Blas Festival (Highland Culture & Music) – Scotland 2025

Background & History

The Blas Festival, meaning “taste” or “sample” in Gaelic, is a vibrant celebration of Highland music, Gaelic language, and culture, organised by Fèisean nan Gàidheal in partnership with The Highland Council. Established in 2004 with events in Strontian, Clashmore, and Strathpeffer, the festival has grown to deliver over 1,350 events, featuring 5,550 performers and attracting 130,000 attendees, contributing £8.4 million to the Highland economy.

Held annually in September, the 2025 edition, running 5–13 September, showcases traditional and contemporary Gaelic music and culture across venues from Glenelg to Golspie, culminating in a finale at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness. The festival fosters community engagement, supports young talent, and bridges Scottish and Irish Celtic traditions, with events like cèilidhs, school visits, and the world-first Gaelic Makaton choir, Aon Ghuth / One Voice.

Event Highlights

• Opening Concerts: 5 September, 7:30 PM–10:00 PM, Ardross Community Hall & Ardgour Memorial Hall, $12–$37 USD, featuring James Duncan Mackenzie with Irish musicians and Caolas 50 with Mary Ann Kennedy.
• An Treas Suaile: 8–9 September, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM, Kyle & Ullapool, $12–$37 USD, a tribute to the Iolaire tragedy by Julie Fowlis and Duncan Chisholm.
• Flook Performances: 11–12 September, 7:30 PM–10:00 PM, Resolis & Golspie, $12–$37 USD, virtuosic folk with Mairi McGillivray.
• Blas Finale: 13 September, 7:30 PM–10:00 PM, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, $24–$49 USD, featuring Arthur Cormack, Aon Ghuth choir, and Mike Vass’s Air Falbh ann am Bàta.
• Cèilidhs & Community Events: 5–13 September, various times, Highland venues, $12–$37 USD, including Fèis Air an Oir’s 25th anniversary in Strathy.

City

• Scottish Highlands: A region encompassing picturesque villages and towns like Inverness, Glenelg, Golspie, Dunvegan, and Ullapool, known for rugged landscapes, historic castles (e.g., Dunvegan Castle), and Gaelic heritage.

Main Event Address

• Primary Venues:
  • Eden Court Theatre: Bishops Road, Inverness, IV3 5SA (Finale Concert).
  • Ardross Community Hall: Ardross, IV17 0YF.
  • Ardgour Memorial Hall: Ardgour, PH33 7AH.
  • Carrbridge Village Hall: Main Street, Carrbridge, PH23 3AA.
  • Abriachan Village Hall: Abriachan, Inverness, IV3 8LA.
  • Pulteney Centre: Huddart Street, Wick, KW1 5BA.
  • Strathdearn Hub: Tomatin, IV13 7YN.
  • Fountain Rd Hall: Golspie, KW10 6RH.
  • The Cèilidh Place: 14 West Argyle Street, Ullapool, IV26 2TY.
  • Croy Village Hall: Croy, IV2 5PG.
  • Isle of Raasay Distillery: Borodale House, Raasay, IV40 8PB.
  • Dunvegan Community Hall: Dunvegan, Isle of Skye, IV55 8WA.
  • Astley Hall: Arisaig, PH39 4NP.
  • Resolis Memorial Hall: Resolis, IV7 8LJ.
  • Applecross Community Hall: Applecross, IV54 8LS.
  • Staffin Community Hall: Staffin, Isle of Skye, IV51 9JS.
  • Glengarry Community Hall: Invergarry, PH35 4HG.
  • Acharacle Primary School: Acharacle, PH36 4JU.
  • Ballachulish Village Hall: Ballachulish, PH49 4JB.
  • Kyle Village Hall: Kyle of Lochalsh, IV40 8AQ.
  • The MacPhail Centre: Mill Street, Ullapool, IV26 2UN.
  • Glenelg and Arnisdale Community Hall: Glenelg, IV40 8JL.
  • Contin Community Hall: Contin, IV14 9ES.
  • Strathy Village Hall: Strathy, Bettyhill, KW14 7SB.
• Administrative Contact: Blas Festival Ltd, c/o Fèisean nan Gàidheal, Meall House, Portree, Isle of Skye, IV51 9BZ.
• Note: Full venue details at www.blas.scot.

Date & Duration

• Date: 5–13 September 2025.
• Duration: 9 days.
• Opening Times (Confirmed):
  • Concerts: Typically 7:30 PM–10:00 PM or 8:00 PM–10:30 PM.
  • Raasay Piping Competition: 6 September, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.
  • Caolas 50 Band Premiere: 7 September, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM.
  • Blas Finale: 13 September, 7:30 PM–10:00 PM.
• Note: Full schedule at www.blas.scot; updates TBD August 2025.

