If you haven’t been to the north Highlands of late, now is a perfect time to revisit as, over the next three weekends, there are several rather special events taking place as part of the Wild North Festival 2014.
From seashore safaris and surfing to dolphin watching and ceilidhs, visitors to the area have more opportunities than ever before to see just what this part of the world has to offer.
Running from Friday, August 29, until Sunday, September 14, and organised by the North Highland Initiative, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the festival takes place over three weekends, each with a different theme.
The first, August 29-31, is deemed the Wild Weekend, and takes place in the Dunnet and Castletown area of Caithness.
This is aimed at all ages, with events including survival skills in Dunnet Forest, whale watching at Dunnet Head, the chance for children to spot animals and the opportunity to learn archaeology.
Maritime Madness is on the cards for the second weekend of the festival (September 5-7), when the coastline is showcased through experiences like surfing lessons and a surf competition, Viking storytelling, a seashore safari and tidal-pool art.
The festival comes to a climax with the East Coast Adventure Weekend (September 12-14), taking place across the east Sutherland coast.
The adventurous weekend starts off with several geocache events and comes to an end with activities like fossil hunting and gold panning.
Other events include RSPB guided walks, an
archaeology training day and a lantern procession, with more being added to the calendar all the time.
Contact: www.northhighlandsscotland.com/wildnorth/