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Music and the Arts

Harray Potter, Orkney (Credit: Airborne Lens)
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Extensively celebrated visually on film and TV, the Highlands and Islands are also home to a broad range of creative artists – across all genres from music and theatre to painting and photography.

From famous novelists and film makers to TV writers and song writers, different aspects of the Highlands and Islands have long featured in the work of popular artists. Today, visitors can explore an eclectic mix of arts and crafts in modern galleries, local theatres and traditional music venues. From jewellery making classes to song-writing workshops, or dance classes to poetry readings, there are also many opportunities for hands-on and shared community creative experiences. 

EXPLORE MUSIC AND THE ARTS IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS

Music is an integral part of our culture. Lerwick, Shetland Isles (Credit: Airborne Lens)
First experience of embroidery for the Tapestry of the Highlands and Islands. (Credit: Spirit of the Highlands and Islands)
Film locations across the Highlands are popular with visitors. (Credit: Airborne Lens)
Harray Potter, Orkney Isles (Credit: Airborne Lens)
Aurora over Old Man of Storr, Skye (Credit: Airborne Lens)
Michael Sinclair Woodturner, Orkney Isles (Credit: Airborne Lens)
Orkney Folklore and Storytelling Centre, Orkney Isles (Credit: Airborne Lens)
Loch Shiel, Lochaber (Credit: Airborne Lens)
Lerwick, Shetland (Credit: Airborne Lens)

Itineraries

A Skye Full of Stories

Discover the sensational stories of North West Skye.

Getting Creative on Lewis and Harris

Summary here

Location, Location, Location!

Ready, set-jet, go!

The Cawdor Labyrinth is located at Cawdor Castle which features a sculpture of a Minotaur which stands proudly in the centre of the maze
On the Trail of Highlands Literature

Explore places in Inverness, Moray and Nairn that have been a pool of inspiration for writers.

The Spirit of Shetland Knitwear

Explore the spirit of Shetland knitwear from croft to craft.

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Locations

Charly Hamlyn Ceramics Discover high-quality ceramics and support local artists. Add Charly Hamlyn Ceramics to an itinerary
Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail Explore an artistic celebration of Scottish culture, history, myths and legends in a series of sculptures created by the late Frank Bruce. Add Frank Bruce Sculpture Trail to an itinerary
A large grey stone building with three large windows. Two shops - Nairn Bookshop, on the left, and a barber shop, on the right, are housed in the building
Nairn Public Hall A historic hub for arts and entertainment. Add Nairn Public Hall to an itinerary
Strathpeffer Explore a focal point for local community history. Add Strathpeffer to an itinerary
The Weaving Shed Discover an icon of cultural heritage and support local weavers. Add The Weaving Shed to an itinerary
Contemporary building with dark grey roof and yellow sides the site of Timespan museum.
Timespan Heritage and Art Institution with local and planetary ambitions to use culture for social change. Add Timespan to an itinerary

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Be inspired

A skyline of buildings taken at dusk with Ness river in the foreground.
Tom nan Sìthichean ʼs Choinnich Odhair (The ‘Fairy Hill’ of Inverness)
Location, Location, Location – Filming in the Highlands and Islands
Cloth and Colour
Our Story
Tìr Shealgairean, Bhàrd agus na Caillich (Land of Hunters, Poets and the Cailleach)
By Breath and by String