Dingwall residents are being invited to light up the town on 17 January 2026 as part of the Bright Burgh Trail, the opening event of the year long Dingwall 800 celebrations.
Homes, businesses and community groups are being asked to transform their windows into illuminated artworks inspired by the town’s eight centuries as a Royal Burgh.
The trail marks the official launch of the anniversary year and will feature creative displays across the town from 5pm to 9.30pm alongside high street exhibitions and a projection and soundscape at the Town Hall.
Siobhan MacIntyre, Dingwall 800 Event Producer, said:
“Use paint, cardboard, paper or textiles to create your window display and be part of the story.
“Whether you’re a family, school, organisation, or part of the town’s high street, you’re invited to help make Dingwall shine to launch an exciting year for the town.
“With the Bright Burgh Trail, we want people to create a window display inspired by Dingwall’s rich past, present and future, think legends, local tales, and magical stories.
“And don’t worry if you don’t have access to lots of art materials as we can provide these free of charge.”
To be included in the map, register your address by Monday 12 January by emailing Siobhan.MacIntyre@feisrois.org.
Free art packages and simple instructions are available from Robertson House.
Art packages can be collected from Robertson House on Greenhill Street at the following times (advance booking is essential via Siobhan):
Monday 5 – Friday 9 January, 11am
Monday 22 December, 11am
Monday 29 December, 11am
Saturday 3 January, 11am
Siobhan said:
“We hope this will be a memorable event to launch this special year, so wrap up warm, bring a torch, and enjoy the atmosphere with LED lanterns along the trail.
“Let’s fill Dingwall with light, colour and stories as we celebrate 800 years of community and heritage.”
Dingwall 800 will continue throughout 2026 with a programme of cultural, historical, musical and community events.
One major highlight will be Centuries, Clash, Crafts and Ceol on 8 August where Taran the Pict, portrayed by Andrew Newton, will guide visitors through Dingwall’s history.
Andrew Newton said:
“I am very much looking forward to participating in the historical day, which will be one of the flagship events of Dingwall 800.
“I will appear in my historical role as Taran the Pict, and I hope to inspire visitors to learn more about the Picts and the key role they played in shaping Scotland today.
“Alongside this, I will also be running drop in days at Dingwall Museum where visitors can learn more about the Picts and the Vikings and their important part in Dingwall’s history.”
The celebration will include medieval music on the high street, stalls from local businesses, an evening performance by Rhythm and Reel and a Viking reenactment in Pefferside Park.
Andrew McIvor, Chair of Dingwall Community Council, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with the Dingwall Community Development Company, Fèis Rois and the Highland Council to organise the Dingwall 800 celebrations especially Centuries, Clash, Crafts and Ceol which will feature a special performance by Rhythm and Reel.
“This event is a chance for us to come together, honour our past, and enjoy a vibrant celebration of local heritage.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone to showcase what makes our area so special and celebrate our shared spirit.”
Dingwall 800 is being delivered by local partners including Dingwall Community Council, Dingwall Community Development Company, Fèis Rois and The Highland Council.
Further events will be announced in the coming weeks.
