Dingwall is gearing up for a spectacular celebration in 2026 as it marks 800 years since being granted Royal Burgh status, and a fresh funding boost has just set things firmly in motion.
A total of £51,000 has been awarded by the Highland Council’s Dingwall and Seaforth Committee to Fèis Rois, the much-loved arts and youth organisation based in the town.
This investment will help deliver a full year of cultural festivities and community events designed to honour Dingwall’s proud history while looking confidently to its future.
Cllr Graham MacKenzie, who chairs the Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee, called the funding “an exciting step forward” and said the town is now well on its way to delivering something truly memorable.
With tourism, local pride and economic uplift all firmly in sight, the anniversary year is expected to bring fresh energy to the area and a lasting legacy for future generations.
Fèis Rois will lead the charge, working with schools, local businesses, community groups and artists to ensure everyone feels part of the story.
The funding will also create a brand new role for an event producer, whose focus will be to bring the vision to life and coordinate the wide range of activities throughout the year.
Fiona Dalgetty, Chief Executive of Fèis Rois, said the team is already excited to help shape a vibrant celebration rooted in the people of Dingwall.
She described the plans as “fun, accessible and ambitious” and promised an inclusive programme that reflects the diversity and spirit of the community.
The anniversary will be framed not just as a reflection of the past but as a platform to shape the future, with the aim of making sure every resident sees themselves in the celebrations.
Set to run from June 2025 to May 2026 in its first phase, the project hopes to continue right through to the end of 2026 and perhaps beyond.
Key partners will include the Highland Council, Dingwall Community Development Company and local councillors and volunteers, all guided by the priorities of the area’s official Place Plan.
This latest investment comes as part of the Community Regeneration Funding umbrella, which includes the Highland Coastal Communities Fund, drawn from Crown Estate revenues.
Smaller but still significant local grants were also confirmed, including support for Dingwall Academy’s garden project, Dingwall Fire Brigade’s senior citizens party, and a writing competition from the Neil Gunn Trust.
Established in 1986, Fèis Rois has become one of Scotland’s most respected champions of traditional arts and Gaelic culture.
Based in Dingwall but working across the Highlands and beyond, the group has long helped people of all ages discover and develop their creative talents.
Now, with the town’s 800th anniversary in sight, their work promises to bring Dingwall’s rich past and creative present together in a celebration that everyone can be proud of.
