Couturier Sandra Murray MBE has announced that she will be presenting a series of masterclasses for the first time, to pass on exclusive insights into the world of couture and the detailed process involved in creating her masterpieces, and revealing how a highly skilled artisan can operate independently of large fashion houses.

The life and work of the great Gaelic poet, Sorley MacLean, will be celebrated on Skye this summer, marking one hundred years since the poet’s birth.

Lau return to the Stables in Cromarty on Sunday May 15th at 7.30pm.

The Ceangal project which will bring 10 international visual artists to the NW Highlands in September 2012 to create a variety of art works and interact with the artistic and local communities

Ealain A-Muigh Workshops: A series of outdoor art workshops, taught through the medium of Gaelic with professional artists (Julie Brook & Kath MacLeod). All welcome, regardless of Gaelic skills. Under 8’s must be accompanied by older siblings/adults.

Over the past year HI~Arts (the arts development agency for the Highlands and Islands) has been working with a number of outstanding songwriters, to promote their unique craft and record some of their original material. An industry sampler CD, the MIDAS Highland Songwriters Showcase, has just been completed and features twelve tracks from some of the most talented individuals in the Scottish Highlands. To mark the end of the project and the completion of the recording sessions, HI~Arts is hosting a third Songwriters Showcase gig at the Ironworks Room 2 on Sunday May 15th, with a line-up of some of the artists featured on the CD.

Caithness Horizons will be hosting a showcase event for the latest group of artists from around the globe to participate in North Lands Creative Glass’s residency programme on 28 April.

An exhibition of life in the village of Brough & Dunnet Head will be on show at Castlehill Heritage Centre, Castletown (4-25 May 2011).

The Highland Chamber Orchestra will take audiences on a European Grand Tour in concerts in Ullapool and Dornoch this month.

The Iona Gallery in Kingussie has launched a new website.