17 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

17 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.

17 September 2023

Open day at St Fergus Lodge of Freemasons No. 466, Wick, part of Doors Open Day. No booking necessary. Further details from the Doors Open Day website.

The St Fergus lodge has been in existence for over 133 years and the first stone of the current building was laid in 1895.  The building was never let to outside bodies, and the Lodge gradually built up its furniture and equipment. Over the years many gifts have been given by Brethren of the Lodge, the majority of which are still in use today.

17 September 2023

On Sunday the 17th of September Nucleus will open its doors to the public as part of Doors Open Day. They will be offering bespoke tours of the archive, including a chance to go behind the scenes and see one of our state-of-the-art repositories and conservation studio. Find out how historic documents are preserved, stored and made available to the public on a special tour as part of Doors Open Day. Tours will run at:11am, 12pm and 2pm.  ADVANCE BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL FOR TOURS. To book a space please email: north.highlandarchive@highlifehighland.com
There will also be a display of historic documents in the searchroom and in our exhibition space, alongside tea, coffee and biscuits in the Hub at the front of the building. No booking necessary for searchroom and the Hub. 

17 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.

17 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. 

17 September 2023

Doors Open Day at John o'Groat Lodge of Freemasons. Guided tours of the building and a history of the building, formerly a church. Further details on the Doors Open Day website.

17 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.

17 September 2023

Grantown Heritage Walk to the Duchess of Bedford's Cairn

A guided walk organised by Grantown Museum, up Kennapole Hill to visit the Duchess of Bedford’s Cairn and a spectacular view of Loch an Eilein.  Leaves from Museum carpark. Bring a packed lunch, drink and appropriate clothing (sorry, no dogs).

Free. Tickets available from Eventbrite