Venue / Location

• Eden Court Theatre: Premier arts venue in Inverness with accessible seating, toilets, and parking ($5–$10 USD). Hosts the Blas Finale.
• Community Halls: Village halls (e.g., Ardross, Dunvegan, Glenelg) offer intimate settings; most have basic accessibility (ramps, toilets). Contact blas@blas.scot for specifics.
• Isle of Raasay Distillery: Outdoor/indoor venue for piping competition; limited seating, weather-dependent.
• Note: Accessibility details TBD at www.blas.scot; email blas@blas.scot for accommodations.

Contact Information

• Email: blas@blas.scot (general and ticketing).
• Phone: +44 (0)1478 613355.
• Website: www.blas.scot (main, ticketing, programme).
• Social Media: Follow @BlasFestival on Facebook; check www.blas.scot for updates.
• Ticketing: Purchase via www.blas.scot from July 2025. Groups (10+) email blas@blas.scot.

Ticket Information

• How to Book: Purchase via www.blas.scot from July 2025. Refunds per Fèisean nan Gàidheal policy (available at www.blas.scot). Booking fees (~£1–£2 ≈ $1.22–$2.44 USD) may apply. Contact blas@blas.scot for accessibility or groups.
• 2025 Pricing (USD, 1 GBP ≈ 1.22 USD):
  • Standard Tickets: £10–£30 ≈ $12–$37 USD (community hall concerts, estimated per provided data and web results).
  • Blas Finale (Eden Court): £20–£40 ≈ $24–$49 USD (estimated based on prior festivals).
  • Concessions: Children under 5 free; youth/senior discounts TBD.
  • Booking Fees: £1–£2 ≈ $1.22–$2.44 USD per order (estimated).
• Additional Notes: Pricing speculative as 2025 tickets unannounced per provided data and web results (e.g.,). Based on similar events (e.g., £40–£100 for Highland festivals). Full pricing TBD July 2025 at www.blas.scot.

Cultural Significance

The Blas Festival is a cornerstone of Highland culture, celebrating Gaelic music, language, and heritage since 2004. It promotes young talent through Fèisean, bridges Scottish-Irish Celtic traditions, and engages communities with school visits and cèilidhs. The 2025 edition features a world-first Gaelic Makaton choir, Aon Ghuth / One Voice, and Mike Vass’s Air Falbh ann am Bàta, premiered live from lockdown archives. With 25 concerts and £8.4 million in economic impact, it draws global audiences to the Highlands’ intimate venues.

Food & Drinks

• Festival Venues: Limited food at community halls (snacks, tea, $3–$8 USD). Eden Court Theatre offers cafe dining (sandwiches, drinks, $5–$15 USD). No outside alcohol permitted; bars at select venues (18+).
• Nearby Dining:
  • Inverness (Eden Court): Eden Court Cafe ($5–$15 USD, 2-minute walk); The Kitchen Restaurant ($10–$25 USD, 5-minute walk).
  • Ullapool: The Cèilidh Place (venue, $8–$20 USD); Seaforth Restaurant ($10–$25 USD, 3-minute walk).
  • Dunvegan: Dunvegan Castle Cafe ($5–$15 USD, 5-minute walk).
• Alcohol Policy: Available at Eden Court, Cèilidh Place (18+); no external alcohol allowed.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendly:
  • Free for under 5s; youth tickets TBD. School visits and cèilidhs (e.g., Strathy, 13 September) suit all ages. Loud music may affect young children.
• Accessibility:
  • Eden Court: Wheelchair seating, accessible toilets, hearing loops. Community halls: Vary (ramps at Dunvegan, Ardross; limited at smaller venues). Contact blas@blas.scot or +44 (0)1478 613355 for accommodations. Raasay Distillery: Partial outdoor accessibility, weather-dependent.
  • Full details TBD at www.blas.scot.

Getting There

• By Air: Inverness Airport (INV, 10–100 miles to venues, 20-minute–2-hour drive).
• Public Transport:
  • Train: Inverness Station (5–90 miles to venues); connect via bus/taxi.
  • Bus: Stagecoach Highland to Inverness, Ullapool, Wick ($5–$15 USD, 30 minutes–2 hours).
• By Car: Parking at venues (free at community halls; £5–$10 USD at Eden Court). Use postcodes (e.g., IV3 5SA for Eden Court, IV51 9JS for Staffin).
• By Taxi: Inverness Taxis (+44 1463 222222, $20–$50 USD to local venues).
• Rideshare: Limited; Uber in Inverness ($15–$40 USD to nearby venues).

