Coastal Testimonies – Eden Court, Inverness

Friday 22nd November – Thursday 28th November
Eden Court, Bishops Rd, Inverness IV3 5SA
A week-long celebration centred around a photographic exhibition sharing experiences of Scotland’s inshore seas, with extra events inside and out. The full Coastal Testimonies exhibition of over 50 portraits and accompanying written testimonies will be on display in Eden Court’s beautiful Chapel gallery. Organised by Our Seas coalition, the exhibition itself is an opportunity to talk in person with members of the coalition and some of the people featured in the project, on a drop in basis throughout the opening hours.
The exhibition in the Chapel will be accompanied by events in other spaces in Eden Court, including cinema screenings, talks and workshops. The full schedule of these activities will be released soon here, and will allow visitors to learn more about our inshore seas and coastal environments. Come along to our coastal celebration and share in our hope for environmental recovery of Scotland’s coastal marine environment, and the revival of sustainable inshore fisheries.
Please see list of events below.
| Friday Nov. 22, 17:30 – 19:00 | Coastal Testimonies Opening Night Celebration & Film Screening |
| Saturday Nov. 23 – Thursday Nov. 28: (11:00-20:00 Weds-Sun, 16:00-20:00 Mon & Tues) | Coastal Testimonies Exhibition Craft Corner |
| Saturday Nov. 23rd, 15:00-16:00 | Film Screening of Our Seas ‘The Limit’ & a Coastal Testimonies short film, followed by a talk from seabird ecologist Dr Liz Morgan |
| Tuesday Nov. 26, 15:30 – 16:30 & 16:45-18:00 | Free family workshop: The Wonders Beneath The Waves |
| Wednesday Nov. 27th, 17:00-18:00 | Film Screening of Our Seas ‘The Limit’ & a Coastal Testimonies short film, followed by a Q&A |
| Wednesday November 27th, 18:00-19:00 | Film Screening of The Orkney Dive, followed by a Q & A |
Coastal Testimonies Exhibition, Saturday Nov. 23 – Thursday Nov. 28, 11:00-20:00, Chapel Gallery, Eden Court
An exhibition presenting a powerful, inclusive and diverse set of testimonies and photographic portraits capturing the depth and breadth of perspectives across coastal communities of Scotland. The exhibition gives a voice to often marginalised and underrepresented perspectives, inspiring debate.
Free event, drop-in.


Coastal Testimonies Opening Night Celebration & Film Screening, Friday Nov. 22 · 17:30 – 19:00, Playhouse Cinema, Eden Court
Join us as we celebrate the opening night of the Our Seas Coastal Testimonies exhibition, which sees the realisation of over a year long project gathering testimonies from people all around the country about their first-hand experiences and local knowledge of Scotland’s inshore seas. Hear from a selection of our testimony givers, learn more about the project and help us celebrate the importance of coastal voices. There will be film screenings (more info below) followed by a reception.
Free event, RSVP via Eventbrite
Film Screening of Our Seas ‘The Limit’ & a Coastal Testimonies short film, followed by a Q&A, Saturday Nov. 23rd 15:00-16:00, & Wednesday Nov. 27th 17:00-18:00, Playhouse Cinema, Eden Court
‘The Limit’ is a campaign film about restoring the threatened connections between people and the life in our sea. It explores the impacts of drastic declines in Scotland’s fish populations and the hidden damage to our seabed. How can we bring about an urgent and fair transition towards more sustainable fishing?
The Coastal Testimonies short film features interviews of people who live and work on Scotland’s coasts, sharing their connection to, concern, and hope for our seas.
The films will be followed by a Q & A.
Free event, RSVP via Eventbrite: Saturday screening Wednesday Screening


Free family workshop: The Wonders Beneath The Waves, Tuesday Nov. 26, 15:30 – 16:30 & 16:45 – 18:00, Eden Court
Using high-res video footage from beneath the waves, marine biologists will take the group on an underwater adventure. We’ll discover and protect the unique biodiversity found along the Scottish coastlines. Through the Berwickshire Ocean Observatory, we will learn about the importance of Marine Protected Areas and their fascinating creatures, encouraging curiosity and inspiring ocean action.
Ideal for 8-12 year olds and their families, all are welcome.
Free event, RSVP via Eventbrite: 15:30-16:30 session (full), 16:45-18:00 session
Film Screening of The Orkney Dive, followed by a Q & A, Wednesday November 27th, 18:00-19:00, Playhouse Cinema, Eden Court, Inverness
Join Open Seas for the launch film screening of The Orkney Dive. This powerful short documentary zooms into Orkney’s scallop diving community, exploring the journey to bring premium, sustainably harvested seafood to market. The movie focuses on an engaging conversation between local divers, chefs, and scientists. After the film, join a Q&A session and a preview of Open Seas’ initiatives to support the sustainable seafood, promote lower-impact fishing and recover marine habitats for future generations.
Free event, RSVP here


Craft Corner, Saturday Nov. 23 – Thursday Nov. 28, 11:00-20:00, Chapel Gallery, Eden Court
Come along and colour or make your own marine creature. All materials provided.
Suitable for all ages.
Free event, drop-in

Seabird session with NTS, Saturday Nov. 23rd 15:00-16:00
Seabirds are the “canaries in the coal mine” for the health of our seas. Over 1 million seabirds live at places that are cared for by the National Trust for Scotland and we have a duty to protect them. Dr Liz Morgan, a seabird ecologist for the Trust, will be giving a short talk to highlight the work they are doing to better understand and protect seabirds. Come along to learn more about these charismatic creatures and discover the special places where you can connect with them. This event is part of Saturday’s film screening
Free event, part of As part of Saturday’s film screening, RSVP here
See all upcoming Coastal Testimonies exhibitions here