News and Events
News and events around our small community
Upcoming Comcerts and Events
Cathedral | Tower Open – Also Open Sat. 18th 11:00 to 2:30
Cathedral | The Battle of Littleferry – Musical Experience
Cathedral | SU-A LEE with Duncan Chisolm
Cathedral | Parish Gift Day
Cathedral | Golspie/Invergordon Choral Concert
Cathedral | Brozovsky Piano and Organ Recitals
Cathedral | Gizzen Briggs 30th Anniversary Concert
Cathedral | Soprano Amira’s special performance
Cathedral | SIAN – Three young Gaelic singers
Charity New Year concert held at Dornoch Cathedral
A charity concert for Mickeysline was held at Dornoch Cathedral on Friday, January 2, proved that even the harshest winter weather cannot dampen local enthusiasm for live music. The event raised £1,023 for Mickeysline.
Girls Brigade in the Cathedral for their Company Re-dedication
On Sunday 23rd November, the last day of the church year, we had the privilege of welcoming 1st Dornoch Girls Brigade to the Cathedral for their Company Re-dedication. Last year on this Sunday they were dedicated for the first time, a brand new Company, just starting out. Now they’re a year old and as it was a birthday of sorts we celebrated with cake which I’m pretty sure was half eaten before the girls got back to their seats! They brought new Colours to be dedicated too. The girls had obviously been practising raising and lowering them as they made an extremely professional job of it all! Thank you Marianne and Jane and all the girls for the part you played in worship. We loved you being about and hope you’ll come back!
Donated money goes to Mikeysline
Cream Tea at An Tobar 9th October 2pm
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
Parish Fundraiser at Royal Dornoch GC
Invitation to play at Royal Dornoch Golf Club
Struie Course on Saturday, September 13
A JULY 31 deadline has been set for a Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland golf fundraiser.
Last year, the parish generated more than £15,000 with an event supported by Royal Dornoch.
This year, four person teams will play over the Struie Course on Saturday, September 13.
A few places are still available.
The £300 per team entry fee includes a goodie bag, pre golf bacon roll and tea/coffee and a two-course meal in the clubhouse, followed by an auction and raffle featuring a range of in-demand lots.
The golf day is being backed by Morrison Construction – the company building the new clubhouse – Glenmorangie and Royal Dornoch.
Application forms are available from John McMurray at:
johnmcmurray1400@gmail.com or on 07801 496609.
Summer Walks around Dornoch Firth Parish
Summer walks: timings, start points and guides will be posted here weekly
Walk 6
Date: Thursday, 14th August
Time: 2pm
Footwear: walking shoes / walking sandals depending on
weather
Meeting point: Last car park before Littleferry pier
With: Tracey Aldridge-Russell and Ann Creed: Beach and Sand dunes, Golspie
Reasonably flat walk. There are varying lengths of walk, 2 of which begin & end in the car park 1) approx 45 min duration, about 1.5 miles 2) approx 1.30 hours, about 3 miles. There is also the option of following the coastal path back to Golspie village, which is 3 miles from the car park, if folk chose to do this I’m sure we could arrange lifts back to the car park. All 3 walks begin with a walk along the area known locally as palm beach, however due to rising sea levels these are no longer visible. Dogs welcome!
Walk 5
Date: Wednesday, 6th August
Time: 2pm
Footwear: trainers or boots
Meeting Point: Keeper’s Cottage, Amat, Ardgay, IV24 3BS
Afternoon Tea: at Sarah’s!
With: Gladys McCulloch: Amat
Start At Keeper’s Cottage, walking through woods toward the Lodge, along Lover’s Walk, then down to the River Carron. We follow the river to a pool called Belle MacKay, very close to Glencalvie Bridge (there is a sign to it), then we return to Amat Lodge for afternoon tea. Walkers will return using a different route crossing the garden bridge over the Carron, walking down the river until we come to the Blue Bridge crossing which brings us back to Keeper’s Cottage.
Walk 4
Date: Tuesday, 29th July
Time: 2pm
Footwear: walking boots, trainers.
Meeting point: The parking spaces are after turning in at
Spinningdale (where the garage used to be), go along the
single track road known as Kylogue, for about 500m and on
the left is an area for parking and also just around the
corner. There are also a few spaces opposite the entrance
to the walk.
With: Irene Chisholm: Loch Migdale
Walk down the forestry track and when you reach the end of the loch it becomes a very relaxing walk to the Bonar end. The walk should take a good half an hour and we will have a cup of tea etc at the Bonar end of the loch before returning back along the loch side.
Walk 3
Date: Tuesday, 22nd July
Time: 2- 4pm at leisurely speed
Footwear: walking boots or trainers with good soles
Meeting point: Old Station, on Station Road, Dornoch.
Parking available
With: Pat Murray: Magical Woods and Sea Views
Follow pavement going out of Dornoch, cross the road and proceed up through the wood (short gentle climb). Continue through the wood to view historical objects with storyboards and the magical children’s fairyland. Continue out of the wood and along the unsurfaced road above the golf course. Turn down to the sea at the 18th hole and have a rest at the beach. Return by almost the same route.
