Things to do in Ross-shire: Dingwall Gala, Conon open garden, magic encounters at Inverewe and Ross County at home
DINGWALL GALA
There is something fun for everyone on this Saturday's Dingwall Gala on July 8.
Stalls open at 10am, and will feature free activities and events all day.
The fun centres on Cromartie Car Park with around 40 stalls and day-long entertainment planned.
The crowning of the royal party – comprising pupils from Dingwall Primary School – is expected at noon with afternoon performances from the InverRoss band, Highland dancers and Feis Rois, a DJ set at 6pm and a performance by Impact from 8pm.The event is taking place at the Dingwall Cromarty car park all day Saturday.
ROSS COUNTY RETURN HOME
It might only have been a few weeks since last season ended, but Ross County are already returning to the Global Energy Stadium to play their second pre-season friendly against Championship outfit Queen's Park on Saturday, July 8 (kick off 3pm).
After a 3-1 win over Highland League side Nairn County on Tuesday night, manager Malky Mackay will be looking for his players to take their preparations to the next level before the League Cup group stage begins next week.
For fans, it is also a chance to see five out of six of the Staggies' summer signings in action at home for the first time, as well as some of the highly-rated youngsters coming through the ranks in Dingwall in person.
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GARDENERS' DELIGHT FOR GREAT CAUSES IN CONON
A GREEN-fingered Ross-shire resident is throwing open his garden to support two worthy causes close to his heart.
Keen gardeners will be in for a treat next weekend when retired professional horticulturalist, Nigel Stanton, opens his garden in support of The British Red Cross (July 8) and the Highland Hospice (July 9).
It is being held at 7 Braes of Conon, Conon Bridge, Ross-shire.
An authority on delphiniums and sweet peas, Nigel’s garden presents some beautiful summer displays.Well supported by Highland Liliums and local craft stalls, organiders say there is much to admire in Nigel’s garden.
Entry is £5 which includes afternoon tea and cakes.
Directions to Nigel’s garden
From the south, via Tore roundabout, take the Dingwall turn-off and then next turn-off for Conon-Bridge. At the next roundabout beside the Co-op, take the second turning onto School Road. At the end of School Road on your left there is a sign for Braes of Conon. Turn immediately left and Nigel’s house is on your left. It will be well signposted.
From the North, once past Dingwall, follow the road west, at the Maryburgh roundabout take the first turn left. Follow the road until you see the Conon Bridge sign. Turn right , then immediately at the Co-op roundabout take the second turn off onto School Road. At the end of School Road turn left onto Braes of Conon.
ULLAPOOL POP-UP FUN
Rhiddoroch Distillery pop–up shop and the Seafood Shack in Ullapool are hosting a live music day this Saturday, July 8 from 12pm to 9.30pm, with acts and performers yet to be announced...
INVEREWE GARDEN MAGICAL ART
An artist who says she finds magic in the heritage garden at Inverewe, cared for by the charity National Trust for Scotland, is to hold a much-anticipated show there.
An exhibition of work by Katherine Sutherland will open in the Sawyer Gallery at Inverewe Garden on Sunday (July 9) and run until the end of October.
'An Artist's Studio' invites visitors to look at the famous Wester Ross gardens through the eyes of Highland-based painter Katherine. She will be exhibiting, and working, in the unique setting of the Sawyer Gallery within Inverewe House, the former family home of garden founders Osgood Mackenzie and his daughter, Mairi Sawyer, and now one of 100-plus special places protected, cared for and shared by the National Trust for Scotland.
Read more and look at some of the paintings here.
SNAP A SHOT FOR ROSS-SHIRE THROUGH THE LENS
We're always on the lookout for fresh takes of Ross-shire's splendour for our weekly Ross-shire through the Lens series.
So if you're out and about, keep an eye open for something that could put you in the frame for this letters' page picture slot!
It's very easy to get involved and you can browse some more of the pictures which have been featured here.
If you have a community event to tell us about, email newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk and mark it 'Ross-shire event' in subject line.
