Sports

There are countless football and rugby teams and clubs which will  welcome new players and supporters.

There are clubs which you can join just for fun or if you’d like to, you can join a team which plays in local and highland wide competitions. 

These clubs are open to people of all ages and often host social activities as well the training and games themselves. There are often a range of clerical roles available as many of the clubs co-ordinate matches, local fundraisers and club houses etc. 

See the Caithness Amateur Football Association and Caithness Rugby Football Club websites for more information.

Dance of all kind is popular in the north highlands. From traditional highland dance to modern hip hop and street dance groups there is something to suit all interested in dance. The North Highlands boasts many championship dancers and is even home to its own dance festival which is coordinated by a local dance instructor. 

The Far North Dance Festival originated in 2019 and welcomed dance trainers from far and wide to host workshops for local enthusiasts. Styles include the Argentinian Tango, Ballroom and the Lindy Hop. 

As well as dance, gymnastics is a popular activity in the North Highlands with clubs providing a safe space to learn and meet new people. Check out the Caithness Gymnastics Club and North Apex Gymnastics Club or get in touch with us to discuss further.

The North Highlands is a dream come true for those with an interest in horses. There are countless trekking spots you can explore with clubs and independently. 

There are at least three riding clubs in the county which will all welcome new members.

Each Summer there is an active show circuit in the highlands and many compete all over the country. North Highland College UHI offer many study options in Equine Studies and boast state of the art Rural Studies Centre, the only one of its kind in the North of Scotland.

Racket sports are popular in the North Highlands with people of all ages and there are facilities here in the North Highlands to play many. The Thurso Squash, Tennis & Racketball Club boast excellent facilities in the town centre and new members are welcomed. 

Caithness Badminton Association train across the county of Caithness and participants play for fun as well as competitively all over Scotland.

Those keen to explore the North Highlands in an energetic way would be welcomed by the North Highland Harriers running group. The club train together as well as host many running events in the area. 

Thurso is home to the most northerly UK mainland Park Run group, an informal running group which meets every Saturday morning. Participants are encouraged to run or walk the designated route and join in with the social aspects of being active. 

Caithness Amateur Athletic Club offers coaching in cross country, track & field and participants enjoy training for fun as well as entering competitions at local and national level.