Whilst a lot is going on nearly all year round, there are some special events. Not surprisingly, several have a long history and are linked to farming. Here we highlight four:
Switching on the Christmas lights: popular for obvious reasons, this annual event takes place outside the Cromarty Hall and includes a band, Father Christmas, mince pies and drinks.
The Festival of the Horse and Ploughing Match: one of Orkney’s unique occasions that dates back two centuries – https://calendarcustoms.com/articles/boys-ploughing-match-festival-of-the-horse/ and http://www.orkneyjar.com/tradition/festivalofhorse.htm.
Harvest Home. This festive period marks the completion of harvesting and has ancient pagan origins. In South Ronaldsay, it takes place in late October or early November. It, like the Agricultural Show, is organized by the South Ronaldsay and Burray Agricultural Society.
Details of community groups and activities can be found on the noticeboards or in the windows at Robertsons, Doulls, the Old Trading Post and Cromarty Hall.