How can creative activities – including those that make the most of the green and blue space around Orkney – help fortify community bonds and enhance collective wellbeing? The North Isles Natural Wellbeing Project links seven islands working together to find out – Hoy, Sanday, Shapinsay, Stronsay, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre. Louise McQuaid from the project describes what has come so far from their ‘green health’ initiatives.

She will be joined by a well-known Festival participant, Lewis Hou of Science Ceilidh which supports The Ideas Fund which connects communities directly with researchers to drive wellbeing projects across the Highlands and Islands. He’ll be sharing some of the wider learning and research around the benefits of creativity for wellbeing – alongside a tune or two!