Neo-Gothic B Listed building donated to the Parish by the Countess of Seafield in memory of her husband, the 7th Earl, and her son, the 8th Earl. It was opened in 1886 and has many interesting artefacts and architectural features.

www.inverallanparishchurch.org.uk

]]> The Caledonian Canal, opened in 1822, was designed by Thomas Telford. The impressive Neptune's Staircase is the longest lock staircase in Britain, with a series of eight locks. Today the canal is a busy working waterway, welcoming a variety of boats. The towpaths are havens for wildlife, and are great places to explore on foot or bike.

]]> Community-owned Abernethy Old Kirk, which is Grade C-listed, dates back to the 1760s. The site dates back as a religious site to the 1180s according to a Latin manuscript.The building has a unique layout in that the pulpit in the centre of the south wall with pews in a "horseshoe" shape.

It is used for weddings, funerals, occasional worship, talks, concerts and various cultural displays and exhibitions.

WW1 exhibition displaying artefacts, war diaries, photographs and a Remembrance Tree.

Children and adults can enjoy searching for the 10 white clay mice hidden around the kirk. Information sheets, crafts, tombola, second-hand books for sale. Tea and home baking available.

www.oldkirknethybridge.org

oldkirk@nethybridge.com

]]> Here resides two former Highland Railway Company sheds, with engines and carriages dating back to the late 1800s.

]]> Castle Roy is reported to be the oldest masonry fortification in Scotland, dating from 1200 (MacGibbon and Ross 1872-1914) and is a very rare example of an unaltered building of its type.

It will remain the most accessible fortress when it opens to the public. The site is currently undergoing a consolidation that has lasted for over 25 years. However the end is in sight and the Castle Roy Trust is keen to open its doors, show the work being carried out and explain it's history.

The castle is a building site so people looking around will need to be escorted but all are welcome including children. Please dress appropriately.

www.castleroy.org.uk

Tel 01479 821370

castle.roy@nethybridge.com

]]> "Am Fasgadh" (The Shelter) is continued from founder Isabel Grant's original name for the musuem; building on her philosophy that the museum she started on the island of Iona in 1935 was a safe haven for her collection.

The collection today represents the rich and varied material and non material culture from the Highlands and Islands from the 17th century to recent times. The emphasis is on rural and domestic life.

In 2015 the museum was awarded recognised status in respect of the entire collection. Owned and funded by the Scottish Government, the Recognition Scheme formally recognises and invests in outstanding and irreplaceable collections of national significance in non-national museums and galleries in Scotland.

]]> This white church on the ski road is passed by thousands every year, very few of whom realise that it is a masterpiece. It was designed by Sir Ninian Comper (1864-1960). He was a Scot who was arguably the greatest British 20th Church Architect and who described the building as his "little gem".

Sir Ninian Comper was much admired by Betjeman (and therefore ridiculed by Pevsner) and he is buried in Westminster Abbey, for which he designed 8 stained glass windows. He was much patronised by the Scottish Episcopal churches for which her created many fittings, windows, vestments and extensions but he was responsible for only three complete churches in Scotland, at Kirriemuir, Braemar and Rothiemurchus. This little building nestles amongst the Caledonian pines with the minimum of external or internal decoration. It was consecrated in 1931 in memory of John Peter Grant, the 13th Laird of Rothiemurchus.

]]> This special service is run by volunteers with music provided by local and visiting musicians when available. it is a dedicated place to meet, chat and relax with very good chances of hearing (and joining in) traditional music. Patrons and Musicians welcome

]]> It was in 1893 when the Grantown branches of the YMCA and TWCA decided to build a suitable hall for the various meetings of both associations. by 1896 the fund had only reached £800 and it was decided to broaden the appeal and persuade the people of Grantown to make it the town's permanent memorial of the Diamond Jubilee - a scheme that met the approval of the townspeople and Queen Victoria's "most cordial approvial". The foundation stone was laid on the Diamond Jubilee day of June 22 1897.

A well received workshop was held in the fiddler's cafe in the YM community centre commonly known as 'The Institute'.

