Welcome to the Highland Gathering event page!
Our aim is to keep you updated with all the activities planned for our very popular Highland Gathering.
If you would like to volunteer to help at any of our events then please email pc@sfctrust.org.uk.
| Highland Gathering 2024 | Highland Gathering 2023 |
| Highland Gathering 2022 |
A final thank you to EVERYBODY who attended, volunteered, helped organise or had any part in making this event a huge success! We could not run an event on this scale without your support!
We have started to upload some of the photos onto the community Photo Gallery HERE. Check it out!
Once the closing date for the feedback survey has passed we will collate all the information and keep you posted on a potential date for next year, so watch this space and thanks again!!
Update 24th July
We had a great response to our competitions this year with some amazing and thoughtful planning going into the ideas! A big thank you to our judges; Lyn & Pam of Soup to Go judging our home baking competition, Helen Grainger judging our miniature garden competition and Jan Stephen judging our wonkiest and best decorated veg competition!
So the winners were:
Miniature Garden Competition (under 16’s):
- 1st - Sophia Barclay
- 2nd - Mhairi Porteous
Homebaking:
Under 16’s -
- 1st Isla Tucker
- 2nd Magnus Tucker
Age 16 & over –
- 1st Henry Fraser
- 2nd Eileen Martin
Wonkiest Veg (under 12’s):
- 1st Place: Sophia Barclay
- 2nd Place: Megan Junor
Decorate a Veg (under 12’s)!
- 1st Place – Amber Barry
- 2nd Place – Reid Cormack
The Hill Race
We also had a Hill Race again this year, which was jointly won by brothers Christian and Harry Mackay – well done to them both!
Update 23rd July
Thank you again to everyone who attended, volunteered or was invovled in the preparation and take down of the Highland Gathering this year at Corriegarth Estate! It was amazing to see over 700 people attend a local event like ours! The weather held out for us, and we really hope you enjoyed the event. There is always improvements and ideas, many which we have already noted down for next year, but we need YOUR feedback now to help shape the future of the Highland Gathering. What would you have liked to have seen more of? What did you like or not like? Would you attend again? To gather this feedback, we have created a simple survey to capture your ideas and improvements. It will only take a few minutes to fill in and is vital to make changes for next year. Thank you for your feedback!
Highland Gathering 2024 Event Feedback
The closing date for this survey is Friday 2nd August!
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We were absolutely delighted with the amazing response to our various competitions and silent auction at this year’s Highland Gathering! 
This year the Silent Auction was raising money for RSABI.
RSABI do vital work in supporting people involved in Scottish Agriculture in times of need, offering emotional, practical and financial assistance. Their services are available to those currently and previously involved in farming and crofting. Their aim is to provide a comprehensive service to support people who are experiencing difficult times so they are able to move forward.
You can find details of their full range of services by visiting their website – www.rsabi.org.uk
We are excited to announce that we have raised £954.66 for this amazing charity and congratulations to all our winners below!
Our Silent Auction Winners are:
1 Day’s Stalking at Corriegarth Estate – Anonymous bidder
A 30-minute flight for two in a light aircraft from Newhall Mains Airfield, Balblair – Cheryl Heggie
A rib ride on Loch Ness for 4 on board The Wee Beastie – Fiona Stuart
£150 voucher for The Whitebridge Hotel, donated by BayWa. re – Sandy Macpherson
Inflatable hire from Mascot Madness – Amanda Munro
Spa voucher (Elemis facial) at The Sleeping Beauty Salon, Inverness – Morag Pickthall
3 x vouchers for Infinity Trampoline Park – Caroline Tucker, Jillian Barclay and Alex Barry
Thank you to all the businesses who generously donated prizes for this auction!
Update 21st July
Thank you to EVERYBODY who came along and supported Saturday's Highland Gathering at Corriegarth Estate. We have had some amazing photos uploaded to our designated online gallery but we would love loads more! You can add them at the link below:
Community Highland Gathering Photos
Update 11th July
Just over a week to go, and we're getting excited! Keep your eyes peeled here and on our Facebook page for regular updates next week. Just to give you a sneaky peak of what is in store, here is the most up to date running order for the event:
Update 3rd July
Have you seen the signs?
Matt, our Facilities Officer, has been busy this week putting up the banners and signs ahead of the Highland Gathering, which is just over 2 weeks away!
We would love to hear from you if you would like to volunteer, either for setting up or during the event - please contact Caroline by emailing pc@sfctrust.org.uk if you can spare a couple of hours to help.
Update 13th June
There has been a lot going on this week behind the scenes in preparation for this year's Gathering including work on the site and marquee layouts, discussions with Cromarty Firth Wireless Network about Broadband provision, finalising support from Moray Coast Vet Group for the Pedigree categories for the dog show and final proofing of the Highland Gathering newsletter special, which is now available to read online here! Printed copies will be arriving at all houses we have addresses for - please hold onto them as you will need to bring it with you to the Gathering to collect your tokens for your burger or cakes!
