There are some events in this world that just make you think ‘only in the Highlands and islands’.
From stone skimming championships to World Sheepdog Trials – there are some events held in the north that you just won’t find anywhere else.
So, to mark the Press and Journal’s sponsorship of the upcoming World Sheepdog Trials near Tain, here are six events you really will only find in the north of Scotland.
World Sheepdog Trials, Tain, September 3-6
Remember One Man and His Dog? The tension as Spot tried to herd that last pesky sheep into the pen? Well, get ready for the live show.
Sponsored by the Press and Journal for the first time, the best sheepdogs from across the globe will be taking part in these international trials. Around 240 dogs will compete, with teams from South Africa and Spain featuring for the first time.
But it’s not all about the dogs – a total of 700 ewes are lined up for the competitions.
World Stone-skimming Championships, Easdale Island, September 28
Tiny Easdale Island has won widespread fame for its annual event. Once at the centre of the Scottish slate mining industry, now one of the disused quarries is the arena for the fierce competition.
The championships originally started in 1983 but were resurrected in 1997 by Eilean Eisdeal, the island’s community development group. More than 300 people enter the different categories – which include a special Old Tosser section for those veteran skimmers.
Shetland Wool Week, Shetland, October 4-12
The popularity of knitting has been increasing in recent years and Shetland Wool Week is a celebration of everything woolly.
Now in its fifth year, the event includes exhibitions and classes covering everything you’ve ever wanted to know about weaving, spinning, dyeing, Fair Isle and lace knitting. Go to Shetland Wool Week and you’ll never be cold again.
This year’s patron is Hazel Tindall, who has twice held of the title of the world’s fastest knitter. She completed 262 stitches in three minutes.
World Porridge Making Championships, Carrbridge, October 4
A classic Scottish breakfast turned into a competitive spectator sport. This contest in the Cairngorms National Park is now in its 21st year and attracts participants from all over the world.
The winner takes home the coveted Golden Spurtle – the tool used to stir porridge. Two categories – traditional and speciality – test every chef’s skills.
Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, January 27, 2015
Vikings, burning boats, fantastic costumes, drinking – what more could anyone wish from a festival? Yes, Up Helly Aa is one of the most striking events on the islands’ calendar.
Hundreds of hours of work goes into creating the Jarl squad’s suits, building the boat and crafting the torches that will eventually burn it down.
Up Helly Aa in Shetland is Europe’s biggest fire festival and takes place on the last Tuesday of January each year.
Around 900 “guizers”, wearing winged helmets, sheepskins and carrying axes and shields march through the streets of Lerwick to recreate its ancient past.
Shetland and neighbouring Orkney were ruled by the Norse for about 500 years until they became part of Scotland in 1468.
Sleddog rally, Glenmore Forest, near Aviemore, January tbc
The third event on our list to feature man’s best friend. And this time the action is fast and furious. Hundreds of huskies race around the forests of Glenmore every year, filling the Cairngorms with the sound of barking.
And every year participants – and spectators – keep their fingers crossed for snow so that the dogs can pull sleds rather than their three-wheeled rigs.