]]> IN 1853 not one byt two railway companies arrived in Grantown to what became known as Grantown East and Grantown West. Alas both lines closed after 100 years of very valuable service to the community and the closure proved very expensive to the town. Grantown East has subsequently been revitalised.

The 'railways to Grantown' project progresses and Grantown looks forward to the return of its rail service. Meanwhile, there are several fantastic modern railway layouts that deserve to be on show. With the support of the volunteers who build, maintain, look after and exhibit these, and the support of Doors Open Days, it is hoped to have these on display in Grantown for the Festival Weekend in the former Hydro shop.

]]> Railways have served Scotland for nearly 200 years. The line which ran through Grantown East, built by the Great North of Scotland Railway, opened on the 1st of July 1863. the Last train passed through here on the 2nd of November 1968.

Visitors to the Highland Heritage and Cultural Centre can view the interactive screens to learn about the history of the Speyside Line, Kilt Making, The History of the Tartan, The Highland Games and the Clydesdale Horses, or browse the shop for a unique gift or souvenir.

Come aboard, the two restaurant carriages await. In the restaurant you can enjoy one of the savoury pizzas cooked in the stone built wood oven, or why not try one of the unique sweet 'Puddin' Pizzas'. Soup nad bakery goods are also available.

Not only does Grantown East Support its own Heritage it also sponsors events such as the Fiddler of Strathspey Festival, of which it is patron.

Our restaurant has disabled access with a ramp and handles and spacious seating for wheelchairs. We do have a dedicated disabled toilet as well which is also accessible by ramp.

]]> Join us in the square for a fantastic festival day full of activities such as guided walks, a musical tour and procession, photo opportunities and much more!

For information and timings on sites and places to visit - and for information on where to find the music - see; St Columba's, Inverallen, Totally Locally Shops, Grantown Museum, Grantown, East Highlands Heritage and Cultural Centre and possibly more - details available in the marquee.

For details on the musical tours, their destinations and timings, visit Cromdale Church, Neldy Auld Kirk, Castle Roy and possibly more - see the marquee for more details.

]]> In the company of Historic Environment Scotland archaeologist Eve Boyle enjoy a rare opportunity to step inside Garvamore on Doors Open Day, a remote 18th century inn, scene of dark deeds in the years after Culloden!

We’ll then visit General Wade’s Garva Bridge, and follow some of the military road towards the Corrieyairack pass.

Stop in at Laggan Village Hall on route to the event, with refreshments and venison for sale from 10am.

The walk is graded as Moderate (over one hour in length, some gradient or rough terrain).

Event organised by the Badenoch Heritage: Bringing the Past to the 21st Century Project as part of the Badenoch Festival. Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Cairngorm National Park Authority, Transport Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The Highland Council.

Please note - there is a charge for this event - more details on Eventbrite at:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/garvamore-inn-garva-bridge-and-general-wade-tickets-68689122013?aff=eac2

]]> This church which dates from 1754-57 replaces a medieval church, part of which remains at the east end. The interior is all of 1898, by architect John Robertson who placed the pulpit to the west end, placed a very deep gallery to the east and Gothicised the vault and roof. Interesting stained glass and various murals and tombs dating from 16C. Excellent display of post-Reformation monuments.

]]> Ballone Castle was built in 1590 on the cliff edge above the raised beach, and has dramatic views out across the Moray Firth. The Dunbars from Morayshire built the original Z plan castle which was extended in 1623 by the MacKenzies to create a brew house and bakery. After the 1745 rebellion, it was soon roofless and by the mid-19th century had lost most of its fine details.It was bought in 1990 by Lachlan and Annie Stewart who set about restoring it as their family home, creating a fusion of authentic medieval with ANTA's 21st century Scottish contemporary aesthetic.

There will be guided tours every 40 minutes which don't need to be booked in advance. The gardens will also be open.

For more information, visit www.anta.co.uk or call 01862 832477.

email: sales@anta.co.uk

]]> Adjacent to Lighthouse. Station display of rescue equipment and rescue vehicle. Staff on hand to give advice. Traditional two storey building unsuitable for disabled access but vehicle and equipment on ground level.

