Arts in Nature

19/06/2026

17/06/2026

Scents and Memories 💐💖

Do you have a favourite natural scent, one that instantly brings back a memory?

That question was the theme for our session at the wonderful Flipside yesterday, where we chatted about the deep connections between scents and memories. We shared lots of interesting stories, and from there we created mind maps, pieces of creative writing, illustrations and mixed‑media artwork in the warm sunshine! ☀️

Many thanks to Lucy for inviting me to host the workshop, and to Zoe and the team at Flipside. If you haven’t visited their amazing space yet, you really should, there’s always something inspiring happening and so many wonderful activities to get involved in 💚

Flip of the Coin SCIO

12/06/2026

Natural Textures of the River Peffery 🌿🪨〰️

Continuing with our creative currents of connection theme at yesterday’s session, we were delighted to work with natural clay from the banks of the River Peffery! We shaped flowing sculptures inspired by the river itself, along with a variety of smaller pieces. Pebbles from along the water’s edge became part of our clay creations and we experimented with weaving using rushes collected from the riverbank. It was so inspiring to work with these natural materials and to really feel their amazing textures, carrying the story of the river.

All natural materials were sourced responsibly. Grateful thanks to Richard of Lockett Agri-Environmental for providing the river clay and pebbles from the River Peffery Restoration project.

Many thanks to everyone who joined us for this wonderful session 💖

Our programme of free creative workshops are part of Dingwall 800 events and our next session is on 14th July. Come and join us for more nature based creative fun! 🌿✨

Fèis Rois

10/06/2026

Eco printing and natural inks 🌿🌼🫜

At our Nature Nurture session at Abriachan yesterday, we had a wonderful time exploring natural printing and inks. We tried eco‑printing on both fabric and paper, arranging leaves and flowers, rolling the fabric tightly, and pressing the paper between tiles before boiling and steaming everything. As the plants released their dyes, they left behind beautiful botanical prints.

We also experimented with natural inks made from berries, vegetables, alder cones, and charcoal, using them for mark‑making and ink‑pen drawings.

A wonderful relaxed, creative colourful afternoon! 💖

Many thanks to all who came along and to Christine for her expertise ✨

Abriachan Community

08/06/2026

📢 Join the annual Walk a Mile event in Inverness to challenge stigma and raise awareness of mental health issues in the Highlands. Everyone is welcome! 💜

Walk A Mile In Our Shoes - Saturday 4th July 2026 at 11am in Inverness

Join us on the annual Walk a Mile event in Inverness to challenge stigma and raise awareness of mental health issues in the Highlands. Everyone is welcome!

"Reflections" is this year's theme for the 20th anniversary of the festival - so why not use the walk to reflect on what mental health means to you?
Whether you’ve faced challenges yourself, supported someone you love, or simply believe no one should suffer in silence, this walk is for you....
💚 Walk for awareness
🩷 Walk for connection
💜 Walk to show that every journey matters

Bring your friends, your family, your co-workers, and your community spirit. Let’s turn one mile into a movement.
Because understanding begins when we walk beside each other and share conversations.

The route starts at the Fisherman's Hut (corner of Bught Park and Ballifeary House care home) and goes along the river and Ness Walk, crossing the Ness Bridge, up Bridge Street and the High Street to Falcon Square.

We are aiming to start the walk at 11am so please try to arrive a few minutes early.

If you have any queries, please contact the SMHAF HIghland team on [email protected]

👉 More info: https://www.smhafhighland.co.uk/walk-a-mile/

With thanks to Nicola Kennell of Green Tree Arts Studio for designing the poster.

Thanks to funding from the Highland Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund for Adults from Highland Third Sector Interface and the Scottish Government.

Organisations involved in SMHAF Highland include:
The Discovery College - HUG (Action for Mental Health) - Inverness Openarts - Creativity In Care - Arts in Nature - Green Tree Arts Studio - N4H - UHI Inverness - The Clay Studio - The Bike Shed - Events Venue/Coffee House - People First Highland - Highland Mindfulness Group - Befrienders Highland

04/06/2026

Studying seaweed and exploring the shores of Loch Duich, painting with watercolours, inks and sea water. A calming afternoon enjoying the beautiful colours in nature. The perfect day off 💚

02/06/2026

Getting creative in the woods on Ness Islands! 🌲🌿💖

I was delighted to be asked to run a session as part of the Festival of Walking & Wheeling which we held this morning on Ness Islands. We had such a lovely morning for our creative woodland adventure! On a wander around the woods we gathered natural materials to make some nature art, stopped for snack and a story, and then had great fun pretending to be woodland animals! 🐿️🦉🐰

Thank you to all of the lovely families who joined us and to the fantastic Partnerships for Wellbeing team. It was fun exploring, playing and creating together! 💖✨