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Business booming at Belladrum 2022


By Rachel Smart

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Betty Booth Photo Booth. Picture: Callum Mackay..
Betty Booth Photo Booth. Picture: Callum Mackay..

Belladrum 2022 was not just about music and entertainment, but it was also an opportunity for businesses to showcase themselves.

Festival-goers were able to browse a range of stalls and food outlets.

From burgers to burritos and donuts to strawberries and cream, there was a variety on the menu.

There were vegan options on hand for those who wanted it, with a specially dedicated area to keep food from contamination.

Bars were available throughout the arena to top up revellers’ reusable cups with their elixir of choice, and coffee stalls also provided non-alcoholic liquid refreshment.

Stalls sold festival wear, nik-naks, jewellery, art and even carpets.

David from Coffee Rescue Scotland.
David from Coffee Rescue Scotland.

There was also a Co-op in the centre of the arena for the purchase of festival essentials such as toilet roll and milk.

Fearn-based Anta was at Belladrum selling mugs, bags and more.

Yvonne Mackay, from the company, said she was glad to be back at the festival after a three-year hiatus.

She said: “It’s been really good, it’s gone really well. It’s nice to be back at Belladrum after a few years.

“Our biggest seller has been the carpet bags and people have also taken some interest in our carpets which is really good.”

Coffee Rescue Scotland, which operated out of a Land Rover, had a non-stop queue over the weekend, selling decent coffee and other speciality beverages such as a mermaid matcha.

Owner David Chambers said: “We went through about 40 litres of milk and 90 litres of water in one day and around 14 to 15 kilos of coffee beans, so it’s been pretty busy.

“This is our second Belladrum, but this time we are in the Walled Gardens and it’s been a lovely atmosphere.”

Brogan Dempster, Bloom & Graze. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Brogan Dempster, Bloom & Graze. Picture: James Mackenzie.

However, running the festival has not been without its businesses challenges as it too has been impacted by costs and a lack of resources, like the rest of the world.

Belladrum event producer Dougie Brown, said: “The reality is we have had struggles we have had to face such as consumer confidence, financial issues and we’ve had huge staffing issues.

Hannah Nairn, Jasmine Thornton and Bruce Nairn from Strawberries, Aberdeen. Picture: James Mackenzie.
Hannah Nairn, Jasmine Thornton and Bruce Nairn from Strawberries, Aberdeen. Picture: James Mackenzie.

“The whole core infrastructure has also been a challenge as there has been more events taking place across the UK than ever so securing portable cabins, staff and equipment has been harder.

“But we do have a core staff team who are Highland-based and we try to use local suppliers where possible.

“Everyone jumps in and helps which is the special thing about Bella.”

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