Ross-shire

Culture

Alongside the ubiquitous blue jeans which mark out the modern highlander as belonging to a wider western tribe, you still come across those who wear the kilt everyday. Often you will see people wearing distinctive knitwear from the many crafts people who design and manufacture clothing designed for warmth in all weathers.

Ceilidhs are an enduring Highland tradition whereby musicians gather to entertain people and provide music for dancing. On such occasions you will see many dressed in kilts.

You may get to see a pipe band or a group of Highland dancers. Tradition Scottish music is considered cool by many young people in Ross-shire. This is due in no small measure to an organisation called Feis Rois which hosts annual residential tutorials for all age group. Many successful musicians start as pupils of the Feisan movement and graduate to international success.

Visitors can follow the Ceilidh Trail and hear young musicians play at various venues over a three week summer period. Most towns and villages have some live traditional music in their weekly events schedule and many pubs have impromptu sessions during which locals play and sing. Whilst in the pub you can enjoy a wide range of distinctive Scottish whiskys whose distilleries are a source of pride and employment.

You are more likely to hear people speaking Gaelic nowadays than you would have been 10 years ago. Although the future of Gaelic is still on a precarious footing many Highland primary schools now incorporate a Gaelic medium unit and the language is once again gaining ground. Its historical importance is reflected by the place names on any Ross-shire map and celebrated by bilingual road signs. Gaelic songs, poetry and stories provide

a rich treasure trove for those who enjoy the arts. (Many have been translated into English.)

Ross-shire offers vast open spaces you can claim as your own without intrusion from other visitors. The mountains offer endless challenges to walkers and climbers who are advised to pay close attention to weather forecasts and make sure they are properly equipped to cope with the vagaries of the Scottish climate which can easily turn arctic without notice – at altitude. If you enjoy nature or vigorous cycling, sailing or canoeing then Ross-shire has it all. Dolphins can be spotted in the East and whales are seen regularly in the west where you can always count on seeing seals. The ancient sport of shinty is widely played in Ross-shire and its well worth going to see a game. (Shinty has a close equivalent in Ireland where it is known as hurling and can be best described as hockey with fewer rules!)

Not surprisingly the stunning scenery has attracted a lot of painters and sculptures who live and work here. It is a great place to see and buy original art work.

Of course sometimes we just want to relax. Come to Ross-shire and find your own secret beach or search out one of then many restaurants which have helped put Scotland on the culinary map. Have a look at the impressive schedule of events planned for Highland 2007. You will be pleasantly surprised by what’s on offer in what some presume to be a sleepy backwater. You will be made most welcome.