Every year the much-loved Daffodil Tea selects a local charity partner to receive donations and proceeds from the annual event. For 2026, on the occasion of their 40th anniversary year, the charity beneficiary will be Fèis Rois.
Since 1986, Fèis Rois has enabled people of all ages to access, participate in and enjoy the traditional arts, music and Gaelic language through a diverse programme in Ross & Cromarty, across Scotland and internationally.
Based in Dingwall, the charity is widely recognised as a national leader in the arts, particularly in music education, with a busy year-round programme of music-making and arts-based activities which bring a wide-ranging community together. Central to Fèis Rois’ activity remains the annual programme of residential fèisean (music schools or festivals). These fèisean bring people together to learn and develop skills in traditional music, as well as exploring a range of other art forms and the Gaelic language. Both spring fèisean are currently open for booking on www.feisrois.org.
Fiona Dalgetty, Chief Executive of Fèis Rois, said: “It’s such an honour to be commemorated at the Daffodil Tea – a wonderful annual event – made even more special by this being our 40th anniversary year. It’s always such a brilliant day out in the stunning historic grounds of Foulis Castle and this year we’re so happy to have the opportunity to raise funds for our charitable work and to showcase our activities in the community. We extend a heartfelt thanks to the Munro family, especially Alpha, who has been involved with Fèis Rois for nearly all of our 40-year history. We can’t wait to be a part of this vibrant celebration of Highland culture.”
It is a year of celebrations as Dingwall also marks 800 years since the town received the Royal Charter. Tradition has it that the Munros were invited by King Malcolm II to assist him in his wars with the Vikings circa 1025. Since then, the Munros have always been closely connected to Dingwall.
Fèis Rois are currently recruiting for volunteers to help on the day with setting up, serving teas, stewarding the car park and taking entrance fees. If you would like to help, you can email Lorraine.Aburrow@feisrois.org for more information.
The event takes place at Foulis Castle near Evanton, on Saturday 18 April from 2pm-4.30pm. Members of the public invited to come and pick daffodils and enjoy live music, Highland dancing displays, more than twenty different craft and flower stalls, home baking and teas. Fèis Rois’ two monthly youth groups – Cluich Rois and Kiltearn Fiddlers – will also be performing. For children, there will be inflatable castles and slides, facepainting and storytelling activities.