]]> This A Listed building was completed in 1773 by George Ross, owner of the Cromarty Estate, using Government funds from lands forfeited after the unsucessful 1745 Jacobite Rising. The old Mercat Cross was moved to the front of the building just after it opened. The building was used for sittings of the Sheriff Court and other official purposes.

A high perimeter wall and cell block was added in 1847. The dome of the cupola was re-roofed by public subscription in the 1950s. The Town Council and Burgh Magistrates continued to use the building until the 1960s.

It was rescued from decay and restored in 1991 and is now run by a locally based Trust as a museum and visitor centre. The museum tells the story of Cromarty and the courtroom scene has lifelike figures with an audio enactment of a historic trial. Artefacts held in the museum date from the late Bronze Age (a newly acquired "Tress Ring") through to items donated by local people.

]]> An imposing Georgian mansion, built for George Ross of Pitkerrie soon after he acquired the Cromarty Estate in 1722 and restored by the Nightingale family since the 1960's. The architect is unknown although Ross had close links with the Adam Brothers who visited Cromarty and produced unexecuted designs for a new parish church in the town.

The guided tours are ticketed and limited to 25 visitors per tour. These have proven very popular over the years, so, to avoid disappointment, it is recommended that you go to the house on arrival in Cromarty and book your tour. You can then visit the other buildings open in Cromarty, have a coffee or lunch, visit Cromarty Potters, Gallery 48, Ingrid's House, or Gardiner and Gardiner Antiques before returning for your tour.

Tours of the house will take place at 11 am, 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm.

Limited disabled access - staff happy to assist.

nightingalecromarty@gmail.com

]]> Lying to the south east of Cromarty House are the Cromarty House Stables of 1772. After lying derelict for many years, they were restored and are now used as an arts centre and artist studios. The magnificent plaster vaulted ceiling are especially noteworthy.

As well as the splendid 18th Century building to look around there will be the Highland Book Fair Tour 2012, selling many first editions in travel, children’s, Scottish, classic Penguins, music and general interest.

 

]]> U-shaped stable and carriage house of Cromarty House, restored by the Cromarty Arts Trust. Tel: (01381) 600811

]]> Cromarty Lighthouse was built by Alan Stevenson, uncle of Robert Louis Stevenson, and operated by the Northern Lighthouse Board from 1842 until it was de-commissioned in 2005. Overlooking John Smeaton's 18th century harbour, the Lighthouse Tower, Keeper's Cottage and Old Buoy Store are now used for marine research and teaching by the University of Aberdeen.

]]> The plant collects and treats waste water from houses & business in the Culbokie area.

]]> More than 700 years ago, a parish church was built nestled next to a burn and close to the Royal Burgh of Cromarty. Now known as the East Church, the church has stood firm on the same foundations ever since, a witness to changing religious practice, ups and downs in the fortunes of the townspeople, and new building and design styles. The church today reflects many of these changes, and is both a spiritually inspiring and historically fascinating building.

The church has been described as 'the epitome of a post Reformation Church' and ranks among the eight finest examples of its type in Scotland. It is nationally significant in terms of both built and ecclesiastical heritage.

An exhibition on "Changing faith and fashion, and their influence on East Church architecture" can be seen in the vestry.

Artefacts from Cromarty East Church (which were found during the excavation of the interior when the church underwent conservation work) are on display in Cromarty Courthouse Museum (also open for DOD 2018)

Tours of the church and burial ground at 11am and 2pm

www.eastchurchcromarty.co.uk
01381 600243
cromartyeastchurch@gmail.com

]]> Edderton Old Parish Church, Easter Ross, was built in its present external form in 1743.  It is quite unique in being little changed both internally and externally since 1821.  Recently re-appraised by Historic Scotland as "A-listed" - ie of national or international importance.  Within the graveyard stands the Edderton Cross Slab dating from the 9th century. Also on display is the Edderton Ark- a portable prefabricated pulpit used in the remoter areas of the Highlands in the 19th century.

 

www.spanglefish.com/eddertonoldkirk

tel 01862 821679

defin@btinternet.com

]]>

Known as "The Lamp of the North", Fearn Abbey was at one time an expensive monastery set in ythe fertile lands of the Tarbat Peninsula. It is one of the most northerly monastic foundation in Scotland and the oldest Premonstratension foundation to exist in Scotland, and possibly the UK that is still in use for worship today.

