Latest news with #BelladrumTartanHeartFestival
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
BBC ALBA launches talent search to open Belladrum main stage
Following the success of the 2024 talent search, BBC ALBA has teamed up with The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival once again with a new quest to find the best up-and-coming musical talent from the Highlands and Islands. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Open to solo artists and bands (where at least 50% of its members have a Highland home address) across all genres, one newcomer will be given the opportunity to perform on the main stage at this year's Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival. Known for its unique and diverse showcase of music and the arts, the festival has grown in popularity over the past 20 years, now attracting thousands of visitors. As it prepares for its 21st year, with acts including Texas, Supergrass, Paul Heaton, Tom Walker and Natasha Bedingfield confirmed, the team is on the hunt to find the best new homegrown talent to open the main stage at the Hot House Arena on Thursday 31 July. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad True to its longstanding support of Scottish artists, BBC ALBA is supporting the search, providing a platform to propel newcomers onto the celebrated Scottish music scene, as well as an additional opportunity for the winner to record an acoustic session in the BBC ALBA studio at the festival. Cameron Ferguson and band open the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2024 Calum McConnell, commissioning editor at BBC ALBA, said: 'While there is nothing quite like the atmosphere of being in the field at a festival, shoulder to shoulder with fellow music and arts fans, BBC ALBA remain committed to bringing the magic of Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival to audiences who can't be there in person, as we have done for the past 13 years. 'Our festival highlights are always a popular fixture in BBC ALBA's summer schedule, and this year will be no exception. The addition of the talent search will shine an even brighter light on the incredible creativity emerging from the Highlands and Islands.' Musicians can apply by submitting a bio and link to their music to tartanheart@ with entries judged by a panel of experts, including representatives from the BBC and Belladrum, alongside an independent musician appearing at the festival, before the shortlist goes to a public vote. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Applications will open on Tuesday 27 May at 9am and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 8 June. Cameron Ferguson and band open the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2024 It is expected that the public vote will open on Friday 13 June on the Belladrum website, closing on Friday 20 June, ahead of Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival 2025 from Thursday 31 July to Saturday 2 August. Belladrum festival producer, Dougie Brown, said: 'We're so excited to be teaming up with BBC ALBA once again to uncover and celebrate the next wave of incredible Scottish talent. This opportunity is so much more than a performance slot — it's a potential launchpad for an artist's future. Over the years, we've seen past talent go on to build amazing careers, and that journey often starts right here, on the Belladrum stage. 'Our partnership with BBC ALBA has been instrumental in showcasing not just the festival, but the creativity and energy coming out of the Highlands and Islands. Fourteen years on, it's still a huge moment when a fresh new voice gets the chance to share their music with thousands, both on site and at home. We can't wait to see who takes that spotlight this year.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Last year's BBC ALBA x Belladrum talent search winner, Cameron Ferguson, said: 'Almost a year on from winning the 2024 Belladrum talent search, I can still say that opening up that stage was the proudest moment of my musical journey to date. The feeling of playing on a stage I had once only dreamed of playing was surreal, especially one so close to home. Thank you Belladrum, you've opened a lot doors for the band and I. We will be back soon enough!' Cameron Ferguson and band open the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival 2024 Belladrum brings together top musical acts, comedy, cabaret, spoken word, dance, drag and even wrestling as part of the annual family-friendly festival. A wealth of new names and popular crowd-pleasers have been added to the festival line up in recent weeks, including The Pigeon Detectives, Example, The Hoosiers, Irish singer and songwriter CMAT, and Scottish folk rock and pop favourites Skipinnish and Tide Lines. Find out more about Belladrum and get your tickets at
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scots music festival among most expensive in UK amid concerns over 'value for money'
