Heisgeir Lighthouse
Image by Allan MacDonald

A new commission combining newly composed and traditional material influenced by Heisgeir (or The Monach Isles as they are often referred to).  Building on her own family connections to Heisgeir, Julie has taken inspiration from the geography, history and legend of these now uninhabited islands to produce a new musical work.  Using lyrical, filmic, narrative and musical devices to bring different aspects of the work to life, ‘Heisgeir’ will feature acclaimed musicians Éamon Doorley and Duncan Chisholm.

A feast of Lochaber talent awaits as The MacFarlanes take a trip from Glenfinnan to Roybridge where they are joined by Mod medal winner Robert Robertson and Fèis Lochabair.

THE OUTSIDE TRACK
A stunning synthesis of virtuosity and energy, The Outside Track's marriage of Canadian, Scottish and Irish music, song and dance has been rapturously received around the world. Hailing from Scotland, Ireland, Cape Breton and Vancouver, its five members are united by a love of traditional music and a commitment to creating new music on its foundation. Using fiddle, accordion, harp, guitar, flute, step-dance and vocals these five virtuosos blend boundless energy with unmistakable joie de vivre.

1. Mairi Rankin
   (the Rankins, Beolach - fiddle, vocals, stepdance)
2. Norah Rendell
   (Canadian Traditional Singer if the Year nominee - vocals, flute, whistle),
3. Ailie Robertson
   (Live Ireland Winner, BBC Young Trad Finalist - harp, stepdance),
4. Fiona Black (BBC Fame Academy Winner - accordion)
5. Cillian O'Dalaigh (Trazz, guitar, vocals, stepdance).

Blas takes this opportunity to thank Freda Newton for her generous ongoing support of the festival

The Highland Voyage: with a Parahandy theme devised and performed by Allan MacDonald of the famous Glenuig piping brothers and friends to be announced, we take our annual cruise down the Loch with gourmet food and wine from The Red Poppy. Always a sell out, this years theme will see tickets flying !

Blas celebrates the Year of Scotland's Islands with a series of "Island Cèiildhs" showcasing some of our best known Gaelic singers from the islands along with great traditional acommpaniment.The taste of a real cèilidh coming your way!

“Join Fèis Spè and friends in celebrating 21 years of inspiration and opportunity with the highest gig in Blas! Enjoy a scenic train ride up Cairngorm to the Ptarmigan Restaurant for an evening of entertainment from Fèis Spè participants, past and present.”

Spey Valley Smokehouse - trout pate and smoked salmon
Delfour Hatchery - trout and crowdie pate
Connage Highland Dairy -  organic Connage crowdie
Stuart Grant Quality Meats - haggis and black pudding
Cairngorm Butchers - Scotch pies
Speyside Heather Centre -  clootie dumplings
Ashers bakery, Aviemore  - whisky cakes

Murchies of Kingussie - Speyside malt whisky
Macleans Bakery, Grantown on Spey - mini oatcakes
Walkers of Aberlour  - mini oatcakes and shortbread
Fraser 's Butcher, Aviemore -  selection of samples
Macdonald Highland Resort - tray of canapés
Dalraddy Holiday Park - Alvie beef  sausages
Cairngorm Brewery - sample of beers