Latest News & Events

Lochinver Lights Festival 

Saturday, 10th January 2026

Lochinver will come alive this winter with the Lochinver Lights Festival, a vibrant community celebration of light, culture and togetherness taking place on Saturday 10 January 2026.

From 3pm, Culag Woods will be transformed with a free illuminated woodland walkthrough, inviting visitors to explore the lights at their own pace. Throughout the afternoon and evening there will be market stalls, refreshments, music and family-friendly activities, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. The festival lights will remain on until 9pm, offering plenty of time to enjoy the experience.

What’s On

• Free illuminated woodland light display and walkthrough

• Lantern making for primary-aged children with ACCYP (Assynt Christian Community Youth Project)

• Market stalls, refreshments and family activities led by Assynt Leisure

• Fire festival and woodland covered stage featuring live music, folklore storytelling, a puppet show and a mindfulness workshop, delivered by The Elm Project and Woodlands Trust

The festival aims to bring people together, celebrate a culture of light, attract visitors to the area, and showcase Lochinver as a beautiful winter destination for locals, visitors and photographers alike.

Neon Family Fun Run

The Neon Family Fun Run is the festival’s only ticketed activity. This fun, non-competitive run (approximately 2km) takes place through illuminated woodland paths and is designed for families and participants of all abilities.

Bright and neon clothing is encouraged, with glow sticks, face paint and head or handheld torches adding to the magical winter atmosphere. All funds raised from the run go directly to Assynt Leisure, supporting local facilities and community activity.

Booking is now open for the Neon Family Fun Run
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lochinver-lights-neon-fun-run-tickets-1977611821193?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Please note: Festival entry and most activities are free of charge; tickets are only required for the Neon Family Fun Run.

Why Lochinver Lights?

The original aim of the Lochinver Lights Festival is to raise funds for Assynt Leisure and to support the development of the new Troll Bridge in Culag Woods, led by Culag Woodlands Trust.

Beyond fundraising, the festival seeks to bring people together, encourage health and wellbeing, celebrate local culture, attract visitors to the area, and showcase Culag Woods as a unique winter destination — particularly for photographers and those drawn to light-based experiences.

Thanks to Our Funders

We are delighted to confirm that the Lochinver Lights Festival has received support from the Highland Council Strategic Events Programme. This funding enables Culag Woods to be lit with a professional lighting display, helping to create a magical and accessible experience for everyone to enjoy.

At the heart of the event is a magical night-time run (approx 2km), with an illuminated route through woodland paths. Neon outfits, glow sticks, and head torches will all add to the atmosphere under the Wintery night sky.

But the festival is much more than just running. Visitors can take part in guided walks, and storytelling sessions, enjoy live music, and explore a variety of local food and craft stalls. Children will have the chance to get creative with lantern-making workshops, while the woodland light displays will provide a stunning backdrop for the whole community to gather and celebrate.

The Lochinver Lights Festival is a new opportunity for the area to showcase its unique landscape, culture, and talent, while bringing people together for health, wellbeing, and shared experiences.

Thank You to the Highland Council Strategic Event Fund -

Lochinver Lights Festival

Assynt Leisure would like to give a huge thank you to the Highland Council Strategic Event Fund for supporting the Lochinver Lights Festival 2025.

This award of funding will enable us to transform Culag Woods into a spectacular illuminated landscape with a professional lighting display, creating a magical backdrop for the festival. The lighting will not only enhance the night-time trail runs but also provide a unique cultural experience for everyone attending, from families enjoying storytelling and guided walks to visitors exploring local food, music, and crafts.

We are delighted that the Council has recognised the importance of this event in celebrating community spirit, promoting health and wellbeing, and encouraging off-season tourism in Lochinver and the wider Assynt area. Their support is helping us bring an ambitious new event to life for the whole community and visitors to enjoy.

Soft Play at Assynt Leisure

We’re thrilled to announce that Assynt Leisure has been awarded funding from the Highland Council Community Regeneration Fund to purchase a brand-new portable soft play climbing frame!

This fantastic addition will provide a safe, fun, and engaging space for young children to play, explore, and develop key motor skills. The new equipment will be a huge benefit to our Parent & Toddler group and other family activities at the centre.

A huge thank you to the Highland Council Community Regeneration Fund for making this possible! Your support helps us continue to provide valuable resources for our community.

We can’t wait to see the little ones enjoying the new play space