Eurovision's Sam Ryder misses Bella due to illness

Eurovision runner-up Sam Ryder was due to appear at this weekend's Belladrum music festival

Eurovision runner-up Sam Ryder has had pull out of appearing at this weekend's Belladrum Tartan Heart festival due to illness.

Ryder, who finished second behind Ukraine's entry at this year's song contest, was due to appear in the Scottish festival's Hot House on Thursday night.

Wishing Ryder a speedy recovery, Belladrum's organisers said the singer had now been lined up as main stage headliner for next year.

Isle of Lewis band, Peat & Diesel, have stepped in to headline the Hot House stage.

Crowds have been gathering for the first day of the festival.

Bella, one of Scotland's largest music events, is taking place near Beauly after a break of two years due to the Covid pandemic.

First held in 2004, the event can draw crowds of up to 20,000 people.

This year's acts include Nile Rodgers and Chic, Van Morrison, Ash, Shed Seven, Emeli Sande, Callum Beattie, Ewdyn Collins and Goodbye Mr Mackenzie.

Each Bella has a theme and this summer it is myths and legends.

Artwork for the festival's posters was designed by Francesca Grech, a Maltese illustrator reading for an MA in illustration at Edinburgh College of Art.

Bella runs until Saturday.

BBC ALBA will be providing live coverage from the festival and highlights, with some sets also being made available on iPlayer.