Join us to mark the anniversary of one of the most significant books about Highland history.

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of James (Jim) Hunter’s The Making of the Crofting Community , and we will be gathering scholars, creative practitioners, and activists from around the world to commemorate this landmark book and Jim Hunter’s broader career.

Together with the likes of The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil, Runrig, Highland and Islands Enterprise and the establishing of what was to become UHI, The Making has transformed lives and led directly to the ongoing cultural revival in the Highlands.

Jim’s writing, wider career and campaigning was a core element in the rise of the community land buyout movement which has transformed social, economic and cultural lives in the contemporary Highlands and Islands.

Our gathering marks the significance of The Making and also sets the agenda for key debates in our region about land, people, communities and the social, cultural, ecological and economic challenges that we face. Speakers include Ailsa Raeburn, Andrew Mackillop, Col Gordon, Gemma Smith, Iain MacKinnon, Mairi McFadyen, Raghnaid Sandilands, Annie Tindley, Cáit O’Neill McCullagh, David Taylor, Ewen Cameron, Domhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart and Juliette Desportes. The conference will feature specially commissioned artwork by Historylinks museum's Young Curators' Club, a dinner and entertainment with music and poetry.

Tickets are available to book through Eventbrite, https://uhihistory.short.gy/HKxw0T