3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Skerryvore and Eddi Reader inducted into HebCelt 'Hall of Fame'
Hosted in Stornoway, the Hebridean Celtic Festival attracts thousands to the isle of Lewis each year. Nearly 18,000 people attended in 2024, generating more than four million pounds for the local economy.
Triple Brit winner Eddi Reader is one of the inductees. (Image: Supplied) Festival Operations Coordinator Carol Ferguson feted the inductees, praising their 'remarkable achievements' and 'steadfast support'.
She said: 'Eddi has been a trailblazer for Scottish music for decades, celebrated by being awarded an incredible three Brit Awards among her other accolades, reinventing classics and defying convention to deliver original, inspiring and above all much loved songs that have helped shape the sound of Scotland across the years.
'Skerryvore are beloved by HebCelt audiences, consistently one of the most requested acts by our fans, and it is brilliant that they will be celebrating their 20th anniversary with us. Their globetrotting, invention and mastery of the live show is peerless, and they are so deserving of the reception they will undoubtedly receive on the Castle Green.
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The festival boss added: 'Willie Campbell is such a gifted guitarist and extraordinary storyteller. From his fledgling days of working with Astrid to supergroup The Reindeer Section, The Open Day Rotation, and now fans favourites The Tumbling Souls, his music, creativity and performances have brought immense pride to the Hebrides and support to the festival that's truly immeasurable.
'Words can scarcely do justice to the legacy of Alex MacDonald. Through vision and dedication, she has transformed the cultural landscape of Lewis, fostered careers, strengthened community ties, and championed the incredible talent of these islands. She is simply, and brilliantly, one of a kind.'
Other members of the Hall of Fame include folk singer Dougie MacLean, Capercaillie's Karen Matheson, internationally renowned fiddler Duncan Chisholm, and Gaelic rockers Runrig.
The HebCelt festival has run since 1996 (Image: Supplied) The quartet will be honoured throughout the festival, with performances by Eddi Reader and Willie Campbell on Thursday night, and a Saturday night concert by Skerryvore also taking place.
Michelle Shields, HebCelt Artist Programmer and Director, added: 'Eddi, Willie, Skerryvore and Alex each hold a special place in the hearts of the HebCelt family. Their influence on Celtic, traditional, Scots and Gaelic music has been profound - and even life-changing for so many.
'Becoming a member of our Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to their legacy and an absolutely perfect way to celebrate their outstanding contributions.'
With the festivities just six weeks away, organisers have urged those interested in attending to purchase tickets now — or risk disappointment.