It is a miracle that Fearn Abbey still survives. So often it has fallen into disrepair, been rebuilt, patched up and restored, yet the magnificent structure is still evident from these early times nearly 800 years ago.

Exhibition on the life of Peter Fraser, wartime Prime Minister of New Zealand, born and educated at Hill of Fearn. Quiz for children

Tours at 11am and 2pm

]]> The Charter for Lodge Fingal 318 was granted on 6 February 1826 by Lord Viscount Glenorchy.

It is interesting to note that the cost of the present building was £4,000.00. It is now insured for over £1 million.

]]> Foulis Castle is the home to the chief of the Clan Munro. The present 18C mansion incorporates parts of the 16C castle, which was burnt down during the 1745-46 Jacobite Rising. It comprises a semi-octagonal tower (1754) and a formal E-plan range (1777) Fluted frieze with rosettes in large, one and a half storey high drawing room in west wing and large dining room with good examples of 18C cast-iron grate in most of east wing. Old kitchen includes some original features and artefacts.

]]> On the north-west edge of mainland Scotland, an ugly building enjoys stunning views over Loch Gairloch and the Minch to the mountains on the Isle of Skye. From the early 1950s it played an unheralded and generally unrecognised role as an Anti-aircraft Operations Room (AAOR), part of the UK’s defence system against the anticipation of nuclear attack from Soviet Russia. That purpose redundant, it became the area civil defence centre from the mid-1960s until 1990, ready to support the continuation of government and services in the aftermath of the detonation of an atomic bomb.

From the late 1960s, it also served as the Roads Depot and the local library occupied a temporary building in the grounds but by 2012, both had found new homes and the increasingly dilapidated and forlorn monolithic concrete block blighted the landscape until the volunteers of the Gairloch Museum recognised its potential to provide them with the space and facilities for a much needed community heritage and learning centre. Thanks to the funding and grants awarded by more than 20 national, public and private organisations and an energetic local fund raising campaign, the AAOR is soon to become the new Gairloch museum.

]]> A small farm aiming to provide a variety of education and training opportunities to provide a variety of education and training opportunities with farming, countryside and the environment as contexts for learning. A simple building of Douglas fir, built using principles of sustainable construction. Post and beam framed, turf roof.

]]> A Greening Homes and Gardens exhibition hub at Findon Hall, Colbokie will showcase local suppliers of renewable technologies including biomass heating, solar water heating and electricity generation, heat pumps, domestic scale wind turbines, home insulation, home composting, vegetable growing and energy efficient boilers.

]]> Displays on "The Picts of Rosemarkie", also "The impact of the First World War on Rosemarkie, Fortrose and Avoch". There are also children's activities for all ages including Pictish rubbings and a handling table.

Groam House is a harled 18th Century white painted two storey harled town house standing gable end to the High Street in Rosemarkie. The elegant courtyard is decorated with Pictish themed mosaic panels. Since 1980, the museum has been a Centre for Pictish Art internationally known for its magnificent Rosemarkie Cross-slab and display of other Pictish carved stones made some 1200 years ago for the vibrant monastic community of Rosemarkie.

Guided tours of the permanent display of Pictish Stones in the museum. Mini exhibition on a missing part of the Rosemarkie Cross slab.

]]> Fossil Hunter, folklorist, stonemason, geologist, newspaper editor, social justice campaigner - Hugh Miller was one of the great Scots of the 19th Century. His quests and writings have left a huge legacy of knowledge but as the two adjacent properties testify, he came from ordinary beginnings. The thatched cottage where Hugh was born in 1802 was built by Hughs's pirate grandfather, while the handsome Georgian villa, now an interactive museum, was built by his father.

Outside Miller's yard Garden of Wonders is a stunning place to explore the stones and fossils of Miller's natural world while next door the gardens of the Birthplace include a working cobble courtyard, a beautiful cottage garden and a Garden Room - Space for Reflection.

]]> Inverasdale Primary School is a beautiful Victorian building recently declared redundant by Highland Council because of its falling roll. It has a stunning location overlooking the west coast of Loch Ewe in Wester Ross. Its current fascinating exhibition of over 100 years of schooling includes many photographs and artefacts.