There are still spaces available at Christiane's Willow Weaving workshops - you can book your place by emailing Christiane at info@inspiration-scotland.com.
Update 6th June
The Hill Race is back!
The course is 3.5 miles in length, with an ascent of 700ft. It is open to anyone over the age of 15; please collect your registration form from the kid’s corner on arrival! The race starts at 1pm in the main ring.
We are still on the lookout for volunteers so if you can help set up prior to the event or can spare a couple of hours during the event please contact Caroline by emailing pc@sfctrust.org.uk.
Update 28th May
We are excited to welcome back the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Service, the local Scottish Fire & Rescue Service and the Neil Mackenzie Trust to this year’s Gathering and for the first time we will have the Water Safety Team from the Loch Ness Lifeboat Station in Drumnadrochit. They will be on hand to offer safety advice, from the latest Float to Live campaign, open water swimming, kayaking / canoeing / paddleboarding, boating etc. Learn how to check and maintain your life jacket, and be able to tell if it is fit for purpose. Try your hand at using a throw line. If you want to learn more about what they do, then why not follow their Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/LochNessLifeboatRNLI
We need your help!
Can you spare some time before, during or after the Highland Gathering. We are looking for volunteers who can help with the set up of the event, marshalling and other general tasks throughout the day, and help with take down and clear up after the event. This opportunity is open anyone aged 14+ who wants to get involved! Please contact pc@sfctrust.org.uk if you can help.
Update 17th May
The Companion Dog Show is back in 2024! Bring along your favourite pooch to the Highland Gathering on the 20th July at Corriegarth Estate and enter them at the designated gazebo next to the Dog Show ring! Entries from 12 noon with judging commencing by 1pm! Don’t miss out on this fantastic event!
All funds raised at the dog show will be donated to Munlochy Animal Aid.
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Update 16th May 2024
We are pleased to be supporting RSABI as our chosen charity for this year's Silent Auction. You can read more about the fantastic work they do here - SFCT supports RSABI
We will share more news on the Silent Auction soon - if you would like to donate a prize to help raise funds for this amzing charity, please get in touch with Caroline by emailing pc@sfctrust.org.uk.
Update 9th May 2024
We have a fantastic array of crafters joining us this year to sell their wares, including:
Flowers By the Loch
Jinty's Jams
Carol’s Sew Good Creations
Earthgems Jewellery
Floral beauty by design
Leah Grace Creations
Mabel & Millie Candle Co.
Beadelicious Jewellery
By Sea By Land
And KindNess Glass to name a few!
Come along and support these fabulous, local businesses!
We're also pleased that Christiane Morley will also be joining us to run a willow weaving workshop! If you would like to book a space in one of the sesssions, please get in touch direct by emailing info@inspiration-scotland.com
Update 2nd May 2024
This year the focus for our competitions are gardening and baking, so get your thinking caps on and your seeds planted!
Update 28th March 2024
Would you like a market stand at this year's Highland Gathering? We have a number of local businesses confirmed already, selling hand-made products such as textiles, jams and jellies, planters, candles, jewellery and much much more! We still have 3 stalls available – please contact Caroline by emailing pc@sfctrust.org.uk if you would like to join us!
Update 21st March 2024
We already have some fantastic activities confirmed for this summer’s Highland Gathering! Come and join us for willow weaving, ferret racing and pull the tractor! You can get your face painted at the Kids’ corner, take part in the races (we have something for all ages…), and you can even bring your four-legged friends to the dog show! This is just a taster of what will be going on - we will be posting regular updates on this page, and you can also keep up to date with news on the event by following the dedicated Facebook page - Highland Gathering 2024
Update 7th March 2024
We are very pleased to let you know that The Highland Gathering will be returning to Corriegarth this summer, so please block off Saturday 20th July in your diaries! We will post regular updates here and on the Facebook event page, but we already have lots of exciting activities planned, which we are looking forward to sharing with you very soon.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Out of respect to the Johnston family and all at Corriegarth Estate at this very difficult time, the decision has been taken not to hold the Highland Gathering on Saturday 22nd July.
We will be in touch with all community groups, businesses and other involved parties with further information over the coming days.
Thank you for your understanding.
Update 28th June 2023
Highland Gathering Special Newsletter 2023
Read all about this year's Highland Gathering including the Main Ring Schedule, what's happening and who will be there to make it a fun filled day for all the family! This special edition will be posted through your letterboxes next week so keep an eye out for the big white envelope addressed 'to the householder'. This newsletter also contains your token for a free burger/hotdog or tea/coffee and cake so make sure you bring it along with you on the day!
Read all about it here!
Update 24th June 2023
Update 16th June 2023
Keep an eye out for all the snippets of information on The Highland Gathering Facebook Event page here.