Scotland festival-goers "should consider what they value most in their experience" because events are not cheap Festival season is nearly upon us and many Scots are gearing up for the music event of their choice. From Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival to Glasgow and Edinburgh Summer Sessions, we are totally spoiled for choice this summer. However, there is no escaping the fact that arts events are costly. Between food, drink, transport, and festival tickets themselves, music lovers can find themselves hundreds of pounds out of pocket before even seeing an act. In fact, a new study has revealed that a hugely popular music festival in Scotland is the ninth-most expensive music event in the UK. TRNSMT, which takes place over three days in Glasgow Green every July, is the pricey festival in question. TRNSMT charges £89.50 per day, according to research by online casino guide CritiqueJeu, which examined ticket prices for over 300 UK festivals scheduled in 2025, calculating the cost per day based on the minimum ticket price. The music extravaganza, organised by DF Concerts, boasts 50 Cent, The Script, Snow Patrol, and Biffy Clyro among its line-up this year. It has become the country's biggest festival since T in the Park wrapped up in 2016. "Seeing the variation in cost for these festivals can lead to a 'something for everyone' ideal," Paul LENGLET, co-founder and editor of CritiqueJeu, said on the findings. "However, with the cost of living still high and the UK public suffering from hits to their wallets, it's time to question whether the festivals are giving value for money." A general admission day ticket currently costs £89.50 from the TRNSMT website, while a full weekend job costs £249.50. There are also options to snap up two day tickets at varying prices. Elsewhere, Leeds Festival and Reading Festival, both happening in August, share first place as the UK's most expensive festivals based on the minimum day ticket price. These events, which typically feature similar line-ups across their separate locations, require £125 for a single day's attendance. BST Hyde Park ranked second most expensive at £101.95 per day. However, it comes with the advantage of a central London location and typically A-list headliners. The event runs from June 27 to July 13, 2025. If you're looking for a festival with multi-day camping and a diverse lineup, Homestead Festival, which was ranked third among all events at £100 per day, is a popular option. The festival takes place from July 18-20, 2025 at Fernhill Farm in Somerset. Parklife Weekender is fourth at £97.70 per day, scheduled for June 8 and 9, 2025 in Manchester. Meanwhile, Bloodstock, known for its heavy metal focus and devoted fan base, ranked fifth on the price index at £96 per day. In general, the study found a huge price gap between the most expensive and most affordable options. While Leeds and Reading charge £125 per day, Swanage Blues festival costs just £3.75 daily, Live on the Wye £3.50, and Chester Folk Festival £3.25. These budget-friendly options cost over 97 per cent less than the premium events. "Festival-goers should consider what they value most in their experience," Paul added. "The headline acts and production values at Leeds and Reading justify their premium pricing for many attendees. "But the amenities on offer are often basic portable toilets and junk food stands. Whereas, smaller events often offer more distinctive atmospheres and community connections that appeal to different audiences.' Top 10 most expensive UK festivals in 2025 (cost per day) Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Bathgate songwriter releases moving new single offering hope to those struggling with loneliness and self doubt
Fraser McLean has dedicated the last 18 months to writing and recording his own material A rising pop singer from West Lothian has released a new single to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week. Fraser McLean, 22, a singer-songwriter from Bathgate who plays a number of instruments, has dedicated the last year-and-a-half to writing and recording his own material. Fraser has plans to release three new singles and an EP in 2025 showcasing his latest work. Having released his debut single All That You Wanted in February of this year, he didn't wait about and just eight weeks later the follow-up was made available. The new single, The World Is Not Done With You Yet, was released on May 9 prior to the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place from May 12 to 18. A deeply moving song about mental health struggles, self-doubt, and the resilience required to keep pushing forward. It poignantly captures the weight of overthinking, loneliness, and the haunting sense of uncertainty. With the chorus of Fraser's latest release acting as a powerful reminder that even in moments of despair, your personal story is far from finished – there is still hope and purpose on the horizon. Fraser took inspiration for the lyrics and music from the experiences of those around him. 'In recent years, mental health has played a significant role in my life, deeply affecting my friends and family in ways that hit close to home,' Fraser admitted. 'This song reflects that experience. While I've written about mental health before, this time, I wanted to take a more positive approach – focusing on perseverance and the strength to keep moving forward.' With a minimalistic arrangement that places the focus squarely on the lyrics and raw emotion, the song weaves Fraser's soft yet compelling vocals with delicate string melodies, creating what he describes as a 'sense of gradual intensity, while preserving the intimate and heartfelt nature of the piece'. With heartfelt lyrics, dynamic stage presence, and ever-evolving sound, Fraser is quickly emerging as a standout talent. This may only be the Bathgate musician's second release but he's already made some notable live performances, backed by his band, including at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Party at the Palace, and Kendal Calling. Fraser is inspired by superstar Lewis Capaldi, who grew up not far from him, as well as other artists such as Sam Tompkins, Benson Boone, and James Arthur. He's already shared a stage with Callum Beattie, Wrest, Kid Rain, Samuel Jack and Keir Gibson. His passion for music ignited when he was 14 years old and he recently graduated with an Honours degree in Music. You can find Fraser McLean on social media, search: frasermcleanofficial The World Is Not Done With You Yet is available on Spotify, Apple Music and Soundcloud.
