WATCH: Nairn set to celebrate watersports with Paddling Film Festival this weekend

Paddling sports enthusiasts and newbies will gather for the only Scottish date of a film festival’s world tour this weekend.

Nairn will play host to the Paddling Film Festival on Saturday, April 6, with a day of activities dedicated to watersports.

Hosted by outdoors adventure provider Highland Experiences, the festival will offer a selection of the best short films in the competition, which will be on show at Nairn Community and Arts Centre between 5 and 9pm.

Organisers have also teamed up with local charities Blue Space Highland and Green Hive, who will be hosting a wellness session at Nairn Beach (11am to 2pm) and a litter pick session (2pm to 4pm) on the day.

A kayak and paddle board sale will also be hosted at Nair Harbour and 50 per cent of all profits from the event will be donated to local charities Green Hive and Blue Space Highland.

Cory Jones, director of Highland Experiences, said: “I first heard of the festival when I was in Canada, where I have done many open water canoeing expeditions. Many people involved with the festival are from there so that is where I first heard of it.

“We moved to Nairn about 2 years ago, and we wanted to do something that would be good for us as a business but also engage wi charities and create a community event. We wanted it to be less of a commercial event.

“Because this is the only place in Scotland where the Festival will be running this year, we have people coming up from the central belt for the event.

“The two charities will also have tables during the main event so if anyone is interested in learning more on them and what they do they can speak to them.

The Paddling Film Festival has been showcasing the very best paddling films since 2006. Each year films are entered for the festival by both professional producers and up-and-coming filmmakers from all corners of the world. The shortlisted and winning films are toured around the world as the Paddling Film Festival.

Tickets for the festival are priced at £12.

For more information and details you can visit Highland Experiences’ website.

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