Dates for your diary

[LAND OWNERSHIP] NEW LIFE FOR CLEARED VILLAGE

Community groups in the north Highlands are considering a land buyout, which could bring people back to land last inhabited over 200 years ago when its residents were forced out.

The North Sutherland Community Forest Trust (NSCFT), Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra Community Council, Strathnaver Museum and North Sutherland Wildlife Group are considering a buyout of Rosal, a village, which was cleared between 1814 and 1818 during the notorious Sutherland Clearances (as outlined in issues 116 and 117 of Scotland). One idea being discussed is the creation of a new settlement on land near the cleared village.

Speaking to The Scotsman, Jim Johnston, of Bettyhill, Strathnaver and Altnaharra Community Council said: “There is a huge amount of land in the Highlands which was depopulated and remains depopulated which could be given over to the opportunity for people living on the land once again.”

© VISIT SCOTLAND/KENNY LAM/KATHI KAMLEITNER/EWAN WEATHERSPOON PHOTOGRAPHER/NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND

[CELEBRATIONS] MAGICAL MEMORIES

Twenty-five years ago, Paul and Katriona Goode felt like king and queen of the castle when they got married in the ballroom at Floors Castle, so when Covid-19 put paid to silver anniversary plans for a big get-together or special holiday, they decided to return.

Katriona said: “We wrote to The Duke asking whether this would be possible, and he and the estate have been as welcoming as ever. We were utterly thrilled to be given champagne by a butler and to receive a gift to mark the occasion.”.

The Duke of Roxburghe said: “We’re all very happy that Katriona and Paul wanted to celebrate their anniversary back at Floors. They and their family have our warmest congratulations and we hope they have enjoyed another memorable day at Floors.” floorscastle.com

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

As the world slowly reopens, here are some forthcoming events you might want to mark on your calendar

SCOTLAND

1-4 October 2021

CULZEAN BY THE SEA, AYRSHIRE

A new willow sculpture trail has opened around Culzean Castle & Country Park as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21. nts.org.uk

15-31 October 2021

ALFRED DUNHILL LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP, ANGUS & FIFE

Watch your golfing stars at this hotly anticipated European Tour event. alfreddunhilllinks.com

Until 16 October 2021

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL, EDINBURGH

Celebrate the joy of storytelling, oral traditions and cultural diversity. The 2021 programme will be announced in September. www.sisf.org.uk

31 October 2021

CINESCAPES 2021, VARIOUS VENUES

A touring film festival showing the best Scottish-themed films ever produced. cinescapes.co.uk

2-7 November 2021

BELTANE FIRE SOCIETY’S SAMHUINN 2021, EDINBURGH

Witnesses to this fiery spectacular must register in advance by getting a ticket. beltane.org

27 November 2021

THE BAILLIE GIFFORD BORDERS BOOK FESTIVAL, SCOTTISH BORDERS

Baillie Gifford’s sparkling cast of authors and stars of stage and screen will speak from the glorious setting of Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott. bordersbookfestival.org US & CANADA

2 October 2021

SCOTLAND COUNTY HIGHLAND GAMES, NC

Advance tickets are on sale for this Highland games, which offers the full spectrum of events. carolina-highlandgames. com

15-17 October 2021

OKLAHOMA HIGHLAND GATHERING, OK

This Highland games kicks off with a Scottish fire festival and ceilidh on the Friday night. Among the usual attractions, there are clan tents, genealogy researchers, a crofters’ village and Gaelic lessons and readings. unitedscotsok.com

30-31 October 2021

RICHMOND HIGHLAND GAMES, VA

From whisky tasting to the harp, fiddle and Gaelic song tent, this event has it all. More details coming soon. vacelticfestival.com

6-7 November 2021

AUSTIN CELTIC FESTIVAL, TX

The host of the 2021 Scottish Highland Games Masters World Championships. More details to come. austincelticfestival.com