Blas brings blast of culture to Ross-shire
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This year’s festival, taking place from September 1 to 9, will include special events celebrating the 80th birthdays of four icons of Gaelic Culture - Kenna Campbell, Fergie MacDonald, Morag MacLeod and Finlay MacLeod.
The 2017 Blas Commission - Dìleab Uilleim - explores the Gaelic song legacy of Rev William Matheson, one of Scotland’s foremost collectors and authorities on Gaelic song.
Those shows will feature introductions to the songs by Jo MacDonald and performances from Robert Robertson, Rachel Walker, Ross Wilson, Alasdair Whyte, Eilidh Cormack, Linda Macleod, Allan MacDonald and Christine Primrose.
A CD of Fortrose fiddler Lauren MacColl’s Fèis Rois Commission The Seer will be launched at two performances, including at the Seaboard Centre in Balintore on September 4, along with the Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail group.
There will also be performances by new Gaelic song trio Sian, Duncan Chisholm, The Mischa Macpherson Trio, Breabach, Skipinnish, Skerryvore, Sharon Shannon, The Angus Nicolson Trio, Donald Black Band, Ireland’s Fidil and Canada’s MacIsaac and MacKenzie.
An array of the finest Gaelic singers complete the line-up including Mairi MacInnes, Margaret Stewart, Rona Lightfoot, Ewan John Morrison, David Mackenzie, Murdo ‘Wasp’ MacDonald, Mary Catherine MacNeil, Freddie Mackenzie as well as Dingwall and Inverness Gaelic Choirs.
In Ross-shire, artists will be performing in North Kessock, Fearn, Resolis on the Black Isle, Gairloch, Ullapool, Torridon and Plockton while Dingwall Gaelic Choir will be singing in St Andrews Cathedral, Inverness.
Cabinet secretary for culture Fiona Hyslop said: "The Blas Festival is an important event for the Highland community and for people across Scotland.
"Blas represents a key part of the Highland cultural exchange and the Scottish Government is committed to further supporting its growth, which will enrich Scotland’s cultural life and contribute to the promotion of Gaelic in Scotland."
Claire Byers, interim director, arts and engagement at Creative Scotland, said: "Creative Scotland is proud to support Blas in bringing great quality music to intimate venues across the Highlands.
"This year’s programme looks as excellent as ever. Fèisean nan Gàidheal have created a diverse programme which is sure to inspire young musicians and captivate audiences."
Fèisean nan Gàidheal chief executive Arthur Cormack said: "We are grateful for the continued support of Highland Council, Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Creative Scotland, Argyll and Bute Council and Comhairle nan Leabhraichean. For the first time Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is supporting us and we are also very happy that Marine Harvest have agreed to sponsor certain elements of Blas 2017.
"We are looking forward to an exciting festival and to welcoming the many friends who come to the Highlands annually to attend events, as well as those resident in the area."
• The full festival programme is now available at www.blas-festival.com where full details of all events and how to buy tickets can be found.
