Six of the country’s finest tradition-bearers, all from Scottish Traveller families, gather at the Perrins Centre, Alness, on Saturday 28th May. This event - entitled 'When Yellow’s on the Broom' - is unique.

Never before, anywhere, have these performers all come together in one place, to celebrate the old-style Traveller culture in which they were brought up. It will be a great a day of story, ballad, music and general good crack. Spring was the time to head for the open road and a summer of hawking, pearl-fishing, berry-picking and tinsmithing.

Stanley Robertson hosts one session about these various crafts and skills, while another recalls The Summer Walkers, the life of Travellers in the far north, in the company of Essie Stewart and Alec Williamson. The celebration will welcome anyone who has memories to contribute, of Travellers coming to their community.

Other highlights include Sheila Stewart remembering her 70 years of travel, in song and sparky anecdote; the dazzling piano-playing of Elizabeth Stewart, whose first CD of ballads and tunes is now out; and Jess Smith, author of two best-selling books, looking at childhood through Traveller eyes.

The 28th May also brings another first for the Highlands, the launch of a double CD: Tales of a Travelling Man/Sgeulachdan bho Mhac-cèaird - a sample from the superb range of traditional stories of Edderton's Alec Williamson, in both Gaelic and English.

Sessions run from 12 noon, and the evening concert begins at 7.30pm. Pick up a full programme at the Perrins Centre or local libraries, or contact Bob Pegg on telephone 01997-421186.

When Yellow’s on the Broom is part of The Merry Dancers Storytelling Project a 3-year initiative by The Highland Council in Ross and Cromarty, supported by RACE and made possible by a generous award from the Scottish Arts Council Lottery Fund.