Latest news with #HebCeltFestival
The National
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Funding boost for HebCelt festival's efforts to support Gaelic culture
The Hebridean Celtic Festival (HebCelt) is expanding its support for Gaelic culture alongside Lewis Wind Power. The Culture & Business Scotland Fund, which connects business and culture and is backed by the Scottish Government, has made an investment equal to 50% of Lewis Wind Power's sponsorship of key festival outreach work.# This increase in funding means Lewis Wind Power is now able to sponsor community engagement projects such as the morning workshop series An Debrief le Choirstaidh based at the town's An Taigh Cèilidh. The festival aims to broaden access to Gaelic culture and arts with attractions such as Gaelic storytelling, a zine wall crafts and singalongs. The chair of the HebCelt board, Iain MacPhail, said: 'Lewis Wind Power's incredible and long-standing support for HebCelt already plays a vital role in showcasing local talent and creating cultural opportunities. 'Thanks now to the generous support of the Culture and Business Scotland Fund, we are able to expand that benefit into the heart of our community, unlocking new ways for young people, families and Gaelic speakers to engage with culture creatively.' Lewis Wind Power is a long-standing supporter of HebCelt Festival, having provided sponsorship for the event for 10 years. HebCelt was first held in 1996 and attracted an audience of 1,000 people, mainly comprised of locals. Lewis Wind Power, a 50:50 joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB, is the developer behind the Stornoway Wind Farm project which has consent in place for 33 turbines on land to the west of Stornoway, owned by The Stornoway Trust. Logan Black of Lewis Wind Power said: 'HebCelt is an iconic cultural event and Lewis Wind Power is proud to have supported it for over 10 years. 'As well as adding to the cultural and social vibrancy of the island, the festival is pioneering in its delivery of initiatives that connect deeply within the community. 'From Gaelic storytelling to grassroots creativity, this partnership reflects our long-term commitment to the islands and their cultural and sustainable future. 'We are hugely grateful for the support from the Culture and Business Scotland Fund that will allow Lewis Wind Power to extend that reach and profile even further, building on this exceptional relationship.' Since the launch of the festival it has become one of the most renowned festivals in Scotland and the lineup for 2025 includes Lauren Collier, Ruairidh Gray, Trail West, The Tumbling Souls, Samba Sene & Diwan, Malin Lewis Trio, NATI, Madison Violet, Lusa, Tide Lines, Eddi Reader, Josie Duncan, Elias Alexander, El Sartel, Cala, Beluga Lagoon and Donnie 'Dòtaman' MacLeod. David Nelson, interim director at Culture and Business Scotland, said: 'We're very pleased to support Lewis Wind Power's sponsorship of HebCelt festival's cultural activity, with a strong focus on community engagement.' 'Through the Culture and Business Scotland Fund investment, HebCelt can provide greater access to Gaelic arts and culture, as well as enhance the impact of their sponsorship with LWP.' HebCelt 2025 takes place from July 16 to 19 in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, spanning four full days of music, workshops and community celebration. For more information visit:
Scotsman
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Isle of Harris Distillery unveils ‘stunning' pink ceilidh bottle inspired by island flora - price and how to buy
The Isle of Harris Distillery has unveiled a limited release of handcrafted ceramic Cèilidh Bottles, presenting the distillery's celebrated gin in a stunning vessel glazed in a vibrant 'Sea Thrift Pink' hue. Launching at 10am on 16 July to coincide with the first day of HebCelt Festival, just 1,500 handcrafted bottles will be available online in the UK, with a limited number also available within the Distillery's Tarbert shop and the HebCelt festival shop on 16 and 17 July. The newest pink shade represents the third edition within the annual Cèilidh Bottle series, building on a palette that captures the essence of the island's coastal environment and its rich natural landscape. The soft pink glaze takes its cue from the delicate sea thrift which pop up on the shoreline rocks of Harris each summer with abundant 'pom-pom' shaped petals and a sweet nectar which is much-loved by the local bumble bees. Each ceramic bottle has been hand-thrown by potter Rupert Blamire, in a process that spans months and requires meticulous care, allowing for small variances between each bottle that make each a one-of-a-kind piece of art. The design evokes the signature maritime swirls of the original glass bottle in a medium that can be displayed, refilled or reused for years to come. The recommended serve for this release is a Grapefruit Gimlet – a fresh, citrus-forward cocktail that complements the Isle of Harris Gin's signature maritime notes and serves as a natural match for the bottle's Sea Thrift Pink glaze. Simon Erlanger, managing director of Isle of Harris Distillery, said: 'We're proud to continue our Cèilidh Bottle tradition with a colour that can be found across our coastlines this time of year. 'Sea thrift is a tough little plant with a striking pink bloom, known for its ability to survive harsh conditions and burst back to life each summer – a beautiful representation of life on this island for those who proudly call Harris home.' The pink Cèilidh Bottle will be debuted at this year's HebCelt Festival held annually in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, attracting a global audience as the largest celebration of Celtic music and culture in the Outer Hebrides. Following a successful partnership in 2024, the Isle of Harris Distillery will return to the festival with the Isle of Harris Gin Cèilidh Tent, featuring a curated line-up of talented contemporary trad musicians from across Scotland, cèilidh dancing, and a selection of premium 'Cèilidh Cocktails', as well as the distillery's acclaimed Hearach single malt. At a half-standard 350ml in size, the Harris Cèilidh Bottle is ideal to present and pour, helping to better enjoy an evening among old friends and family. Online orders will arrive in a gorgeous box full of colour, embossing and Harris Cèilidh storytelling. The Sea Thrift Pink Cèilidh Bottle will be available from 10am on Wednesday 16 July at the Harris Distillery website within the UK and at the distillery shop in Tarbert for £53 RRP.
