‘The Clearances’ Church at Croick | Historic Churches Scotland Notice

A notice from Historic Churches concerning Volunteer Care of Croick Church (it’s open every day and to all visitors)

Since Historic Churches Scotland took over the care of ‘The Clearances’ Church at Croick, we have carried out an extensive scanning and recording programme of the Visitors’ Books, dating from 1965. From this work, we have formed a small team of volunteers who ‘pop in’ weekly (currently we each do it every 4–6 weeks) to check that everything is OK.

Our wee band of volunteers give a quick dust and sweep round, vacuum the pulpit steps, check the electricity meter and have a walk round the outside before sending in a short report on their visit. Full guidance and support is given, and no-one is alone on their first visit. One of our team makes sure that new volunteers feel comfortable. We also meet occasionally on Zoom to share updates, welcome new volunteers and swap experiences.

If you are happy with this, we could always use a few more people to help with the rota and, if it interests you, any of the related activities such as historical research.

Like to join us? Contact Mandy Wrenn at mandy@historicchurches.scot.

The church is open every day. Opening hours are April–October: 9.00am–6.00pm and November–March: 10.00am–3.00pm.

Although Croick Church is no longer an active parish church, it remains a place for everyone. Religious services and acts of worship can still be held there, alongside community, cultural and educational events. If you are interested in holding an event at the church, please contact Historic Churches Scotland to discuss any plans.

Ceilidh dance at the West Church Hall!

We had a super ceilidh dance on Friday at the West Church Hall! The Georgie MacLennan Ceilidh Band were superb and kept the dance floor full all night! Dancers came from as far afield as France, America and even Wick and Rogart! Thank you to the Events Team for organising the evening, to Dornoch Gatherings for advertising, to John Wright Photography for capturing the evening, to the Georgie MacLennan Band and, of course, thank you to everyone who came along!

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

We’ve had a busy weekend! Each year, Ardgay Hall Committee asks a local group to look after teas at the village Christmas Fayre, raising money for themselves as they go.
We were pleased to accept this year but decided any money raised would go to the charity Mikeysline.
Thank you to all our volunteers and those who enjoyed the teas and baking hey provided. Together we raised £337.15 for the charity.
The photo shows Christine (left) and Gladys (centre) from Dornoch Firth Church and Charlotte (right) from Mikeysline.
#dornochfirthchurchofscotland #mikeysline #community

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