North & Nessthe Highlands, from the ground up
Week of 24–30 August 2026

This Week in the Highlands: 24–30 Aug

Under Canvas closes out its summer with a one-off 50th-anniversary concert, a proper new exhibition opens at the museum, and — if you're the sort who peaked at student union nights — there's a daytime disco on Saturday. Quieter week than most, but the closing concert alone is worth planning around.

By Al Coppin · Inverness

Monday 24 August

  • Shimmering: Anne Bevan / Mary Bourne

    Inverness Museum & Art Gallery

    New work from two Royal Scottish Academicians, both with real ties to the north coast — worth a proper twenty minutes, not just a wet-weather backup. Runs to mid-October, so no rush, but it opened this week and deserves an early mention.

Friday 28 August

  • Victorian Market live music evening

    Victorian Market

    A regular Friday fixture through the summer — free to wander in, good for an early evening pint among the market stalls rather than a big night out.

Saturday 29 August

  • Under Canvas: 50th Anniversary Closing Concert

    Eden Court (Empire Theatre)

    The last night of this year's Under Canvas, moved inside to the Empire for a one-off with Chisholm, McGoldrick, O'Connor and Byrne — four of the best trad musicians working today, marking the venue's 50th year. Book this one before the tent line-up sells out.

  • Over 30s Daytime Disco

    Botanic House

    80s/90s/00s anthems from 5pm — a proper daytime one for people who've outgrown a Saturday night out but still want a dance. Not what most guides would ever mention, which is exactly why it's here.