Reduced Blas Festival programme after funding blow

Organisers of the 20th Blas Festival say it will likely have a "much-reduced" programme of events after failing to secure extra funding.

The celebration of Highland and Gaelic culture was first held in 2004 and usually takes place across dozens of venues in the Highlands and Argyll.

Organisers Fèisean nan Gàidheal said funding had almost been at a standstill for several years, and it had been unsuccessful in securing additional funds from its main backer - Highland Council.

The local authority said its funding for Blas had not increased and this had "an obvious knock-on effect".

The festival is due to be held in September and feature traditional music and dance.

Fèisean nan Gàidheal has fought for funding in previous years, including 2016.

It said there had been little change in Highland Council's contribution for 10 years, adding talks with the local authority last year had been fruitless.

Fèisean nan Gàidheal said: "After waiting four months for a reply, it is now clear Highland Council is not going to provide additional funding for Blas.

"Therefore, it is only going to be possible to programme a handful of events this year - probably 12 to 14 - and we are planning a much-reduced run of events between 6 and 14 September."

It said it would not be possible to commission new music or offer all artists who had been in touch a place at the festival.

A Highland Council spokesperson said: “The Statutory Gaelic Fund from which Highland Council provides funding for Blas has not been increased and this has an obvious knock-on effect.”