SUSANNA JONES has recently completed a short appointment as writer in residence with Shetland Arts, and reflects on the experience of getting to know the islands and the people, and on the influence that may have on her own work.

EILEEN RAE looks at the Argyll & Bute residencies based in the artistic retreat at Cove Park.

GEORGINA COBURN has been out and about meeting the visual artists and organisations throughout the Highlands and Islands to prepare a report for HI~Arts. In this second article, Georgina considers more key issues ahead of the final report and associated conference later in 2006.

DANNSA aim to promote and celebrate traditional Scottish dance.

Visual artist CAROLINE DEAR reports on her participation in the Kunst Hand Fest at Barnitz in Northern Germany

NORTHINGS catches up with festival director JOE GIBBS as the Tartan Heart Festival at Belladrum moves into its third and biggest incarnation this month

JOHN BURNS recommends joining the Podcast revolution.

ALLAN HUNTER catches up with Skye-born film-maker DOUGLAS MACKINNON ahead of the scheduled premiere of The Flying Scotsman as opening film at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

GEORGINA COBURN condemns the short-sighted policy of removing specialist art and music teachers from early primary school

GEORGINA COBURN has been out and about the meeting visual artists and organisations throughout the Highlands and Islands to prepare a report for HI~Arts. Georgina airs some of the issues raised during interviews, and invites feedback from Northings readers ahead of the final report and associated conference later this year.