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Daily Record
Exact times ScotRail passengers can drink booze on trains from next month as ban axed
A tipple on the train will soon be a possibility for people travelling on ScotRail services this summer and beyond Scots heading for a boozy brunch in Glasgow or a rugby match in Edinburgh have thus far been met with tight restrictions when it comes to drinking alcohol on ScotRail services. But that is all set to change from next month. Many will be happy to know that a tipple on the train will be possible in just a few weeks' time following the announcement from Transport Scotland that the longstanding ban on alcohol on ScotRail trains will be lifted. The axing means passengers can drink between certain hours of the day - but when will the curb be lifted, what are the exact rules around cracking open a can on the train, and what hours can you indulge in a spritz or two? Here's what commuters should know. When will ScotRail's booze ban be axed? The ban on alcohol on ScotRail services will be lifted on Monday, June 2. This misses the spring bank holiday in Scotland, which takes place on Monday, May 26, by a week. What hours can you drink between on ScotRail trains? It's been agreed that passengers will be able to consume alcohol on trains between 10am and 9pm. Are more rules being introduced? There is no word from Transport Scotland that alternative rules or restrictions around consuming alcohol on train services will come into effect. However, the transport body has warned that "other restrictions may apply, as determined by ScotRail and BTP, in certain circumstances such as large sporting events or concerts." Large-scale events happening across the country this summer that will see people travel by rail include the Edinburgh Fringe, TRNSMT, Oasis at Murrayfield, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and the Highland Games. Transport Scotland also insisted that the working group monitoring the move will review "the enforcement powers regarding antisocial behaviour on Scotland's railway to ensure swift action can be taken again persistent offenders." A spokesperson added: "The Working Group will map and assess current enforcement powers and their effectiveness, with a view to considering where these can be strengthened or developed further." Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said she understood fears of anti-social behaviour on trains across the country. She added: "I welcome the Working Group's swift and decisive approach to determining the date the changes will be made to the current alcohol ban. "It is by working collectively with those staff on the frontline and policy makers who understand the issues at heart that we can develop a meaningful and practical approach to tackle anti-social behaviour on Scotland's railway.' When was the alcohol ban introduced and why? Alcohol was struck from ScotRail stations and trains in November 2020 "to support Scottish Government public health measures" amid the coronavirus pandemic. The 24-hour-a-day ban meant no alcohol could be drunk at any station in Scotland or on board any ScotRail train at any time of day. Passengers could not openly carry alcohol - open or unopened - and could even be stopped from boarding trains if they were "deemed unfit to do so," i.e, if they showed "specific signs of intoxication." The decision to lift the curb was made in First Minister John Swinney 's Programme for Government last week. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Scotsman
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Under the Radar: Dear Heather
Drawing on a huge range of influences, Edinburgh four-piece Dear Heather produce a truly eclectic sound, write Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Dear Heather are an eclectic and fantastically tongue-in-cheek Edinburgh-based quartet, well known for their fun, theatrical and chaotic live shows. With each member of the band writing songs in a slightly different style, the result is a wonderful melting pot influenced by everyone from Beastie Boys to Pavement, The Beatles, The Pixies, The Beach Boys and more. Dear Heather Their debut EP, Get My Good Side, was released in November last year on a limited edition cassette and coincided with a sold out launch party at Sneaky Pete's in Edinburgh. The record clocked-up over 30,000 streams on Spotify alone, and secured support from Jim Gellatly on Amazing Radio, Reyt Good Magazine, CamGlen, Discovery Music and Radio Wigwam to name a few. They've also sold out shows in London and played iconic venues like Glasgow's King Tut's. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad They play The Hug and Pint in Glasgow on Thursday, The Mash House in Edinburgh on 23 May and they've just been announced for Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival on 31 July. See Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon run music industry seminar and social night Born To Be Wide visit
