Vibrant Culture and Community Spirit
Arts & Creative Scene
Caithness and Sutherland boast a vibrant and growing arts scene shaped by the region’s striking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From traditional craft to contemporary design, creativity is embedded in daily life here.
Artists and makers are drawn to the quiet inspiration of the Highlands, producing everything from textiles and pottery to photography and sculpture. Studios and galleries like Lyth Arts Centre and Timespan in Helmsdale offer space for exhibitions, residencies, and workshops. Community-run arts projects and open studio events welcome all ages and backgrounds to get involved, learn new skills, or simply appreciate what’s being made locally.
Whether you’re a practicing artist, a collector, or someone who simply enjoys exploring the arts, you’ll find a welcoming, collaborative creative community. Living in the North means having the freedom and space to explore your own creative passions, or discover a new one.
Sutherland Sessions Ceilidh, Image by Ewen Pryde Photography
Life in the North is full of celebration, connection, and community through an exciting year-round calendar of festivals and events. From the adrenaline of the Mey and Halkirk Highland Games to the literary buzz of the John O’Groats Book Festival, there’s always something to look forward to.
Agricultural shows in Latheron, Durness, and Bettyhill bring the community together to celebrate local produce, livestock, crafts, and rural skills. Food and drink events, music festivals, Christmas markets, and heritage days fill town halls and village greens across the seasons.
Even the smallest gatherings have a big-hearted energy, think live music at the local pub, storytelling nights, and beach clean BBQs. These events are a brilliant way to meet people, get involved in local life, and make lifelong memories. Whether you’re raising a family or relocating solo, there’s no shortage of opportunities to be part of something vibrant and joyful.
Explore the rich history of Caithness and Sutherland at the region’s exceptional museums and heritage centres. These community-run and professionally curated spaces bring local stories vividly to life, from ancient history to modern achievements.
Wick Heritage Museum and North Coast Visitors Centre in Thurso capture the spirit of coastal industry, herring fishing, and wartime resilience. Timespan in Helmsdale blends art, history, and science with exhibitions that are as thought-provoking as they are engaging. The Strathnaver Museum tells the story of the Highland Clearances and Sutherland’s Gaelic roots, while Castlehill Heritage Centre explores the area’s connection to the flagstone industry.
Many of these venues offer family-friendly activities, educational events, and interactive displays. Whether you’re new to the region or rediscovering your roots, visiting these museums offers a powerful connection to the past – and a deeper appreciation for the people and stories that continue to shape life in the North today.
The landscapes of Caithness and Sutherland are rich with ancient ruins, prehistoric landmarks, and striking castles that speak to centuries of history. Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral seat of the Earls of Sutherland, is a must-visit with its fairytale turrets, formal gardens, and stunning views over the Dornoch Firth.
Along the dramatic coastline, you’ll find Castle Sinclair Girnigoe perched on the cliffs near Wick, and the alleged haunted Carbisdale Castle in Sutherland. Further inland, Iron Age brochs like Dun Dornaigil and Carn Liath hint at an ancient way of life. Pictish stones, Viking burial sites, and Neolithic cairns invite discovery for history lovers of all ages. Many sites are freely accessible, making for atmospheric day trips in every season. Living in the North means having world-class heritage on your doorstep, not behind glass, but woven into the everyday landscape.
Live Music & Theatre
Despite its rural setting, the North is alive with music, performance, and the buzz of live events. From intimate acoustic gigs in village halls to professional touring theatre at Lyth Arts Centre, Scotland’s most northerly arts venue, there’s always something happening.
Local ceilidhs keep traditional music and dance at the heart of community life, while open mic nights, folk festivals, and rock gigs bring together musicians of all genres and generations. Amateur dramatics groups and youth theatre companies regularly put on productions that draw enthusiastic local crowds.
In recent years, the region has welcomed performers from across the UK and beyond thanks to an increasingly connected cultural network. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a passionate audience member, the North offers an inclusive, welcoming arts scene. It’s a place where talent is nurtured, creativity celebrated, and every live show feels like a shared moment worth remembering.
For those who love the outdoors, Caithness and Sutherland are a natural playground. Wide skies, open moorland, hidden lochs, and miles of coastline create endless opportunities for adventure. Hike up Ben Hope or Ben Loyal for panoramic views, cycle quiet country roads, or kayak along remote sea inlets.
The North’s beaches, like Dunnet, Sandwood Bay, and Balnakeil, offer epic surfing, wild swimming, or peaceful walks. It’s a region where nature is not a weekend treat but part of daily life. Families can enjoy accessible trails, playparks, and wildlife spotting, while more experienced explorers can challenge themselves on long-distance hikes or open water activities.
Local clubs and groups offer a way into everything from sea angling to wild camping. Living here means reconnecting with the land, breathing fresh air, and embracing a slower, richer rhythm of life, where adventure is always just a step or a paddle away.
Libraries & Community Hubs
Libraries and community hubs across Caithness and Sutherland are the beating heart of local life. Far more than places to borrow books, they’re spaces where people connect, learn, and come together.
Weekly rhyme times, book groups, crafting sessions, and digital support workshops keep these venues busy and welcoming for all generations. From the well-equipped library in Thurso to smaller rural branches, you’ll find friendly staff, internet access, and a warm environment.
Community halls and centres host yoga classes, film nights, ceilidhs, youth clubs, and pop-up events, often driven by dedicated local volunteers. Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for years, these spaces offer a sense of belonging and a chance to meet others, share skills, and be part of something. In the North, the community spirit is strong, and you’ll always find a place to get involved, lend a hand, or simply enjoy the company.
Food, Drink & Social Life
From cosy cafés to beachside BBQs, food and drink play a central role in leisure time here in the North. The region is home to outstanding local produce, think fresh seafood, Highland beef, artisan baking, and seasonal vegetables from local crofts.
You’ll find traditional pubs with roaring fires, family-run tearooms, stylish bistros, and pop-up food trucks along the North Coast 500. Whether you’re tasting whisky at a local distillery, enjoying a Sunday roast at your favourite inn, or sharing fish and chips after a walk, food is always part of the social glue.
Farmers’ markets and food festivals like Taste North celebrate the best of local flavours, while cafes often double as creative spaces, hosting exhibitions or music nights. Sharing a meal here isn’t just about good food, it’s about good company, strong community, and taking the time to savour both.
Find warm, welcoming spaces and community events where people come together to connect, share, and take part in vibrant local life.