Part of the school contains a wonderful exhibition designed by the Russian Arctic Convoy Museum Project. Memorabilia, maps, artefacts and small shop offer a unique picture of the involvement of the armed forces and the community in the vital convoys to Russia during WWII.

]]> Visit the historic Kincardine former parish church with its unique ceiling. There is also a graveyard with several interesting grave slabs. See the Kincardine Pictish gravemarker and hear the latest discoveries which the Kyle of Sutherland Heritage Society has made about its history.

]]> Lodge Seaforth was raised in 1897 and first met in what is now the Anderson Hotel. It moved two years later to the Old Academy building in Seaforth Place, remained there until 1943 when it took occupancy of the Chapter House in the Cathedral. The Lodge used the Chapter House until 21st September 1973 when it moved into its current house.

The building hosts a Lodge Room used by both Lodge Seaforth and Lodge Allan Wilson.

]]> The Macdonald Memorial by architect, James Sandford Kay, Glasgow and dated 1907 is a tall Scottish Baronial tower erected to the memory of Hector Macdonald, the son of a Black Isle crofter and a much respected man who had a brilliant and distinguished career.

This imposing monument built by public subscription and situated on Mitchell Hill offers the visitor magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Mitchell Hill was named after John Mitchell, who was appointed Provost of Dingwall in 1870.

]]> The 1.6m sewage treatment facilities collect and treat wastewater from houses and businesses in the Muir of Ord area using modern technology combined with micro-biological processes to treat waste to a much greater standard than was previously achieved and exceeds current European legislation.

]]> Edderton Old Parish Church in Easter Ross was built in its present external form in 1743. It is unique in being little changed both internally and externally since 1821. Historic Scotland recently re-appraised it as "A-listed" - ie it is of national or international importance.

Within the graveyard stands the Edderton Cross Slab dating from the 9th century. The Edderton Ark - a portable prefabricated pulpit used in the remoter areas of the Highlands in the 19th century - is also on display.

]]> This delightful Arts and Crafts period building was built in the late nineteenth century as offices for the renowned architectural practice of Andrew Maitland and Sons.

The decorative oak frame structure is complemented by etched, stained and painted glass windows. The interior spaces are light and lofty with cam ceiling and original joinery features.

]]> There has been a lifeboat station in the Moray Firth sign 1878 although the station at Invergordon opened in 1974.

Invergorgon Lifeboat Station operates an all-weather Trent class lifeboat. With its ability to operate safely in all weathers and to inherently self-right, the Trent class is ideally suited for search and rescue in the Cromarty Firth , as well as further out to sea in the vast Moray Firth. The lifeboat is moored afloat adjacent to a pontoon, enabling it to rise up and down with the tide giving the crew safe access at all states of the tide.

]]> The Kessock Station, which was designed by local architect Campbell Ross was officially opened in June 2002, when a naming ceremony wa held for the new inshore B class Atlantic 75 lifeboat, Moray Dolphin.  As well as the boat, the Station houses facilities for repair and maintenance and a general purpose crew room which has a panoramic view from its balcony to the Firth and Kessock Bridge.

]]> The Lodge of Freemasons in Cromarty was established in 1774 and named after its founder Donald Robertson. The present building opened in 1914 following a revival of the Freemasons in Cromarty under John Thomson. A carved stone taken from the earlier lodge in Bank Street, and incorporated into this, is said to have been carved by Hugh Miller.

]]> Pavilion: A very recent and successful restoration project by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, the original pavilion building by W C Joass was intended as the social focus of the Victorian Spa resort. Funding from Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland among others.

]]> St Clement’s Parish Church of Dingwall was built in 1800-03 and is 'A-listed'. It is the only A listed building in Dingwall and is still used for weekly worship. The church is unique not only for it's rare architectural styles but that it's Front is at "The Back".

Architect and contractor, George Burn of Haddington. Sits in historic kirkyard in which is ruinous St Clement's Aisle, built in 1529 on north wall of medieval kirk demolished in 1800. Interior re-modelled 1875 by W C Joass. Jacobean style pulpit with sounding board and interesting stained glass windows.