Walk 2
Date: Thursday 17th July
Time: 2- 4/4.30pm at leisurely speed
Footwear: walking boots or trainers with good soles
Meeting point: turn off the Tain-Edderton road at the Bogrow sign, continue up the hill to the upper entrance gate to the walks, (and also the lower gate if there are a lot ofcars, those drivers then walking up the road to the top gate)
With: Patricia Hannah: Edderton Hill – crofting history and good views.
Walking along grassy woodland tracks, with gentle incline, to the tin house, time to stop, look at the exhibits displayed and have a drink. Those that don’t wish to climb any further can return the same way. Others continue up the hill, a long but not too steep climb, past another old croft, to the viewpoint, (seats there, so another refreshment break) then more steeply downhill back to the cars. The tracks are mainly grassy, with some tree roots to watch out for on the upper section.
Walk 1
Date: Tuesday 8th July
Time: 2pm
Meeting point: Kincardine Church Hall
With: Christine Mackay: Gledfield & Dounie Estates
The walk starts and finishes at Kincardine Church Hall and goes along the River Carron, through Gledfield and Dounie Estates. There are a few options to choose from as the route is 6.km. If any people have difficulties walking on rough terrain, there is the choice to walk up the road to Dounie and meet us at the river for refreshments. Christine will have her car parked by the river to offer a lift back to the church hall if anyone has need.
Rev Carol Anne Porter Intimation
Notice is hereby given that Clèir Eilean Ì has received a Call from the congregation of Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland addressed to Rev Carol Anne Porter to be their new minister. This Call has been sustained as a regular Call, has been accepted by her.
The Presbytery, having judged the said Rev Carol Anne Porter qualified for this charge, has resolved to proceed to her induction on Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 2.00pm, at Dornoch Cathedral.
The only circumstance in which this would not occur is if an objection occurs which may reasonably impede it.
Notice is given that if any member of the congregations of Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland has objection to the life or doctrine of the said Rev Carol Anne Porter you should intimate your objection at the earliest opportunity to the Presbytery Clerk. If you do this, you will also need to submit to the Presbytery Clerk appropriate evidence to substantiate your objection.
The Presbytery is to meet at Dornoch Cathedral on 14 June 2025 at 1.45pm. If an objection is not notified in advance but is first brought at that meeting the objector must satisfy the Presbytery that there was no earlier opportunity to bring the objection to the attention of the Presbytery Clerk.
Unless a substantiated objection is made which is then upheld, the Presbytery shall proceed to induction of the said Carol Anne Porter without further delay.
By order of the Presbytery,
W Stewart Shaw DL
Presbytery Clerk (pro tem)
Dornoch Firth Parish Newsletter Ready for Sunday
The Dornoch Firth Parish Newsletter is ready @ £1.50 on Sunday 25th May.
This is a bumper edition with articles on The Chosen, Holy Week thoughts, Tent for Lent Guild, Tower opening and update from groups, Care Homes, VE Day Celebrations and Dates for diary in June & July.
Music in the Cathedral: Dreams of Peace & Freedom
Friday 20th June | 7.30pm
Cathedral Bells will ring for VE Day celebrations in Dornoch
On the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, Dornoch will host a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial at 9am on the morning of Thursday 8th May. Later that evening, the town’s bells will be rung at 6:30pm from the Cathedral, St Finnbarr’s and the primary school.
Lily Casson and Robert Blackmore with a projection of their great grandparents, Sylvia and David Maxwell Fyfe
May 10th ‘Classics for Strings’ Concert in the Cathedral
Come and enjoy a memorable evening with D James Ross conducting “Classics for Strings” in Dornoch Cathedral and with the guest soprano Hasmik Harutyunyan.
Doors open at 7.30pm for 8pm – admission at the door adults £10 and £7.50 for children (16 & under).
Please come along and enjoy this concert and support our fund raising plans for 2025 and help us maintaining our 800 year magnificent of place of worship which is a prominent feature of Dornoch’s history, heritage and religion.
Concert in Dornoch Cathedral
The Chosen
In February, some of us began watching ‘The Chosen’, a new multi-season drama about the life of Jesus, some at home but most together in the West Church Hall.
We begun with Season 1, Episode 1, I have called you by name. And we worked out that if we watched the second episode, Season 1, Episode 2, Shabbat, and keep watching each week through Lent, we will have watched the entire first season. This means making The Chosen our Lent discipline, meeting mostly on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings (there may be one exception to allow hall bookings already taking place to happen smoothly but this will be confirmed).
If you haven’t made the showing of the first two episodes, you can watch on your preferred device either by searching the App Store for ‘The Chosen’ or going to your preferred search engine and typing in ‘thechosentv’.
We’ll watch the second episode this coming Wednesday (26th) in the West Church Hall at 6.30pm. Teas will be available from 6pm. There will be a second showing for those who prefer mornings on Thursday morning at 11am. Teas will be available from 10.30am.
When we get to Lent, we’ll change the timings at little as follows:
Wednesday nights from 5th March:
Film begins at 6.30pm, Refreshments and Discussion from 7pm
Thursday mornings from 6th March
Film begins at 11am, Refreshments and Discussion from 12noon
Please feel free to be flexible in how you engage with the series. If you prefer to watch at home and come for the discussion please do. If you want to watch the film and go that’s okay too. And obviously, if you’re an ‘in for a penny, in for a pound’ kind of person, come for the whole shebang!
Carol Anne Porter (Rev)
Image © The Chosen