16 September 2023

Survey and Excavation at Hilton of Cadboll, on the Seaboard peninsular to investigate anomalies previous identified by geophysical survey. Project run by Hilton Historic Trust and HES, with excavation led by Cathy MacIver of AOC. There is also an open public day, Saturday 16th September.

If you are interested in taking part, contact Richard Strachan of HES: richard.strachan@hes.scot

16 September 2023

John o'Groats Mill will be open for Doors Open Day. Please check https://www.facebook.com/johnogroatsmill/ for up-to-date booking requirements. Further details also on Doors Open Day website.

Not normally open to the public, the John O'Groats Mill is almost certainly the last water powered grain mill to be built in Scotland. Passed down through many generations of the Houston family, it was still in use fifty years after all other Caithness Mills. It finally stopped milling in 2001 on the sudden death of the last miller. Still completely intact it’s a time capsule, exactly as it was over a hundred years ago.

The John O'Groats Mill will be offering a chance to see round the historic B listed building on tours held throughout the day.  An exhibition will provide updates on the project to bring the mill back into working order as a heritage visitor attraction and community venue, including recent works to restore the mill pond.  

16 September 2023

As part of Doors Open Day, Dunbeath Icehouse and Salmon Bothy will be open on 16th & 17th September 11am - 3pm. No booking required. Further details on the Doors Open Days website.

16 September 2023

Doors Open Day opening of Halkirk Heritage & Vintage Motor Society. No booking necessary

Displays of vintage vehicles, car mascots and other associated motoring memorabilia. A variety of vintage books, photographs, posters, magazines and heritage items of local interest will be available on display in the exhibition room which this year is dedicated to the commemoration of the centenary of the war memorial along with displays, photographs, and models relating to WW1 and various WW2 items; reading room and heritage room. 

The Heritage area contains farming and joinery items, along with the story of peat and its extraction.  Other items on display include a huge collection of radios from its early days to the modern era. 

16 September 2023

Open Day at Old St Peter's Kirk, Thurso, part of Doors Open Day. No booking needed. Further details on Doors Open Day website.

There have been many additions to the church over the centuries until it was closed to worship in 1832. Although now roofless and in ruins it is still a hidden gem with a serene atmosphere of its own protecting secrets within its walls.

Please note: the graveyard has very narrow gravel paths in some areas and access to the inner church is stepped down with no handrails.  Every assistance will be given but there may be issues for those with impaired mobility to enjoy the entire venue.

Society members will be present to give tours and more information.

16 September 2023

Open day at Thrumster Station and Thrumster House, part of Doors Open Day. No booking necessary. Further details from the Doors Open Day website.

Come along and visit the last surviving station on the now defunct Wick - Lybster Light Railway. It was restored by Yarrows Heritage Trust in 2011. The Yarrows Trust exists to promote and conserve all aspects of our natural and built heritage, and to provide educational opportunities to local people and further afield. Thrumster House is a small Victorian laird's house that was extensively restored in 1865.

16 September 2023

Open Day at St Andrew's Parish Church, Golspie, part of Doors Open Day. No booking necessary. Further information on the Doors Open Day website.

Historic Parish Church built in 1737 and largely unchanged since then; featuring box pews, bespoke carved pulpit, canopy and sounding board and laird's loft.  One of the finest examples of a Georgian parish church in Scotland. Surrounded by an historic graveyard with commonwealth war graves.

16 September 2023

Doors Open Day opening of St Peter and the Holy Rood Episcopal Church in Thurso. Opening Saturday 16th Sept 11am-4:30pm, Sunday 17th Sept 12-4pm. No booking needed. Further details on the Doors Open Day website. On Sturday afternoon there may be a talk from a conservation architect - to be confirmed

The church was designed and built in 1885 by the notable Highland architect, Alexander Ross. The chancel was added in 1906. There is a fine carved reredos gifted to the church in 1905 and a pew back from Old St Peter's Kirk dating back to 1676. There is also a pewter chalice and pattern on the north wall which dates back to 1782 and a fine carved German oak reredos above the altar which was gifted to the church in 1905.

16 September 2023

St Ninian: The Navidale Missionary who transformed Scotland

Talk by Audry Munro

Timespan Museum, Helmsdale. Further details from museum website  Please contact enquiries@timespan.org.uk or 01431 821327 to reserve a place.

This first of two talks (the second will be 23rd Sept) will set the scene for Ninian’s mission, looking at pre-Christian Britain, Ninian’s early life, life in his missions such as Navidale, and even his position on women in the Church – still a hot topic today.

16 September 2023

Salt Making & Book Launch

Brora Heritage Centre

Day with a number of activities for all ages. Salt making from 10-3pm. Salt basket making demonstration.  Songs of Land, sea and insdustry singing workshop 10 & 1:30

Further information contact peeny.paterson1@btinternet.com or 0743 467 8605