Highland Seashore Roadshow heads to Assynt 2015

A fun-packed day of seaside adventures and seashore-themed activities and displays will be taking place at Clachtoll Beach, in the North West Highlands Geopark, West Sutherland on Tuesday 11th August.

The family-friendly event takes place between 2pm and 4pm. It is free and everyone is welcome. There will be lots of interactive displays, games and events including ‘touch-tanks’ and ‘touch-tables’ – led by seashore experts – allowing folk to get up-close and personal with seashore life. There will also be the opportunity to enjoy a personalised rockpool walk with local experts.

Whale and Dolphin Conservation will be there with a wide range of activities and games about local dolphins and whales as well as the RSPB White-tailed Sea eagle Project. There’s also a great chance to catch a glimpse of whales at the whale watching station.

The Highland Council Countryside Rangers and Highland Seashore Project team will be on hand to provide educational games and activities. Afternoon tea and cakes will be available courtesy of Macmillan.

The event is preceded by the famous Clachtoll Sand Sculpture contest from 12pm, with judging at 1.30pm. Entry for the contest will be £3 for adults and £2 for children, with a maximum family cost of £5. There will be some great prizes for individuals and family groups.

Janet Ullman, The Highland Seashore Project Co-ordinator, said: “The Highland Seashore project is in its third year and the Assynt Countryside Rangers have been brilliant partners getting the Roadshows together with the Seashore Project, using their numerous skills and knowledge of local coasts to make sure that the events run smoothly and that attendees have a great time and learn a lot.”

Andy Summers, Senior Countryside Ranger for Assynt, The Highland Council Planning and Development Service, said: “We’re sure that the Roadshow will be a brilliant event where people can have a lot of fun whilst learning about the coast and seashore habitats in the Highlands. It’s great for the Rangers to be involved in the Roadshow as helping people to understand the importance of our environments and encouraging folk to enjoy the wildlife without damaging it, is what our work is all about.”

The event is run by the Highland Seashore Project which 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 project aims to encourage improved understanding and appreciation of our delicate seashores and the life that depends upon them. It is therefore working with the Highland Council Countryside Rangers and local community groups to bring coastal Roadshows full of family fun to venues all around the Highlands.

Each Roadshow will be different, based on 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. 

For more details please go to www.highlandseashore.co.uk or the Facebook Page at Highland Seashore Biodiversity Project .

To find out more email janet@highlandseashore.org.uk, www.highlandseashore.org.uk or call the Assynt Rangers Andy or Roz Summer on 01571 844654.

7 Aug 2015