Scotsman
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Isle of Harris Distillery unveils ‘stunning' pink ceilidh bottle inspired by island flora - price and how to buy
The Isle of Harris Distillery has unveiled a limited release of handcrafted ceramic Cèilidh Bottles, presenting the distillery's celebrated gin in a stunning vessel glazed in a vibrant 'Sea Thrift Pink' hue. Launching at 10am on 16 July to coincide with the first day of HebCelt Festival, just 1,500 handcrafted bottles will be available online in the UK, with a limited number also available within the Distillery's Tarbert shop and the HebCelt festival shop on 16 and 17 July. The newest pink shade represents the third edition within the annual Cèilidh Bottle series, building on a palette that captures the essence of the island's coastal environment and its rich natural landscape. The soft pink glaze takes its cue from the delicate sea thrift which pop up on the shoreline rocks of Harris each summer with abundant 'pom-pom' shaped petals and a sweet nectar which is much-loved by the local bumble bees. Each ceramic bottle has been hand-thrown by potter Rupert Blamire, in a process that spans months and requires meticulous care, allowing for small variances between each bottle that make each a one-of-a-kind piece of art. The design evokes the signature maritime swirls of the original glass bottle in a medium that can be displayed, refilled or reused for years to come. The recommended serve for this release is a Grapefruit Gimlet – a fresh, citrus-forward cocktail that complements the Isle of Harris Gin's signature maritime notes and serves as a natural match for the bottle's Sea Thrift Pink glaze. Simon Erlanger, managing director of Isle of Harris Distillery, said: 'We're proud to continue our Cèilidh Bottle tradition with a colour that can be found across our coastlines this time of year. 'Sea thrift is a tough little plant with a striking pink bloom, known for its ability to survive harsh conditions and burst back to life each summer – a beautiful representation of life on this island for those who proudly call Harris home.' The pink Cèilidh Bottle will be debuted at this year's HebCelt Festival held annually in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, attracting a global audience as the largest celebration of Celtic music and culture in the Outer Hebrides. Following a successful partnership in 2024, the Isle of Harris Distillery will return to the festival with the Isle of Harris Gin Cèilidh Tent, featuring a curated line-up of talented contemporary trad musicians from across Scotland, cèilidh dancing, and a selection of premium 'Cèilidh Cocktails', as well as the distillery's acclaimed Hearach single malt. At a half-standard 350ml in size, the Harris Cèilidh Bottle is ideal to present and pour, helping to better enjoy an evening among old friends and family. Online orders will arrive in a gorgeous box full of colour, embossing and Harris Cèilidh storytelling. The Sea Thrift Pink Cèilidh Bottle will be available from 10am on Wednesday 16 July at the Harris Distillery website within the UK and at the distillery shop in Tarbert for £53 RRP.
The National
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
SSEN announced as major sponsor for HebCelt Festival 2025
The agreement forms part of the electricity transmission network operator's commitment to supporting local communities across the Highlands and islands as part of its £20 billion investment to upgrade the high-voltage transmission network in the north of Scotland. As part of the partnership, SSEN Transmission will have a strong presence at this year's festival, which takes place in and around Stornoway in Lewis from June 16-19. It will be headlined by Skerryvore, Tide Lines and Lulu. Other acts on the bill include Eddi Reader, Nina Nesbitt, Kassidy, Beluga Lagoon, Trail West, Laura Silverstone, Josie Duncan, The Tumbling Souls, and Donnie Dòtaman. READ MORE: My holiday in the Highlands was great, but staff shortages are evident Festival-goers will be able to visit SSEN Transmission's information and fan hub on Castle Green, where the team will be on hand to talk about major infrastructure projects, including plans for the 'Lewis Hub' a proposed new substation and converter station that is a key part of its Western Isles Connection Project. The project will see the installation of a subsea HVDC transmission cable that will connect Lewis to the GB electricity grid for the first time. HebCelt festival operations co-ordinator Carol Ferguson, said: 'SSEN Transmission's commitment to our community is incredibly welcome and aligns perfectly with HebCelt's ethos. 'Their recognition of the value of live music and the cultural heartbeat of our islands is something we deeply appreciate." Colin Bell, SSEN Transmission's lead project manager for the Lewis Hub project, said: 'We are delighted to sponsor the HebCelt Festival and lend our support to this much-loved and hugely popular highlight in the cultural calendar of the islands.' 'We're looking forward to engaging with people at this year's festival, and sharing the enjoyment of what promises to be another entertaining event drawing visitors from across the world.' Last year's HebCelt drew more than 17,800 attendees, with the average visitor staying for eight days in Lewis and Harris. According to post-event research, 67% of festival-goers cited HebCelt as the primary reason for their trip, highlighting its pivotal role in the local economy. Thanks to a three-year funding package from Creative Scotland, HebCelt is now looking ahead to its milestone 30th anniversary in 2027 and is looking for other high-calibre sponsorship partners.
