Discover inspiration around every corner
Creative Makers
With beauty and inspiration around every corner, it’s no wonder the North Highlands has sparked so much incredible creativity. From bespoke jewellery and striking paintings to breathtaking photography and traditional textiles, there’s a form of artistry to captivate every visitor.
Whether you’re looking to take home a unique piece of the North Highland art scene or simply want to explore how others interpret the region through their craft, you’ll find a wealth of art shops, galleries, and museums. Each one celebrates the work of our talented creative makers and their own unique connection to this inspiring corner of Scotland.
Sutherland Caledonian Pipe Band at Rogart Gala, image by Niamh Ross Photography
Live Music
The North Highlands is brimming with home-grown talent, with musicians who are making their mark far beyond our shores. Our musical landscape is as varied as the region itself – from the atmospheric indie soundscapes of Neon Waltz to country performers like Brandon McPhee, alongside countless excellent live musicians.
Experience the thrill of a pipe band parade, dance the night away at a Saturday-night ceilidh, or slip into one of our welcoming pubs for an intimate ‘bring your own instrument’ session. And each summer, Tunes by the Dunes brings an eclectic mix of performers to the stunning coastal village of Dunnet – a highlight no music lover should miss.
Events & Festivals
The North Highlands are alive with celebration, connection and community, thanks to a vibrant year-round calendar of festivals and events.
Summer bursts into life with our traditional County Shows and Highland Games – a fantastic window into Highland culture, past and present. Highland Games combine athletic prowess, music and pageantry: from caber tossing and hammer throwing to pipe band marches and Highland dancing. The Mey Games continues to enjoy Royal Patronage, while others take place across the region, from Halkirk to Dornoch and Lochinver.
Our annual County Shows bring prize-winning livestock, handmade crafts and delicious local produce, while village galas draw thousands of visitors, each one showcasing the warmth and spirit of our communities.
And the fun doesn’t end with summer. As the nights grow cooler, the region comes alive with cosy pub nights, intimate music and theatre performances, festive Christmas fairs and food and drink celebrations such as Taste North – a wonderful showcase of our exceptional local produce.
Folklore & stories
The North Highlands are alive with stories and folklore, woven through generations and forming the heart of our rich, vibrant culture.
Tales once whispered by the fireside hundreds of years ago are still shared today, from kelpies and selkies to mermaids and the mysterious Blue Men of the Minch. And of course, you might just hear a playful warning about the elusive wild haggis!
As you explore our castles and dramatic historic sites, you’ll find legends lurking in the shadows, from phantom footsteps echoing around Dunrobin Castle to the wandering spirit of the Green Lady at the Castle of Mey, you won’t have to do much hunting for a good ghost story!
Locals love sharing these stories with visitors, whether through books, guided tours, or dedicated storytelling events. From story-telling evenings at Timespan Museum to intimate sessions in a cosy pub. No matter what your age, you’ll have countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the myths and legends that give the North Highlands its magic.
LITERATURE
The North Highlands has long inspired writers with its big skies, rugged coastlines and powerful sense of place. From the lyrical prose of Neil M. Gunn, born in Dunbeath and one of Scotland’s most celebrated novelists of the 20th century, to the powerful poetry and storytelling of George Gunn, the far north has shaped some of the most distinctive voices in Scottish literature.
Contemporary authors continue this tradition, drawing on the region’s landscapes, histories and communities to tell stories that resonate far beyond the Highlands. This rich literary heritage is celebrated each year at the John o’ Groats Book Festival, where readers, writers and curious visitors gather for author talks, workshops, readings and conversations. The festival brings together established names and emerging local talent in a warm, intimate setting at the very tip of the UK mainland.
aRTS & THEATRE
The North Highlands boasts a thriving arts scene, where creativity flourishes in some of the most distinctive cultural spaces in Scotland.
Lyth Arts Centre, tucked into the Caithness countryside, is renowned as the UK’s most northerly arts venue and hosts an ambitious year-round programme of theatre, dance, music and visual art. In Helmsdale, Timespan blends contemporary art with local history and heritage, offering exhibitions, residencies and events that connect global ideas with the unique stories of the far north. Meanwhile, Waterlines in Lybster brings maritime history and the arts together on the harbour, showcasing exhibitions, workshops and community projects inspired by the area’s fishing heritage.
The region is also home to a lively tradition of community theatre. Wick Players and Thurso Players have entertained generations with high-quality productions, including their much-loved annual pantomimes, which have earned national recognition for their imagination and talent.
From cutting-edge contemporary art to grassroots theatre and heritage-inspired creativity, Caithness and Sutherland offer an arts landscape as bold, surprising and characterful as the region itself.
North Coast Watersports
You can explore a vibrant mix of live music, theatre, comedy, and festivals throughout the year. From intimate pub sessions to large-scale events in halls and cathedrals, the region offers something for every taste. Find out more about upcoming events on our What’s On page.
The region hosts annual events including Highland Games and agricultural shows, gala weeks in the summer, music festivals like Tunes by the Dunes, and festive Christmas markets. Events run year-round and celebrate everything from our delicious food and drink to our history, crafts and community spirit.
Venues like Lyth Arts Centre and Lairg Learning Centre offer creative workshops in many different disciplines. Community-led classes and pop-up sessions are also common. Makers and artists may also offer private workshops.
It depends on the event. Some events and experiences take place in venues with limited capacity. Public events like agricultural shows do not require you to book tickets. Check individual event details and contact the organisers to book places or find more information.