The Gathering

The Gathering 2026

The Gathering returns on 30 May 2026 at Inverness Leisure Centre in Inverness, Inverness-shire. This one-day festival celebrates community and creativity in the heart of the Highlands.

Entertainment & Activities

The festival features live music from local artists, creative workshops, vendor stalls with local art and specialties, and talks covering technology, culture, and Highland life. A kids’ corner offers games and crafts for younger visitors.

Food & Drink

Enjoy a variety of Highland food stalls and relax with coffee in the communal lounge area.

Venue & Location

Set on the banks of the River Ness, Inverness Leisure Centre is the largest sports and leisure complex in the Highlands. Its modern, accessible facilities provide a comfortable setting. Nearby attractions include the river walk and Inverness Castle, with the wider Highlands easily accessible after the event.

Atmosphere

The Gathering fosters a warm, welcoming community spirit where visitors connect, learn, and celebrate Highland hospitality.

Inverness is well connected by air, rail, and road. Inverness Airport (about 10 miles from the city centre) offers regular flights to London (City, Gatwick, Heathrow), Manchester, and other destinations via airlines like Loganair and British Airways. Stagecoach Service 11 runs shuttle buses every 30 minutes between the airport and the city centre. For rail travelers, Inverness Station in the city centre is the terminus for ScotRail services from across Scotland. You can catch frequent trains from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and the Highlands, and even the overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London. The Inverness Bus Station (near the city centre) also hosts coach services such as Citylink and Megabus, linking Inverness with other major cities and regions.

By road, the A9 is the main north-south highway connecting Inverness with Perth, Glasgow and the Central Belt. The A96 approaches from Aberdeen on the east coast, while the A82 from Fort William brings you along Loch Ness. The Leisure Centre is easy to reach via Bught Lane. On-site parking at Inverness Leisure is limited (though disabled parking is available), so many visitors use nearby public car parks in the city centre and take a short bus or taxi to the venue. If you drive, allow extra time for Highland roads: they can be narrow and winding, and weather conditions change quickly.

Getting around Inverness is straightforward. The city centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly, so many hotels, restaurants and attractions are within walking distance. Local buses run frequently. Stagecoach routes (for example, the 17 or 2) serve Bught Lane, allowing you to catch a bus from downtown directly to the Leisure Centre. A taxi ride from the city centre is only about 5 minutes, and many taxis and ride-share services are available. If you prefer to walk, the Leisure Centre is roughly a 15-20 minute walk from the city’s main commercial area, following scenic paths along the River Ness.

Inverness and the surrounding Highlands offer a wide range of accommodations. In the city you’ll find everything from budget-friendly chain hotels to charming bed-and-breakfasts and serviced apartments, many within easy reach of the Leisure Centre. It’s wise to book early, especially during warm weather seasons, as Highland lodging can fill up. For a quieter stay, consider guesthouses or inns in nearby towns or countryside locations (for example along Loch Ness) – just plan your travel to the city accordingly. Staying in or near Inverness city centre will give you the best access to restaurants, shops, and attractions before and after The Gathering.