Dingwall will host a colourful community procession on Saturday 18th of April as part of its Dingwall 800 celebrations, with handmade pollinator puppets set to lead the Great Seed Giveaway through the town centre.

The event will begin at 11.30am on the High Street, where locally created puppets inspired by bees, butterflies and insects will gather before moving through the pedestrian area.

The procession is the centrepiece of a wider celebration of Dingwall’s heritage, community and connection to the natural world.

In the week leading up to the event, workshops will take place from Saturday 11th of April at the National Hotel.

Led by Kim Bergsagel and Symon Macintyre of Vision Mechanics, the sessions will invite up to 120 participants to create large scale puppets for the procession.

The workshops are open to adults, families and local makers, with no previous experience required.

The workshops are free and there are still a few places available to book on www.feisrois.org

Siobhan MacIntyre, Dingwall 800 Event Producer, said:

“We can’t wait to see the imaginative creations that come out of the Pollinator Puppets workshops!

“It’s going to be a testament to the importance of these vibrant creatures that sustain plant growth and ensure the life cycles of our food and flowers.

“This is a fun, informal space for the community to get together.

“You do not need to have any previous experience or a creative background, everyone is welcome.”

Following the procession, activity will centre around the Town Hall where the Great Seed Giveaway will take place.

Thousands of vegetable seeds and seed potatoes will be distributed to residents, encouraging people to grow their own produce at home.

The initiative reflects Dingwall’s farming roots and its original Gaelic name, Baile Chàil, meaning Town of Cabbages.

Participants will also be invited to contribute home grown produce later in the year at the Dingwall 800 Harvest event in September.

Siobhan MacIntyre said:

“The procession and seed giveaway will draw attention to the vital farming community of Dingwall and celebrate the town’s traditions.

“We’ll meet on the 18th to spread joy through the town centre and we welcome everyone to join us to experience Dingwall coming together to enjoy spring, plants and new growth!”

A range of local organisations will also be present on the day, offering information and opportunities to get involved in environmental and community projects.

Dingwall Community Development Company will share plans for new allotment spaces across the town, giving residents the chance to grow their own food and connect with others.

Dingwall Community Library will highlight its Green Libraries Project, including climate themed resources and activities designed to engage the community.

The event brings together creativity, sustainability and community spirit, marking another milestone in the year long Dingwall 800 celebrations.