In Person

2026 Theme

Highland – Inverness, Black Isle, Easter Ross, Ross & Cromarty

Ballone Castle

12 September 2026

Ballone Castle was built in 1590 and is a late example of a Medieval Z Plan Tower House. It is a Category A Listed Building with a strong central tower with two further towers on opposite corners. The castle stands on the cliff edge looking out to sea, a mile east of Portmahomack. It was uninhabited from 1693 and gradually became derelict over three hundred years. The ruin was bought in 1990 by Lachie and Annie Stewart, who set about restoring it as a family home.

In Person

Highland – Inverness, Black Isle, Easter Ross, Ross & Cromarty

Emergency Operations Bunker - Behind the Radar

13 September 2026

A top-secret RADAR chain was constructed around Britain in the late 1930s. Three bomb-proof underground bunkers were built for the RAF in 1941 in the Raigmore Estate. Their purpose was top secret - to process RADAR signals from around the North of England, the Scottish and Irish coasts. This allowed the detection and interception of enemy bombers in the North Sea and the Atlantic. This is the single remaining bunker, the other two having been demolished. During the Cold War it was converted into a nuclear, biological and chemical hardened facility which could have been a Regional seat of Government. Until recently the bunker was used as the Council’s Emergency Centre.

In Person

2026 Theme

Highland – Inverness, Black Isle, Easter Ross, Ross & Cromarty

Fairburn Tower

5 September 2026

6 September 2026

Please note this venue is open outside of the Inverness, Black Isle, and Ross and Cromarty weekend. Open to the public on one weekend a year, Fairburn Tower is a rare survival from the Scottish Renaissance. Situated in beautiful Highland landscape, half an hour’s drive north-west of Inverness, Fairburn Tower was built around 1545 for Murdo Mackenzie, a favourite at the rich court of King James V and Mary of Guise. Information about its history and restoration will be available on site. The Landmark Trust is a leading UK building conservation charity that restores historic buildings at risk, turning them into holiday accommodation for all.

In Person

2026 Theme

Highland – Inverness, Black Isle, Easter Ross, Ross & Cromarty

Fearn Abbey

12 September 2026

Known as the 'Lamp of the North', Fearn Abbey was founded almost 800 years ago by Ferquhard MacTaggart, created the first Earl of Ross by King Alexander II. The building continued as a church after the Reformation and was Fearn Parish Church of Scotland until it closed in 2023. The Abbey has several major renovations especially after the roof collapse of 1942 but a few features of the medieval building can still be seen.

In Person

2026 Theme

Highland – Inverness, Black Isle, Easter Ross, Ross & Cromarty

Gairloch Museum

12 September 2026

Gairloch Museum is located in a converted nuclear bunker with galleries showcasing the history, culture and natural heritage of this beautiful area of the North West Highlands. Displays include the original lens from Rubh Re lighthouse, a replica croft house showing how people used to live and an interactive gallery about our magnificent natural world, midges and all!

In Person

2026 Theme

Highland – Inverness, Black Isle, Easter Ross, Ross & Cromarty

Invergordon Naval Museum & Heritage Centre

12 September 2026

13 September 2026

Invergordon is a small town with a big history. Invergordon Naval Museum & Heritage Centre includes information and exhibitions showing Invergordon Castles, HMS Natal, Naval Mutiny & hospital, Invergordon during WWI & WWII, and much more.

In Person

2026 Theme

Highland – Inverness, Black Isle, Easter Ross, Ross & Cromarty

Inverness Creative Academy - Wasps Studios

12 September 2026

13 September 2026

Inverness Creative Academy - formally the site of Inverness Royal Academy from 1895 until 1980 - was officially reopened in 2022 as the first cultural and artistic hub for the Highlands. Restored by Wasps Studios, the building now provides upwards of 60 workspaces to the artists and makers of the region. The old Assembly Hall and Gym Hall rooms have been transformed into new events spaces, hosting exhibitions, symposiums, screenings, markets and even ceilidhs. Located in the historic Crown area, Inverness Creative Academy is a short walk from the city centre.

In Person

Highland – Inverness, Black Isle, Easter Ross, Ross & Cromarty

St Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Tain

12 September 2026

Gothic Church with wide tracery, hood-moulded windows. It has a bell tower (recently rebuilt) and porch with halls and a vestry behind. The interior is of very simple satisfying design with stained glass windows. The earliest stained glass, dated 1884, was made by Ballantyne and Gardner, a well-known firm of Edinburgh stained glass makers. The later glass is by A. L. Ward in 1910 and by W. Wilson in 1955 and 1961. St. Andrew’s houses fine examples of the work of Robert ‘Mousey’ Thompson. In 1936 Robert installed a carved reredos. At the same time he fitted the altar rails. In 1967 the vestry commissioned this grandson to carve a lectern and later to fashion a pulpit.A lengthy enough mouse-hunting journey for anyone!

Highland – Inverness, Black Isle, Easter Ross, Ross & Cromarty

Tarbat Discovery Centre - St Colman's Church

12 September 2026

We are a museum and activity centre which houses over 2,000 years of local history, from Pictish carved stones and artefacts to remnants of life in modern times. Our collections also include a special exhibition titled ‘Stories on Skins’ featuring original artwork inspired by medieval manuscripts such as the Book of Kells on handmade vellum. The Discovery Centre is a great place for families, with lots of children’s activities too such as our archaeological sandpit, Viking scavenger hunt, and more.