]]> The Upper Pump Room, Strathpeffer, built in 1839, is the only one remaining of the two pump rooms that provided Spa water treatments to the hundreds of people who travelled from far and wide to receive various therapies to relieve their ailments. Restored over ten years ago, visitors can see it’s architectural splendour and exhibition about the Spa and Strathpeffer village. The Real Sweets Company at The Pump Room now manage the building and exhibits and have a Victorian style sweetshop, as well as art and craft exhibits and sales.

]]> The French Renaissance style former Town Hall by Andrew Maitland and Sons, 1874-76 was converted for use as Picture house/Cinema in the 1920s. The building features painted portraits on the walls and has interesting panelling.

Tain Heritage Trust, a local charitable group set up to restore old community buildings in Tain have secured funding to carry out essential repairs to make the former Town Hall wind and water tight. The group are now working on raising the major capital funding to enable the building to be restored to its former glory.

]]> Tarbat Discovery Centre sits on the site of one of the most exciting recent finds in Scotland, a Pictish monastic settlement dating from the 7th century.  Nothing like it has been found elsewhere and archaeology has revealed an array of workshops devoted to the manufacture of precious metal objects, glasswork and the process of producing vellum from calfskins and then into the finest illuminated manuscripts.

]]> One of Scotland's tallest land-based lighthouses, standing 41m high, with 203 steps to the top. Red and white striped tower with machicolated parapet walk around a domed lantern. The lighthouse was engineered by Robert Stevenson (grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson) in 1830 and is operated and maintained by the Northern Lighthouse Board.

]]> Ullapool Museum is an architectural gem. It was designed as one of Thomas Telforld's Parliamentary Churches and built in 1829. Ullapool Museum Trust preserved and restored the building and it opened as a museum in 1995.

This year Ullapool Museum celebrates Scotland's Year of Architecture. Innovation and Design with a spotlight on Sis John Fowler, architect of the Forth Rail Bridge and sometime resident of Lochbroom.

]]> The Glass Studio at 5 Bank Street was built in 2016 to provide a unique space for glass designer and maker, Emma Nightingale to create her innovative pieces of kiln formed glass. The studio has enabled Emma to increase production and develop larger scale works including architectural glass for kitchens and bathrooms (splashbacks and wall panels) alongside her portfolio of platters, vessels and sculptural pieces.

The challenges in planning and creating the building included designing a building that would satisfy listed building consent and conservation requirements whilst at the same time providing a space that would work from a glassmaking perspective. The Glass Studio is a one room space - the owner and artist, Emma Nightingale will be available to provide a short overview of the project and the challenges it presented.

Some of her kiln formed glass pieces together with architectural glass samples will be displayed in the studio.

www.emmanightingaleglass.co.uk

]]> The church stands in the old graveyard on the Braehead in Avoch. The earliest record of a church on this site is 1493, then a second church was built in 1670 followed by this church built in 1870 as the first two were destroyed by fire. The first two churches were built from North to South so it was suggested that the third church was built East to West and perhaps the change would bring better fortune!

The church is a traditional style church with spire and bell tower. It features seven beautiful stained glass windows including work by Barnett of Newcastle and a historic pipe organ built by J R Miller of Dundee in 1907.

]]> The medieval buildings at Kirkmichael were originally a pre-Reformation church, becoming a post-Reformation kirk until it was replaced in 1769. The buildings have survived as mausoleum from that date, although requiring to be restored in a major project over 2016/17. The nave mausoleum now houses a unique display of pre-Reformation ornate medieval gravestones. The site contains an external mausoleum of great heritage interest.

Guided tours on Saturday and Sunday at 12noon and 3pm.

On Saturday at 10am there will be the uncovering of a grave slab not seen for 100s of years.

"Small finds" display in the nave from noon till 4pm

]]> Clachan has been a place of continual worship for 800 years although the current church dates from 1817. It has been at the heart of some of Scotland’s most iconic history.

Clachans lairds, the Mackenzie’s of Ballone, lost land and fortune fighting for the Stuart Kings. Oliver Cromwell’s and “Butcher” Cumberland’s troops each laid waste to farmland around Clachan Church.

