The beautiful island of Islay is famous for several things, including its whisky, but STUART TODD explains how it also came to have one of the most attractive jazz festivals in Scotland

Quarks, strangeness and charm (or, how your doctor might be writing novels in his/her spare time): ANNE MACLEOD ponders the complex relationship between her dual roles as medical practitioner and creative writer, and finds an answer to the fundamental question posed by her mischievous colleague in Stromness – why bother with books?

Italian Gardens, Belladrum, Saturday 14 August 2004

Universal Hall, Findhorn, Monday 9 August 2004

Universal Hall, Findhorn, Saturday 7 August 2004

CATRIONA PAUL checks out the Highlands and Islands input to a couple of less fashionable events in either side of the border September

KENNY MATHIESON runs an eye over the latest offerings from Ken Ramage’s annual Nairn swingfest

Lews Castle, Stornoway, Saturday 17 July 2004

Lews Castle, Stornoway, Friday 16 July 2004

Lews Castle, Stornoway, Thursday 15 July 2004