FESTIVAL 2026

MIND, BODY & SOUL - DAY ONE

ULLAPOOL VILLAGE HALL

DISCUSSIONS: 6TH NOVEMBER , 10AM-5PM

WOMEN IN STEM EVENING EVENT: 7.30PM

Post Tipping-Point UK - Re-imagining our future

Continuing our Science in Fiction series, we interview writer Jenni Daiches about her new novel ‘They know where they are going’. It imagines one family’s emigration story from England to an independent Scotland in 2041 in search of water and food as the effects of climate change become embedded. Jenni’s first book, Somewhere Else, was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction exploring themes of emigration and belonging. She has worked as a freelance writer and lecturer and from 1978-2001 at the National Museum of Scotland.

Dùthchas: Where language meets landscape

Sustainable crofter and small business owner Donald McIver speaks from the heart about our connection to landscape through Gaelic place-names. Living in Aultbea, Donald is a member of Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team and has an interest in safe enjoyment of the hills for everyone. 

Stress-busting, mood-raising singing

Singing is proven to reduce stress and boost endorphins. Learn more about health effects and take part in a singing interlude with our resident community choir leader Sot Otter, award-winning songwriter, composer and multiinstrumentalist who performs regularly at music events and festivals. 

Fire and ice mind and body reset

The circulatory and hormonal evidence for cold-water swimming and saunas is behind their rapidly expanding popularity for all ages. After 18 years in the NHS, Norma MacLeod has dedicated her time to helping others to discover the wellness effects of cold open water swimming and of hot saunas. She shares her knowledge and on 7th November invites everyone to try a fire and ice experience themselves at Braemore Space.

Win-win for planet and health

We can make lifestyle choices that are good for our  health and wellbeing while  also mitigating our impacts on the environment and climate change. Dr Munro Stewart, Vice President Policy of the Royal College of General Practitioners and RCGP Sustainability Champion in 2024, 

Mind Games 

To end the day ahead of Ullapool’s fireworks display, Professor Fiona Macpherson, aims to set our minds alight with her research on philosophy of mind and perception looking at senses, experience and hallucination. Fiona is Professor of Philosophy, and Director of the Centre for the Study of Perceptual Experience, at the University of Glasgow. She is Co-Director of CenSes: Centre for the Study of the Senses at the Institute of Philosophy, University of London.