Wet weather failed to dampen spirits at Saturday's Harbour Day – the largest of the events held during the Discover Thurso Festival.

Organised by Thurso Community Development Trust and supported by Nature Scot through the Plunge In! Coasts and Waterways Community Fund and the Highland Green Health Partnership, the festival has been considered an "absolute success".

The programme of events, held in the town over the last two weeks, has encouraged those that attended to reflect on the importance of the coastline to Thurso, and to engage in the idea of green health as a way to help people both physically and mentally.

The Harbour Day rounded off the festival and involved a mix of crafters and traders reminiscent of the charity organisation’s fortnightly markets, as well as community groups such as the RNLI, Thurso Sea Cadets, British Divers Marine Life Rescue and the Girl Guides giving talks and interacting with the community. Beach activities for children were also held by Thurso Youth Club and craft activities by Messy Nessy Play.

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Chairperson of Thurso Youth Club, Helen Allan said: "It has been a busy two weeks for the trust, but well worth all the hard work as we had a great turnout for our events, and saw an event that felt like life before the pandemic, while being safe and following restrictions carefully. I’d also like to thank all of our volunteers for helping to set up the event itself."

A stunning mural created by youth club members at the harbour toilets the previous weekend was admired by the large number of people who visited Saturday's event. The mural was designed with the help of Youth Highland and Thurso Sea Cadets.

Live music from local musicians added to the enjoyment of the day.

Board member Carol Paterson said: "We had been worried that the rain would have ruined plans and wasted the time of our stallholders but thankfully with the rain clearing near the middle of the day, and the tenacity of Thurso folk, we managed to have a brilliant and busy day."

All in all, the event proved to be a fitting end to a very well received community festival.

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