In 1746 Clachans minister rescued Jacobite prisoners from death and deportation. The Mackenzie monuments can be seen in the graveyard.

In 1773 emigrants from Lochbroom sailed in the ‘Hector’ to Pictou, Nova Scotia. Communion was held outside the church before they were rowed out to the ship anchored in Loch Broom. The two communities retain strong links to this day.

The 1820s saw many townships around Clachan cleared to make way for sheep. Clachans then minister, Thomas Ross, allowed those cleared to settle and build new homes on glebe land.

The Church was purchased by the local community in 2018 and extensive renovations are planned over the next 5 years.

]]> This historic site has origins dating back to c1296 when Nigg church ran East to West. During the Reformation of 1560 the altar was removed and a central pulpit added. Rebuilt in 1626 with the addition of a north aisle, and later in 1729 with the further addition of three lofts (galleries). Nigg Old Church is a fine example of a post Reformation T - shaped Scottish Parish Church. The richly carved Nigg Cross Slab is housed at the west end of the church. Above the Cross Slab is the poor loft, which, partitioned off in 1853, is now accessible to visitors. The church was the starting point for the religious revival which began in 1739 and was to influence much of the north of Scotland.

Nigg Old Church is enjoyed today by visitors from all over the world as a calm and special place and on Christmas Eve, filled with local families singing carols at the atmospheric candlelight service.

]]> The history of the fishing industry in Lybster, at one time the third largest herring port in Scotland, are brought to life in a fascinating exhibition.

]]> The Clan Gunn Heritage Centre is housed in the Old Parish Church, Latheron, just off the A99 to Wick and displays a fascinating exhibition describing the history of the Clan Gunn from its Norse origins to the present day against the history of the north of Scotland.

The exhibition also includes an account of the reputed expedition of the Earl of Orkney to North America 90 years before Columbus.

]]> Located in the Old School, Dunbeath Heritage Centre is an open door to the rich past of a Caithness strath and the landscape of Neil Gunn's Highland River and Silver Darlings.

There is an exhibition about the Wag of Forse archaeological site, art installations, a bookshop, and a chance to view documents held within our Neil Gunn Society Archive.

]]> The only wastewater treatment plant in the Wick operational area. It treats sewage from the village of Halkirk and receives and treats sewage sludge from septic tanks around Caithness and part of Sutherland.

]]> Ecclesiastical sixties architecture at its best, dignified and modern.

]]> Dunbeath Preservation Trust's historic harbour buildings.

]]> Tells the story of the pioneering work carried out at the site over the last fifty years and how UKAEA is working with the community to establish Caithness as a global centre of excellence in nuclear decommissioning.

]]> Newly opened refurbished farm buildings.

]]> Mary Ann's Cottage presents a croft history from 1850 of one family's life over three generations. Mary Ann's grandfather, John built the cottage. The croft was worked on by him, his son William, then his granddaughter Mary Ann and her husband James Calder

]]> An exhibition of the WWII plans of Burifa Hill and Dunnet Head, a photographic archive relating to Brough Bay, letters from personnel stationed at both sites and a slide show prepared by the Historical Radar Archive, Peebles.

 

]]> The walled garden was dear to the Queen Mother's heart and represents a real triumph over the neglect of time and the onslaught of the elements. Within the shelter of The Great Wall of Mey, a traditional Scottish rose garden has been lovingly created.

]]> Viking heritage, and the work of local sculptor and archaeologist John Nicolson (c 1843-1934).

]]> You can learn how to research your family tree using our archive and genealogy material and view our exhibition of documents and local artwork in the St Fergus Gallery.

]]> In 1803 the British Fisheries Society bought 390 acres on the south side of the the mouth of Wick River. Here Thomas Telford created a new model town, the harbour, and the world's first industrial estate. It is named after Telford's great patron, Sir William Johnstone Pulteney, then Governor of the British Fisheries Society. The Black Steps connected the lower and upper parts of the town and were painted by L S Lowry in 1937.

]]> Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, a wild and romantic ruin with a turbulent past sitting on a precipitous promontory, finally giving up its secrets to archaeologists as this season's excavations come a close.

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