Update 7th June 2023
The kids races have been announced! And the all important adults 100m dash! The adults Hill race will also be running again this year, keep an eye for more information dropping soon!
Update 1st June 2023
Check out this year's competition offering at the Highland Gathering! Get those miniature gardens prepared and bring them along on the day! Prizes to be won for each category!
Update 25th May 2023
Would you like to work at the Highland Gathering? We are looking for a team of people to work during the Highland Gathering to help support the event. This would suit someone looking for a summer job and extra pocket money.
If you are available on the 21st – 23rd July please send you CV and covering letter to admin@sfctrust.org.uk with Gathering Team in the subject heading.
Activities for the role will include;
-Setting up and taking down the Highland Gathering.
-Directing people on the day to the event, help with parking, vouchers, prizes and supporting volunteers/stall holders.
-Communicating activities on the day.
-Helping make the event an enjoyable day for everyone.
Update 9th May 2023
Unveiling our poster!
Update 27th April 2023
Market stall availability at this summer’s Highland Gathering!
Are you a local crafter or business with products you would like to sell? This year’s event is on the 22nd July at Corriegarth Estate, and we still have a couple of market stalls available! If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Caroline by emailing pc@sfctrust.org.uk.
Update- 4th April 2023
Marquee Booked!
Marquee specialists based on the Black Isle will be erecting a huge marquee with special flooring mat for the event. Hopefully this will reduce the amount of gazebos and tents blowing away this year!
Update- 7th February 2023
Back by popluar demand!
We have now taken your feedback from the 2022 event, and we can now confirm that we will hold the second The Highland Gathering on the 22nd of July 2023! If you would like to be part of the team, please email Caroline at pc@sfctrust.org.uk.
We look forward to seeing you at our first community Highland Gathering at Corriegarth Estate on Saturday 23rd July! On this page we will keep you up to date with how you can get involved; whether by volunteering to help a community group, becoming a marshall, or hosting your own stand, or taking part in one of the competitive elements of the day - we will have baking, jam making and flower arranging competitions for all ages and an art competition for children, as well as a dog show for our four-legged friends! There will be something here for everyone, and we hope you can join us.
You can also get up to date information on our Event page on Facebook by clicking here - please remember to 'like' the page for automatic updates.
THANK YOU!
Thank you to everyone who was involved in making our first Highland Gathering a success! We will share some photos and other news on this page very soon.
Winners of our Grand raffle, silent auction and competitions can be found here - Highland Gathering prize winners | 26 July 2022 | Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust (stratherrickcommunity.org.uk)
VOLUNTEER MEETING TONIGHT
Can you spare a couple of hours next week to help us set up? Please come along to our meeting this evening (Tuesday 12th July), at Wildside - 6pm, so that we can allocate tasks.
COMMUNITY GROUP INVOLVEMENT
We are pleased that a number of our community groups are involved in the event - please come along for a chat and learn more about what they have to offer:
Boleskine Community Care
Cairngorms Mountain Rescue Team
Foyers Fire Brigade
Loch Ness Rural Communities
Soup to Go
South Loch Ness Heritage Group
Spin & Chatter
Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust
Stratherrick Gun Club
Stratherrick Primary School Parent Council
Strathnairn Farmers Association
Wildside Toddler Group
PROMOTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
We would like to thank the local businesses who have already shown their support, with more to be confirmed:
Aaba Bouncy Castles
Calum Martin Production Services
Cheryl Heggie School of Highland Dancing
D-Lish Bags
Funky Faces face painting
Huntly Falconry
Jinty's Jams
Kate's Woody Wonders
Kindness Glass
Lyne Mhor Croft
Miele's ice cream
The Neil Mackenzie Trust
WE NEED YOUR WELLIES
Do you have any old/ unused wellies lying around? We are happy to take them off you to use in our Welly wanging competition. If you do, please get in touch with Caroline by emailing pc@sfctrust.org.uk and she will arrange collection.
SOMETHING FOR OUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS
Even the dogs can take part! We are hosting a companion dog show, with categories for all breeds (pedigree and non-pedigree), ages and sizes. Register your entries from 12 noon on the field, with judging starting at 1pm. It is £1 to enter and proceeds are going to Munlochy Animal Aid.
Please see below for the schedule.
TAKE PART IN OUR COMPETITIONS
Below you will find details of the competitions that we will be running on the day. This is your opportunity to show us your creative side! We are also looking for your wellies - more details on this to follow soon.
HIGHLAND VOLUNTEERS WANTED
We are looking for strong and willing volunteers to help prepare the Highland Gathering site from 16th to 19th July for the event on 23rd July and to help with take down later or next day. If you can spare a few hours that would be great. Putting up marquees, moving hay bales, tables, chairs etc. The more the merrier! If you have the time and want to help with this community event please email me at tony-ceo@sfctrust.org.uk - thank you in advance.
Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust,