Funding boost for Dingwall’s 800th anniversary
Events to mark the 800th anniversary of Dingwall’s status as a Royal Burgh have been boosted following Highland Council’s approval of £51,000 in community regeneration funds.
Members of the Council’s Dingwall and Seaforth Committee agreed today (Monday 26 May) to allocate £51,000 to Fèis Rois, the local youth and arts organisation which will lead several community events and activities throughout the milestone year of 2026.
Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee Chair, Cllr Graham MacKenzie, said: “We are delighted to financially support the community as we prepare to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Dingwall becoming a Royal Burgh.
“2026 promises to be a major year for the town and surrounding area and the Dingwall 800 events will help drive tourism and boost economic growth, as well as to deliver other priorities previously identified in our area-based plan.”
The funds will help Fèis Rois to create a new post of event producer to lead on the delivery of an ambitious programme of work to celebrate the special year.
Fèis Rois Chief Executive, Fiona Dalgetty said: “We are looking forward to working in partnership with a wide range of community groups, young people and businesses to create a fun, accessible and ambitious programme of events that creates lasting memories for people in Dingwall and beyond.
“We want this to be a year-long festival celebration that is created by the community for the community, with everyone seeing themselves reflected in the programme.”
The new event producer will work closely with key stakeholders including: The Highland Council, Dingwall Community Development Company, Dingwall Community Council colleagues and others, with a prime focus on promoting ‘Dingwall 800’ and the delivery of community events, activities and priorities identified in the Area Place Plan during 2026.
The project is initially funded for 12 months from 1st June 2025 until 31st May 2026, with an ambition to continue through to December 2026 and beyond.
The funding support aligns with the Dingwall and Seaforth Committee Area Place Plan, which was agreed and adopted on 10th February 2025. This plan has specific reference to promoting Dingwall 800 - celebrating 800 years of Dingwall becoming a Royal Burgh.
Community Regeneration Funding is an umbrella term for several funds that are available for communities/organisations to access in Highland.
It comprises the Highland Coastal Communities Fund (HCCF) which is generated through the net revenues of the Crown Estate and aims to support economic regeneration and sustainable development in Highland.
In addition to the award for Fèis Rois, the committee was also asked to note that the following Dingwall and Seaforth ward discretionary budget applications have been approved between 10th February and 31st March 2025.
- The Neil Gunn Trust – Writing Competition: £630
- Muir of Ord Golf Club – Hickory Club Event: £300
- Dingwall Academy – The Coffee and Truck Garden: £950
- Conon/Maryburgh Outdooor Bowling Club – Bowls Scotland Finals: £1,800
- Muir of Ord Golf Club – 150 Year Anniversary: £1,500
- Dingwall Fire Brigade – Senior Citizens Party: £500
- Dingwall Community Council – Dingwall in Bloom: £1799.80
About Fèis Rois
The work of Fèis Rois allows people of all ages to access, participate in and enjoy the traditional arts and Gaelic language through a diverse programme of activities in Ross and Cromarty, across Scotland and beyond.
Based in Dingwall, Fèis Rois, which was established in 1986, is widely recognised as a national leader in the arts, particularly in music education.
The organisation aims to give young people and lifelong learners the opportunity to experience and engage with traditional music and Gaelic culture in a way that supports them in developing their social skills and inspires them to reach their full potential.