Parish Golf Day

We were blessed with wonderful weather and 44 golfers competed and had fun. Mhairi Mackay made sure they were well fed at the two locations of the halfway house even though bacon rolls and refreshments were provided before everyone set out.

After the golf we returned to the clubhouse for a carvery meal enjoyed by all. Then there was more fun with the raffle and auction.

A small group of volunteers coordinated the event, supported by a wide range of local businesses, and individuals who sponsored holes on the course, or provided raffle prizes and auction items. Glenmorangie provided the prizes totalling £1,800 and the main sponsor Morrisons Construction made a donation as well as entering a team of players.

All the money raised is still coming in and we have a bill to pay, but I am confident that we will have raised just shy of £10,000.

John McMurray, Organiser

PHOTO: L to R The Winners: Phil Prince, Derick Macaskill, James Manson, John McMurray (Organiser), Graham Simpson

Dornoch marks VJ Day

On Friday 15th August the community of Dornoch came together to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) with a full programme of remembrance and celebration.

The day began with a service of remembrance and wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial, where members of the public were invited to lay wreaths or posies in memory of those who served. Veterans, families, and residents gathered in solemn reflection to honour the sacrifice and resilience of that generation.

Later in the morning, the mood lifted with a 1940s-themed coffee morning in West Church Hall, followed by a children’s fancy dress competition on the Cathedral Green. Youngsters and families embraced the spirit of the era, bringing colour and smiles to the historic setting.

In the afternoon, the Carnegie Library hosted a paper crane workshop, commemorating Hiroshima and Nagasaki and sharing the story of how folded cranes became a global symbol of peace. Strings of cranes and a kimono were later displayed in Dornoch Cathedral as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the hope for a more peaceful future.

St Finnbarr’s Episcopal Church was open in the early evening for quiet reflection, before the day concluded with a celebratory gathering with East Sutherland Rescue Association at the Cadogan Lifeboat Station. The evening featured live music, dancing, community singing, a buffet, and a 1940s quiz, alongside an exhibition from Historylinks Museum exploring the local impact of the Second World War.

At 9:30pm, a Beacon of Peace was lit on Dornoch beach, accompanied by the haunting notes of a lone piper and the firing of a cannon. Similar beacons shone across the UK, uniting communities nationwide in commemoration.

The day brought together moments of solemn reflection and joyful celebration, reminding us not only of the sacrifice of those who served, but also of the enduring strength and spirit of our community.

Photo credited to Peter Wild: VJ period costumes on display

Following open day Croick Church to be open to the public soon.

On Saturday 30th August, Historic Churches Scotland (HCS), held an Open Day at Croick Church.

‘The Open Day was a real reminder that the church building is not only a place of historic and architectural importance but also somewhere that continues to be special to many people today. It was wonderful to see members of the local community and others interested in the future of the church come together with such enthusiasm. We very much enjoyed talking to everyone and hearing about family connections to Croick, along with many stories and memories. Thank you once again for your support and interest – it means a great deal as we work to ensure Croick Church remains a cherished part of your local community and Scotland’s rich heritage.’

Mandy Wrenn, Croick Church HCS volunteer co-ordinator

HCS hope to have the Church open to the public soon.

UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN CHAMBER CHOIR

IN DORNOCH CATHEDRAL, ON SATURDAY, 18TH OCTOBER AT 3PM

ENTRY BY DONATION

An Tobar Family Fun for everyone 30th Sep and 7th Oct

An Tobar is the former Kincardine Church Hall, near Ardgay in Sutherland.

Come an enjoy our family Fun for everyone on Tuesday 30th September and Tuesday 7th October – 2:30 to 4pm both days.

 

Military wives choirs Inverness sang at the Cathedral on Saturday 13th September

On a Saturday evening, SSAFA, the armed forces charity, brought us the Military Choir Inverness to entertain us – and entertain us they did! I was a magical night of songs old and new. Thank you all. The event was well attended and raised around £2,000 to be shared between SSAFA and Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland with its Cathedral.

More information?  Email sutherland.branch@ssafa.org.uk

An Tobar Soup Lunch Tuesday 16th September

The new name An Tobar was revealed for the former Kincardine Church Hall, near Ardgay in Sutherland.

Come an enjoy our soup lunch on 16th September.

Parish minister Rev Carol Anne Porter, helped by the Millward family, unveiled a sign with the new name: An Tobar, meaning the ‘well’ or the ‘spring’.

Doors Open Days, 2025 Event, 20th September

Visit the Cathedral between 10am and 4pm for this event run in association with the Scottish Civil Trust: www.doorsopendays.org.uk