Things to do in Sutherland this weekend and into next week

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There is a whole host of events and activities taking place in Sutherland this weekend from Helmsdale Highland Games to the inauguration of the new chief of the Clan Mackay and a naming ceremony for East Sutherland Rescue Association's new lifeboat – check out our list below.

If you are organising a community event or activity that you would like featured in our weekly online and print lists, email: editor@northern-times.co.uk

HELMSDALE HIGHLAND GAMES

Experience a fantastic family day out at Helmsdale Highland Games on Saturday (August 19). Starting at 10am on Saturday at Couper Park. Games Parade at mid-day from the village, then the official opening, followed by a packed afternoon of competitions and events. Dance to Rhythm n' Reel in the marquee from 10pm. Cash only event.

INAUGURATION OF CLAN CHIEF

The new chief of the Clan Mackay is to be inaugurated at Strathnaver Museum, Bettyhill, tomorrow. A procession of pipers and banner bearers will herald the start of the ceremony which takes place at 11am.

ART EXHIBITION

Dornoch Firth Art Group’s exhibition opens at Dornoch Social Club tomorrow (Friday, August 18) and runs until Sunday, August 20, from 10am-4pm.

COMMUNITY MARKETS

Made in Assynt community market tomorrow (Friday, August 18) at Lochinver Village Hall from 10am-4pm.

Tain Community Market at the Rose Garden on Saturday from 10am-2pm.

Lairg Community Market at Lairg Community Centre on Monday 1.30pm-4pm.

Dornoch Community Market at the Cathedral Green on Wednesday 9.30am-1pm. For more information or to book a stand, phone 01408 641469.

QUIZ NIGHT

Quiz night at Dornoch Community Centre on Saturday at 7.30pm. Fun evening with cash prizes and spot prize. Organisers will make up teams if you are alone or fewer than the maximum team size of four. Refreshments included. BYOB. Entry £5 with profits gong to support local good causes.

SUMMER DANCE

Summer dance at Rosehall Village Hall on Saturday 8.30pm-11.30pm to 10-piece band Dancing with Sharks. BYOB; raffle. Tickets £12 from local outlets or pay at the door. Contact: 01549 475080.

WELLBEING IN THE WOODS

Wellbeing in the Woods at Gearchoille Community Wood, Ardgay, on Sunday 10.30am-11.30am. A relaxed session of nature-based mindfulness and forest bathing. Funded by Think Health Think Nature Free and booking not required.

LIFEBOAT NAMING CEREMONY

East Sutherland Rescue Association is holding a naming ceremony for its new rescue boat at its lifeboat station at Dornoch beach on Sunday from 2pm. All are welcome to attend.

COMMUNITY LUNCH

Community lunch at the Kyle Centre, Tongue, on Tuesday 12pm-2pm.

BAKE AND BLETHER

Bake and Blether at Lairg Community Centre’s Shin Suite on Wednesday11am-1pm. A new session for people to come together to bake and chat.

Tutor Yvonne will guide participants through some recipes for sweet and savoury bakes that you can enjoy along with a cuppa at the session or take away. Free for all to attend. Email: manager@lairglearning centre.org.uk

HISTORIC ASSYNT

Gordon Sleight, vice-chairman of Historic Assynt will give a presentation '25 Years, 7 major projects and much more in between' at Stoer Village Hall on Wednesday from 7.30pm. Part of the organisation’s 25th anniversary celebrations. For more events, visit the group's social media page.

SCOTTISH EVENING

Popular folk band North Sea Gas are back in Embo for the first time in nearly 20 years for an evening of Scottish song and music in Embo Old School on Thursday (August 24) from 7.30pm. Entry is cash at door £10/£5. BYOB.

We advise that you check the above listings with organisers to ensure that events are going ahead as planned.

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