GENERAL MEETINGS
General Meetings are held (usually in Castle Street Church Hall) on the third Thursday of each month, starting at 2 pm.
All members are sent a link to the meeting each month.
We have some exciting speakers booked, so please join us - we're just a click away!
There will be no General Meetings in July and August.
Next Meeting: Thursday 21st May 2026
Marcia O’Hara
Easter Ross Countryside Ranger
Meeting
PREVIOUS SPEAKERS
In April, Pauline Butler from The Gairloch Heratage Museum, told about the journey in 2019, when the museum was moved from its original traditional steading home to a repurposed Cold War Bunker.
In March, Gordon Scott from the Highlands & Islands Blood Bikes told us all about this completely voluntary life-saving group
Forthcoming events
In February, David McAlpine, The Chief Inspector, Highland. Police Scotland, gave us an insight into the workings of the police in the Highlands.
In January, Clare from The Prickly Thistle Mills told us about how they revived an old craft, and about the work they do, producing tweed and tartan.
2025
- After the success of last year's Christmas Quiz, Fiona tested us again on our knowledge of various Christmas themes, and Babs and Michael entertained us again too
- Dr Andrew Newton told us all about the Romans in Scotland, who were around from the 70s AD, when Scotland was known as Caledonia.
- Donald Fraser told us about his varied life as a civil engineer in the Highlands. He was involved in building The Kessock Bridge and The new Queensferry Bridge, amongst others, both here and abroad.
- James M Mackay entertained us with stories of the various ferries that were once the mainstay of the Highland region
- Michael Field told us something about his filmmaking, and then we enjoyed one of his films, showcasing the breathtaking scenery of the Western Isles.
- Brian Liddle from Dingwall Men's Shed gave us an interesting talk about the history and purpose of the Men's Shed. It is a Worldwide Organisation, and Brian told us how the Dingwall and District Men's Shed is benefiting the community
- Andrew Thin, the Chair of the Crofting Commission, gave us a very enlightening talk on the commission's workings.
- Alison Logsdail, Eden Court's fundraiser manager, gave us a fascinating talk about the theatre's workings. Many of us were unaware of how much goes on at Eden Court.
- We learned all about the daily running of the Munlochy Animal Aid Rescue Centre
- Kim Miller took us on a virtual road trip to the Spiti Valley, "a world within a world" in the high Himalayas. A journey through various seasons, looking at the culture and breathtaking scenery.
2024
- Fiona tested us on our knowledge of various Christmas themes, with a fun quiz, and Babs and Michael entertained us with some Christmas Music
- We learned all about the Cromarty Freeport
- Caroline Rham from "The 3 Growbags" told us about the pitfalls and triumphs of setting up a website, her and her sisters' love of gardening, and a few tips on what and what not to plant here in The Highlands.
- Alison Marr spoke to us about the vital work done by the RNLI, which keeps us safe while risking their lives.
- Anne Fraser from the Archive Centre in Inverness showed us how easy it would be (providing you have the time!) to start making a family tree. But she did warn us that it would prove to be very ADDICTIVE
- Katrina Statham told us about the history of Maggies and some of the work they do there. Everyone’s Home of Cancer Care. This talk had to be postponed from January when we were all snowed in!
- Jeanie Sutherland took us into the world of the bee, explaining how we can encourage bees to our gardens. We were able to taste the different honey made from bees in different areas. She also brought cake (made with honey) for us to enjoy with our cup of coffee….Delish!
- Duncan Macdonald taught us much about the Cairngorm National Park through his job as a Cairngorm Ranger
2023
- Dr David Alston spoke to us about how here in the Highlands, the Slave Trade made its mark!
- Sue Varley demonstrated her love of weaving, explaining the stages from the sheep to the knitters’ ball of wool.
- Dr. Kim Millar took us through the meaning of "Mindfulness", leaving us less stressed than we were before!
- Vee Walker regaled us with stories of her ancestors and how she set about writing a book about her grandfather
- Terri Cunningham took us on a virtual nature walk
- Bob Pegg made music from an array of objects, including a conch shell