Anyone trying to link Para Handy, a (but not the) Queen and one of the world’s top pipers Allan MacDonald of Glenuig might be facing a challenge and a half. However, Blas 2011 festival organisers are succeeding where most would fear to tread and the Loch Ness Monster had better look out in just over three week’s, when one of the festival’s annual success stories is repeated.
 
“The Highland Voyage”, set on the famous Jacobite Queen, which has as its regular route the dramatic setting of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, is a wonderful evening’s entertainment, this year with a Para Handy theme. Devised and performed by Allan MacDonald of the famous piping brothers from Glenuig with invited guests, the annual cruise down Loch Ness on Friday September 9, with an appropriate level of culinary excellence provided by The Red Poppy, is always a must-have ticket for Blas aficionados.
 
Always a sell-out, only 45 tickets are available and should be purchased as soon as possible. Accompanied by Iain MacLeod, Allan MacDonald will be Para Handy for the evening, stoking the entertainment.
 
The Highland Queen has become one of the most notable events at Blas festivals and is being repeated by popular demand.  Festival Director Donna MacRae said: “We know that the tickets for this event will be very popular and I would urge anyone wishing to be on the cruise to get in touch with the ticket office as soon as possible. The Para Handy theme seems to be perfectly set up for Allan and with his foot on the tiller heading down Loch Ness, anything could happen and the one thing that is guaranteed is that the entertainment will be first class.  I am sure that if Nessie is due to make an appearance, the Glenuig pipes would be the best possible way of providing a serenade.”
 
MacDonald groupies in the Glenuig fan club should also note that the following evening Saturday September 10 - monstrous events on Loch Ness permitting - Allan and his  brother Dr Angus will be leading the charge at the Empire Theatre Eden Court, along with other pipers, “Celebrating the Regal Pipe.”  Joining them will be Mairearad Green, Angus MacColl, the world championship winning Oban High School Pipe Band (still celebrating their latest success at the Worlds in Glasgow last weekend) and Seudan – Angus Mackenzie, Angus Nicolson, Fin Moore and Calum MacCrimmon.