Skittles, MicroMischief and dancing

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🌪️ Last weekend, Storm Ashley felt like the first proper storm of the autumn. With high tides and winds reportedly reaching 109mph at Bealach Na Ba, alarming images and videos were posted to social media. One shows the Sitooterie at Gairloch Harbour inundated with sea water.

Once the storm had passed those who tend the maritime garden were able to report that "the Sitooterie has survived - surprisingly well!!!!!" Phew.

👩‍🎨 The Sitooterie has also been in the news for another reason this week. It has - perhaps unknowingly - hosted a tiny artwork by a street artist who goes by the name MicroMischief according to the Inverness Courier. You can see more of MicroMischief's work on their Instagram page.

🎨 In other arts news, don't miss Overside artist Alison Dunlop's exhibition "Minch Song." It's on at the Gairloch Museum until December 21.

👑 The Mary Queen of Scots Exhibition at Poolewe House comes to an end this weekend. So if you fancy it, this is your last chance.

At the Torridon Centre, there is a "Wester Ross Double Bill" of theatre on November 1 & 2. You can find out more and get tickets here.

Congrats to organisers of the Arts and Crafts Fare at the Gairloch Hotel this week. They raised £263 for Highland Hospice at the event.

🖍️ In Aultbea, there are moves afoot to restart a Monday Art Club in the Community Hall Crow's Nest from November 4. All abilities welcome. In Gairloch Community Hall Facebook also says there's a group for any kind of creative that meets on Wednesday's between 5.30pm and 7pm in the Annexe.

🕺 For those with more energy to burn, The Torridon Country Dance Club for adults restarts in Torridon Village Hall on October 29 at 7.30pm. No experience necessary. Dance classes for children are also set to get going on Saturday afternoons in Gairloch Leisure Centre from November 23. Call them on 01445 712345 to find out more.

🍺 The Loch Ewe Brewing Company are laying on their first event in Gairloch Community Hall this weekend (October 26). A tantalising trinity of beer, hot pasties (£6) and skittles (£4) will be on offer. If you miss it, they're going again on December 14.

🍰 Many local businesses are switching over to their winter opening hours. The Gairloch Museum have announced that "Whatever the Weather Wednesdays" are starting up again from next week. "This means there will be a soup lunch and teas, coffees and cakes on offer on a pay-what-you-can donation basis," they explain. If its not Wednesday, the cafe will be closed until next season.

🌲 The GALE Centre are looking for local groups to take part in their Christmas Tree Festival. And if you have space to plant 500 trees or more, you have until December 1 to apply for a grant from the Woodland Trust to help you.

🍗 Speaking of Christmas, Kenneth Morrison the butchers are already taking orders. Turkey again, or something more adventurous this year?

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