First Highland Seashore Roadshow a great success in Nairn
Hundreds of people visited The Highland Seashore Roadshow last Friday (19 July) as it transformed Nairn Central Beach into a hub of activity and seashore adventures with puppetry, beach art, face-painting, kite-making, storytelling and more.
Nairn – with its beautiful stretch of sand and dunes – provided a brilliant setting for the first of six Seashore Roadshows across the Highlands this summer. All are being hosted by the Highland Seashore Project and The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers.
Five hours of family fun and seashore themed activities were provided between 11am and 4pm by The Highland Seashore Project, The Highland Council Countryside Rangers, RSPB, Wild Things Outdoor Education Charity, The Moray Firth Partnership and The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Scotland.
Activities and displays included:
Hundreds of locals from the Highlands took part in the activities, along with visitors from further afield including the USA, Hong Kong and Israel.
Highland Seashore Project Coordinator, Janet Ullman said: “We’re really pleased with how the Nairn Roadshow went and want to say a big thank you to everyone involved. The aim of The Highland Seashore Project is to encourage people to discover and enjoy the magnificent coastlines of the Highlands, and learn about the delicate seashores and the life that depends upon them. Through the partnership of this Project with The Highland Council Rangers and the other organisations who attended, the Roadshow really delivered this. All of the attendees I spoke to really seemed to enjoy the day and learned a lot.
“We’re now looking forward to the next five roadshows this year. We are also already thinking about events for next year, so if you or your community wants to organise an event at your local coast please get in touch.”
John Orr, Inverness East and Nairn Ranger, The Highland Council Planning and Development Service, said: “Friday was a brilliant event. It was great to see so many people taking part in the activities, learning about the coast and seashore habitats in the Highlands, and understanding how to enjoy it responsibly – it is what our work is all about. I’m sure everyone who attends the other five events – children, parents and Rangers alike – will have a great time.”
The Highland Seashore Project was launched in February, 2013. It is run by The Highland Biodiversity Partnership and has been funded by the Highland Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Crown Estate Marine Stewardship Fund and Scottish Natural Heritage.
The Highland Seashore Project is working with The Highland Council and local community groups to bring coastal roadshows, full of family fun, to venues all around the Highlands. Each Roadshow will be tailored to the enthusiasm of local people and the spectacular nature of the coasts themselves.
One thing they all have in common is a love of the seashore and a full timetable of activities for all ages. The other Roadshows running over the summer are:
To find out more please email janet@highlandseashore.org.uk or call The Highland Council’s Countryside Rangers on 01463 255291.
You can also visit www.highlandseashore.co.uk or the Facebook page at Highland Seashore Biodiversity for more information and updates.
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