East Sutherland young people dive into an active October

A week of adventure, sport and fun kept children across East Sutherland active during the tattie holidays, with 82 young people taking part in various events across the area and beyond, supported by Summer of Sport funding.

Delivered by High Life Highland’s Active Schools team for East Sutherland, the programme offered a mix of activity camps, climbing, surfing and the area’s first Mini Triathlon. It gave children opportunities to build confidence, make new friends and try something new.

Activity camps, climbing and surfing

The week began with activity camps in Helmsdale and Brora, featuring a range of sports and games, alongside a popular squishy-making session delivered in partnership with Timespan.

Young people also enjoyed a fully booked climbing trip to The Ledge in Inverness, and a surfing excursion to Dunnet Beach, where every participant successfully stood up on their board.

Surf lesson at Dunnet Beach

Climbing at The Ledge, Inverness

Making activities accessible for rural families

Thanks to Summer of Sport funding, activity camps were free of charge, transport was provided for trips, and eligible families received discounted rates for climbing and surfing sessions.

This helped ensure children from rural communities could access opportunities regardless of location or cost.

East Sutherland’s first Mini Triathlon

A particular highlight was East Sutherland’s first Mini Triathlon (Aquathlon), organised with Sutherland Swimming Pool and Triathlon Scotland.

Open to young people aged 6 to 18, the event attracted 18 participants who completed a 20-minute swim followed by a 20-minute run, cheered on by family and friends.

Rounding off the week

The programme concluded with further activity camps in Dornoch, Bonar Bridge and Lairg, offering a variety of energetic games and activities.

Games at an activity camp

Looking back on the week

Elissa Stevenson, Active Schools Coordinator for East Sutherland, said: “It was fantastic to see so many children being active during the October break. The climbing and surfing trips are always popular, and being able to provide funded transport makes a real difference for local families.

“I was especially pleased with the success of the Mini Triathlon. It was a fun and welcoming event, and it was wonderful to see everyone taking part with a smile on their face. Across the week, 82 young people attended eight events, with most activities offered free or at low cost thanks to Summer of Sport funding.”