TENS of thousands of music fans flocked to the Highlands this weekend for the biggest-ever Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival.
More than 290 gigs across 12 stages were held from Thursday to Saturday at the site near Inverness. Yesterday alone there were more than 120 events – including Gerry Cinnamon and Professor Green.
Joe Gibbs, Belladrum promoter, said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. There are thousands of really happy people here. We’ve had a lot of wonderful music and entertainment.
“It been slightly bigger than last year and people are saying the line-up is the best we’ve ever had.”
A touching tribute was made to late Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison, who took his own life at the age of 36, by The Charlatans on Friday night.
Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess invited Scott’s brother and bandmate Grant Hutchison along with keyboard player Billy Kennedy onstage to perform an emotional rendition of the band’s track, Head Rolls Off.
“One of the most special moments we’ve ever had at Belladrum. Frightened Rabbit have always had a special place in our hearts, and for Grant and Billy to join The Charlatans on stage was something else,” the festival organisers posted on Facebook.
On Thursday, singer-songwriter Amy Macdonald headlined the first night of the festival.
Later, she tweeted: “Belladrum! You were wet and WILD and amazing! Thank you for having us! Have a great weekend.”
Belladrum’s family atmosphere continued this year, marking the Year of Young People with special events. A special area was set up for arts for young people, including a graffiti wall, live bands, cinema, UV disco, virtual reality games and comedy.
One such youngster was Ramsey Mercer, aged 12, from Evanston, who recreated a photo taken when he was just six and enduring chemotherapy for lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Mum Adelle added: “Six years on, Ramsey is 12 years old today, and four years in remission, strong and healthy, and he still loves Belladrum."
The festival also saw people come together for a yoga class by Finlay Wilson – whose kilted yoga has been a viral sensation.
A political theme also saw an insult to President Donald Trump and a refugee appeal for unwanted camping gear.
Gibbs added: “It’s been a wonderful weekend with virtually no trouble at all.
“We’ve had a classic Belladrum crowd too, with three to four generations in attendance.”
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