Winners of the Belladrum Festival talent search revealed in “surreal” announcement
A six-piece contemporary trad band from Skye have been announced as winners of this year’s Belladrum Tartan Hearts Festival talent search.
Falasgair will nowhave the opportunity to open the festival’s main stage.
The talent search was organised by BBC ALBA in collaboration with the Highland festival, on a mission to find the best of Scotland’s up-and-coming musical talent.
Competition was tough, with artists from across the Highlands and Islands submitting their best tracks to be shortlisted for the public vote.
Following a rigorous judging process, eight artists were shortlisted, including The Chosen Lonely, The Cherries, Scott C. Park, El Sartel, Isla Scott, Low Light Listening Lounge and Ró Ó hEadhra.
Robert Robertson, lead singer of Tide Lines and one of the judges, said: “The standard of music was extremely high and a great representation of our vibrant Highland music scene.
“Falasgair are well deserved winners. It's brilliant that the festival will be opened by a young, island band playing traditional music with such dynamism and energy. They'll have the place bouncing!”
The band is fronted by Macaulay Ross on fiddle, with whistle and bagpipe duo of Dougal McKiggan and Finn MacPherson, Ben Muir on keys, Caetano Hayes Pelletti on guitar and bouzouki, and Eoghainn Beaton on bodhrán.
Finn MacPherson said: “Having attended Belladrum quite a few times since I was young I never thought I’d see myself on the main stage playing alongside my pals, so it’s a pretty surreal feeling.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for us — we couldn’t have done it without the amazing support from our family, friends and the local community. It really shows the strength of the music scene here.”
He added: “This has come at a great time for us a band, as we’re recording our debut album and will release it later this year. We’re looking forward to kicking off the festival in a traditional manner - with the pipes!”
As Belladrum heads into its 21st year, Falasgair will share the stage with some incredible headline acts, including Texas, Supergrass, Paul Heaton, Tom Walker and Natasha Bedingfield.
Falasgair’s latest success comes after winning the up and coming artist of the tear 2024 title at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards.
Calum McConnell, commissioning editor at BBC ALBA, said: “Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival seems like the icing on the cake for Falasgair.
“A brilliant, young, energetic traditional music band whose star is definitely on the rise, so make sure you’re down the front of the Hot House Stage to catch them while you can!”
Belladrum festival producer Dougie Brown added: “Congratulations to Falasgair. We were blown away by the level of entries this year and we can’t to welcome the band to our 21st birthday outing and kick things off on the main stage this July!’
For those unable to attend this year’s festival, Falasgair’s performance on July 31 will also appear on BBC ALBA, and will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer as part of the broadcaster’s festival coverage.