Questions and answers

Is this a traditional Highland Gathering?

No, you're highly unlikely to find any stallholders tossing a caber or even wearing a kilt.  This is a huge community gathering of people who live and work on the Black Isle.  At past events we have had 800+ people came along to enjoy food, entertainment and 80+ stalls.

How much does it cost?

It's £25 to participate, donations to come along.  We don't receive Council funding now so rely on the maoney from particpants and vistors to break even,

I don't live or work on the Black Isle - can I still take part?

You're welcome to come as a visitor on October 8th, but as a rule we only allow Black Isle-based small businesses, groups, clubs, churches and societies to participate as stallholders.

We also allow charities and agencies which benefit the local community with an active presence in the Black Isle (but no actual office or base) to participate, space permitting.  If in doubt, just ask us!

The Black Isle is a peninsula so where's the cut-off point?

We welcome any participants from Arpafeelie, Muir of Ord, Mulbuie, Ferintosh, Cullicudden, Balblair, Jemimaville, Cromarty, Rosemarkie, Killen, Fortrose, Avoch, Tore, Munlochy, Kilmuir and North Kessock - and anywhere in between!  We're also adding in Beauly, Conon Bridge and Maryburgh by popular request this year.  Again, if in doubt, just ask via the 'contact us' page.

What kind of entertainment is there?

We've had all kinds of things in the past - from poetry readings to T'ai Chi to choral society performances and sea scout displays, demonstrations of crafts and motivational speaking.  Generally speaking music and larger-scale demonstrations work well - the event is too spread out to suit smaller talks unless you advertise their timings in advance of BIG. 

We're actively seeking BIG buskers based in the Black Isle (or further-flung groups with Black Isle members) - but you have to be willing to lend a hand in running the event too.

If you fancy showing off your own talents, let us know.  WE look forward to hearing from you talented Black Islers