What's On
Please note that this page shows the 2009 programme and is not reflective of future years.
Join in the celebrations as the flotilla stops along the Caledonian Canal for an exciting range of shore-based entertainment and water-based activities - there is something for everyone and most of the fun is FREE!
Jump to a day:
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
For all events & activities please check on-site programme boards for performance times
Tuesday 16th June
Neptune’s Staircase, Banavie (Fort William)
12pm - 4pm
Join us in providing a hearty Scottish welcome to the flotilla and bid farewell to the boats as they set off on their journey along the canal.
Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail
Some of Scotland’s best emerging musicians perform traditional music, song and dance inspired by the heritage in and around the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.Big Rory & Ochie
A nine foot bagpipe playing Scotsman and his dog provide hilarious entertainment and keep you smiling as they career around the audience.The Seagulls
These gorgeous, cheeky birds are surreal, loveable and interact brilliantly with the crowds. You’ll scream with laughter and get some great photos!Gutty Slippers
A madcap quintet of pipes, drums, flarey kilts and hairy legs! You WILL be moved!Story Telling Yurt - Music & Tales from Sea to Sea
Join Bob Pegg as he tells traditional Highland stories from the days of the building of the Caledonian Canal. Music and song weave into traditional stories of magic, mystery and adventure.Storyposts
Take a seat and listen to stories and tales of the canal on our artist-designed story posts, located throughout the site.Super Jumper
Not for the faint-hearted - bungee jumping! (entry charge applies)
PLUS: Children’s Activities : BBQ : Information Tent : Food and Drink : Face painting
At 4pm join us to wave off the flotilla as it embarks on its journey of The Crossing 2009.
Thursday 18th June
FORT AUGUSTUS
12pm - 6pm
Join us for an afternoon of shore and water-based activities as we moor at the picturesque setting of Fort Augustus.
Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail
Traditional music and song inspired by the heritage in and around the Caledonian Canal.Story Telling Yurt - Tales from the Well
Join award-winning traditional Highland storyteller Greg Dawson Allen in the atmospheric storytelling tent for tales and intrigue from the area.Big Rory & Ochie
A nine foot bagpipe playing Scotsman and his dog provide hilarious entertainment. Guaranteed to keep you smiling!Mischief La Bas present The Telfords
The twin great-grandsons of the famous Thomas Telford know the inner workings of all things mechanical, so long as it doesn’t involve ‘electric’ – if it can’t be moved by cogs, axle grease or steam it’s beneath contempt! The boiler suited and be-whiskered twins bicker and bluster through the crowd examining all your engineering devices!!!The Seagulls
These gorgeous, cheeky birds are surreal, loveable and interact brilliantly with the crowds. You’ll scream with laughter and get some great photos!Canadian Canoe Sessions
Presented by Kushi AdventuresCome along and try free canoe sessions with an introduction to the safe way to have fun on the canal. Also featuring a shore based introduction to canoeing, giving you all the top tips on buying equipment, safety, organisations and training.
PLUS : Story Posts : Children’s activities : Information tent : Food & Drink : Face painting : Magic!
FRINGE EVENTS
6 - 7pm
Classic Whisky Tasting Tour of Scotland
Work your way through the flavours of the nation! (with savouries to match each whisky)
The Lovat Arms, Fort Augustus
£15 per person. To book contact 0845 450 1100 or emailgm@lovatarms-hotel.com
8 - 10:30pm
An Evening of Ceilidh Dance
with accordionist Sheila Peters
Fort Augustus Village Hall, Bunoich Road
Tickets £4 (£3 under 12s) ALL WELCOME!
Available from daytime Information Tent or on the Door
Presented by FAGBI
Friday 19th June
Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness
12noon - 2pm
For a spectacular photo opportunity, take a trip to Urquhart Castle as the flotilla makes a short stop at this breathtaking historic site on the banks of Loch Ness. There will also be some traditional music and song performed by the Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail.
Admission prices:
Adults: £7.00 Concessions: £5.50 Child: £3.50
General opening times: 9:30 - 6pm
Saturday 20th June
Muirtown Basin, Inverness
12pm - 4pm
A packed programme of land and water-based activities to mark the end of the flotilla’s journey through the Canal.
Seaplane Landing / Take-Off
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness an Aviat Huskie amphibious seaplane landing and takeoff (subject to appropriate weather conditions):12noon arrival / 1pm take-off
3.30pm arrival / 4pm take-off
Mischief La Bas present The Telfords
The twin great-grandsons of the famous Thomas Telford know the inner workings of all things mechanical, so long as it doesn’t involve 'electric' - if it can’t be moved by cogs, axle grease or steam it’s beneath contempt! The boiler suited and be-whiskered twins bicker and bluster through the crowds examining all your engineering devices!!!Caledonian Canal Ceilidh Trail
Some of Scotland’s best emerging musicians perform traditional music, song and dance inspired by the heritage in and around the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.Gutty Slippers
A madcap quintet of pipes, drums, flarey kilts and hairy legs! You WILL be moved!Story Telling Yurt - Music & Tales from Sea to Sea
With Bob Pegg. Music and song weave into traditional Highland stories of magic, mystery and adventure. Features musical instruments from the many countries whose boats have traversed the great waterway.Local Produce Market
Tempt your taste buds at a range of stalls showcasing the very best in Scottish food and drink. Local Producers include…
Bouvrage berry juice drinks
Cairngorm Brewery bottled ales and gift packs
Macleod Organics soft fuits, vegs and local organic breads
Orkney Isle Preserves Jams, relishes & marmalades
REAL Food preserves, Highland cheese, eggs, local fruit and veg
The Isle of Skye Baking Company pastries, shortbread, oatcakes, fruitcake, tablet, sweets, chutney, jellies…
Westert Lawrenceton Farm organic cheeses and butter
Supported by Scotland Food & Drink
Chef Demonstrations
Take a seat and learn more about the great dishes and products from the Highlands & Islands, with demonstrations by George McIvor and Andrew Wilkie.12:45pm and 3.15pm
Supported by Scotland Food & Drink
Boat Trips
Enjoy a free short boat trip in the Muirtown Basin on the Highland Seagull.Provided by Seagull Trust Cruises
WATERWALKERZ
A chance to magically walk on water with British Waterways Scotland’s Waterwalkerz - man-sized inflatable spheres! (Note that age and height restrictions apply)Sailing In The City
This is a unique opportunity for young people (8-14yrs) to try their hand at sailing with free taster sessions provided by RYA Scotland. Come prepared to get wet!
Water Activities
Inverness Sea Scouts will be providing free taster sessions including canoes, kayaks and more!Water polo
Inverness Canoe Club will be holding a water polo match at 1.30pmBoat Race
Come and cheer from the canal side as Inverness Sea Cadets and Sea Scouts race against each other in a friendly race kicking off at 2.30pmSuper Jumper
Not for the faint-hearted - bungee jumping! (entry charge applies)PLUS : Story Posts : Children’s activities : Information tent : Food & Drink
THE CROSSING MIDSUMMER CEILIDH
featuringThe Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience
7.30pmThe Crossing Marquee, Muirtown Basin Quayside, Inverness
The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience has established a reputation as one of the top ceilidh bands in the world playing at high energy dances from Bangkok to Bogotá, Melbourne to Moscow. Led by the ever-inventive Sandy Brechin, the band consists of box, fiddle, drums, bass and guitar.
Let your hair down (or frizz it up) on the dancefloor! Guaranteed to provide a fantastic finale to The Crossing as we bid adieu to the flotilla.
