August 2026 Message from the Centre Manager: Sam Grove

Message from the Centre Manager – August 2026

As we make our way through the busiest time of year at TDC, we have certainly aimed to keep everyone entertained over the holidays. July was a fun-filled month, beginning with a concert by the Coaltown Daisies performed live in our Crypt to kick off this year’s Randan music festival. We then had a fantastic talk by local salmon fisherman Will Paterson, where he regaled attendees with stories of his salmon fishing days. This was a great chance to hear about familiar people and places, as the salmon fishing industry was central to the lives of many families in the area until its ban in 2016.

There was no time to slow down though as Portmahomack gala week swiftly began. We held two events for this; a very well-attended clay workshop with sculptor Barry Grove and a graveyard tour, nature walk and ‘design your own clan crest’ activity with TDC trustee Jim Ritchie. It was lovely to see so many young people being creative in the museum, inspired by our collections and the world around them. 

Of course the summer holidays aren’t over yet, and there is still plenty to add to your diary over the coming weeks. Firstly we are delighted to have the Ceilidh Trail, a group of up-and-coming young musicians, performing at the museum on 4th August from 12pm-2pm. Come along for a free performance and plenty of refreshments, donations welcome as always! Our talk for this month features the return of a familiar favourite, as Dr Jim Mackay will discuss the final results of his detailed survey of our grave slabs in ‘The Tombstones of Tarbat: Part 2’ on 13th August. Jim’s first talk revealed many surprises, and this second part promises to show even more hidden gems.