Ellie’s Hang out

In a town like Thurso — where the sea meets the sky and community means everything — hosting a Pride event is more than just a celebration. It’s a powerful expression of visibility, inclusion, and belonging for LGBTQ+ people right here in Caithness.

For many, growing up LGBTQ+ in a rural or remote area can feel isolating. When cities hundreds of miles away host vibrant Pride parades, it can seem like acceptance is something that only happens elsewhere. But when Thurso holds its own Pride, it sends a clear and hopeful message: you are seen, you are welcome, and you are not alone.

A Pride event in Thurso says that love and acceptance are not limited to big cities — they live here too, in the north of Scotland, among the hills and harbour, in the hearts of our neighbours. It gives people of all ages a chance to come together, to show solidarity, and to celebrate diversity in all its forms.

For LGBTQ+ youth in Caithness, seeing their hometown raise the rainbow flag or host a march through familiar streets can be life-changing. It tells them they have a future here, that they don’t have to leave to be themselves. And for allies, it’s a chance to stand up and say, “We support you. We’re with you.”

Pride in Thurso might not have the size or spectacle of Glasgow or Edinburgh, but what it has is heart. It reflects the strength of a community willing to grow, to listen, and to embrace all of its people — no matter who they are or who they love.

Because Pride isn’t just about one day. It’s about creating a town where everyone feels at home, every day of the year.