Blas takes the Islands to the Highlands
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Young local musicians help celebrate the launch of Blas Festival.
HIGHLAND culture festival Blas returns this summer better than ever, organisers claim — despite fears the region wide event could be a victim of spending cutbacks.
Launching the seventh Blas Festival at Eden Court Theatre yesterday, Arthur Cormack, chief executive of Feisan nan Gaidheal announced a programme of well over 80 events taking place between Friday 9th and Saturday 17th September.
These include some 40 music events featuring both up and coming and established stars of the traditional music scene such as Julie Fowlis, Karen Matheson, the Outside Track and Irish-American guests Cherish the Ladies.
Other featured artists include Karine Matheson, Iain Morrison and Daibhidh Martin, Kathleen MacInnes, Maggie MacInnes and Colum Sands and chart-bidders Manran.
Among the highlights are a celebration of the centenary of Gaelic poet Sorley MacLean at Inverness Cathedral with music from Inverness composer Stuart MacRae, the world premiere of "The Boy and The Bunnet" — hailed as traditional music’s answer to "Peter and The Wolf" and an all star finale at Eden Court.
Blas's contributon to the Year of Scotland's Islands will include a new commission from Uist singer Julie Fowlis celebrating the Monach Isles, as well as a series of island themed ceilidhs in village halls across the Highlands.
"There are actually very few islands in the Highland Council region, so we will be celebrating the islands on the mainland," Mr Cormack added.
In adition to the MacLean centenary, two more anniversary's will be marked with a concert marking a quarter century of Feis Rois at Strathpeffer Pavilion and a mountain top 21st birthday party for Feis Spe at the Cairngorm visitor centre.
New for this year are Gaelic writing events and a travelling art gallery, while other non-musical elements include ranger-guided walks.
The younger generation is also to be included with school visits and Feis Ceilidh Trail groups and pupils from the Centre of Excellence in Plockton also participating in concerts.
Festival director Donna MacRae believes this year’s programme is better than ever.
"Advanced ticket sales are very positive, including 50 Germans who block booked tickets for our event at Inverness Airport," she said.
This is in spite of fears that the Highland Council backed event could be a victim of public sector cutbacks.
However, Mr Cormack revealed that in spite of a 30 per cent cut in funding from the council, the budget was only down £10,000 on 2011, a cut he was confident the public would not notice.
"Blas brings £700,000 to the area," he said.
"In terms of investment it’s a good return because it only costs £220,000 to put on.
"We have managed to replace some of the funding lost. Creative Scotland have been really supportive and that may be a long term solution. It’s Scotland’s Year of the Islands this year and we have been able to get money through that. I think the current government is very keen on themed years and we have another Year of Homecoming in 2014.
"From going from a position last year when things were at their bleakest to this is, I think, a great achievement. I’m always the optimist. I always think that we’ll be able to have some sort of Blas Festival, but having said that, if there are other bodies who can give us support, even if not cash, it all helps."
Despite the funding cut, Highland Council leader Michael Foxley pledged that support for Gaelic and traditional music remains strong.
"Blas has grown to be the showpiece for our culture and I am greatly looking forward to the eciting programme of events planned for the autumn," he added.
The Blas programme was also welcomed by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Gaelic, Michael Russell MSP.
"Blas has developed an excellent reputation over recent years for innovative events and high quality performances and this year's programme underlines this," he said.
"This is a full and ambitious programme with top Scottish performers which will help strengthen the Gaelic language and enrich the cultural life of Scotland."