Program Details (Confirmed for 2025)

• 5 September:
  • James Duncan Mackenzie with Bláithín Mhic Cana, Piaras Ó Lorcáin & Lauren Ní Néill: 7:30 PM, Ardross Community Hall, $12–$37 USD.
  • Caolas 50: Robert Nairn Cèilidh Band with Mary Ann Kennedy & Darren MacLean: 8:00 PM, Ardgour Memorial Hall, $12–$37 USD.
  • Eabhal with Kentra: 7:30 PM, Glengarry Community Hall, $12–$37 USD.
  • Fras (Partnership, The Cèilidh Place): 8:30 PM, The Cèilidh Place, Ullapool, $12–$37 USD.
• 6 September:
  • James Duncan Mackenzie with Bláithín Mhic Cana, Piaras Ó Lorcáin & Lauren Ní Néill: 7:30 PM, Carrbridge Village Hall, $12–$37 USD.
  • Fras (Partnership, Croy Live): 7:30 PM, Croy Village Hall, $12–$37 USD.
  • Raasay Piping Competition (Partnership): 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Isle of Raasay Distillery, $12–$37 USD.
  • Eabhal with Kentra & Fèis nan Garbh Chrìochan: 7:30 PM, Acharacle Primary School, $12–$37 USD.
• 7 September:
  • Caolas 50: Prasgan Band Premiere: 4:00 PM, Ballachulish Village Hall, $12–$37 USD.
• 8 September:
  • Mischa MacPherson with Amy Henderson & Ewan MacPherson: 7:30 PM, Abriachan Village Hall, $12–$37 USD.
  • An Treas Suaile: An Caol: 7:30 PM, Kyle Village Hall, $12–$37 USD.
  • Lauren MacColl & friends with Bláithín Mhic Cana, Piaras Ó Lorcáin & Lauren Ní Néill, Fèis an Earraich: 7:30 PM, Dunvegan Community Hall, $12–$37 USD.
• 9 September:
  • Mischa MacPherson with Amy Henderson & Ewan MacPherson: 7:30 PM, Pulteney Centre, Wick, $12–$37 USD.
  • An Treas Suaile: Ulapul: 7:30 PM, The MacPhail Centre, Ullapool, $12–$37 USD.
  • Lauren MacColl & friends with Bláithín Mhic Cana, Piaras Ó Lorcáin & Lauren Ní Néill: 7:30 PM, Astley Hall, Arisaig, $12–$37 USD.
• 10 September:
  • Dàimh & Isla Scott: 7:30 PM, Strathdearn Hub, Tomatin, $12–$37 USD.
• 11 September:
  • Flook with Mairi McGillivray: 7:30 PM, Resolis Memorial Hall, $12–$37 USD.
  • Dàimh with Isla Scott: 7:30 PM, Glenelg and Arnisdale Community Hall, $12–$37 USD.
• 12 September:
  • Flook with Mairi McGillivray: 7:30 PM, Fountain Rd Hall, Golspie, $12–$37 USD.
  • Norrie MacIver & Emma ‘Scalpay’ Macleod with Iain MacMaster: 8:00 PM, Applecross Community Hall, $12–$37 USD.
  • Andrew MacDonald Cèilidh Band: 8:00 PM, Contin Community Hall, $12–$37 USD.
• 13 September:
  • Blas Finale: Arthur Cormack, Jenna Cumming, Alice Macmillan, Ruairidh Grey, Aon Ghuth choir, Mike Vass’s Air Falbh ann am Bàta: 7:30 PM, Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, $24–$49 USD.
  • Norrie MacIver & Emma ‘Scalpay’ Macleod with Robert Nairn Cèilidh Band: 8:00 PM, Staffin Community Hall, $12–$37 USD.
  • Fèis Air an Oir 25th Anniversary: 8:00 PM, Strathy Village Hall, $12–$37 USD.
• Note: Programme confirmed per provided data; additional events (e.g., school visits) TBD July 2025 at www.blas.scot.

Past Notable Performances

• 2024: Julie Fowlis and Duncan Chisholm’s An Treas Suaile, Skerryvore with Sharon Shannon at Eden Court, and Mary Ann Kennedy’s album launch.
• Historical: Over 5,550 performers since 2004, including Skipinnish, Breabach, and Mànran, with commissions like Lauren MacColl’s The Seer (2017).

Sustainability Initiatives

• Eco Practices: Digital tickets via www.blas.scot; recycling at Eden Court; community halls encourage local transport. Full 2025 details TBD at www.blas.scot.
• Note: Aligns with Fèisean nan Gàidheal’s community-focused ethos.

Educational Impact

• School Visits: 5–13 September, various Highland schools, free, music and drama workshops for youth.
• Aon Ghuth / One Voice: 13 September, Eden Court, $24–$49 USD, first Gaelic Makaton choir educates on accessibility.
• Pavilion Performances: Promote Gaelic language and heritage, included with tickets ($12–$49 USD).

Cultural Activities

• Cèilidhs: 5–13 September, various venues (e.g., Ardgour, Contin, Strathy), $12–$37 USD, traditional dancing and music.
• Concerts: 5–13 September, community halls and Eden Court, $12–$49 USD, featuring Gaelic and folk artists.
• Raasay Piping Competition: 6 September, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, $12–$37 USD, showcases piping talent.
• An Treas Suaile: 8–9 September, Kyle & Ullapool, $12–$37 USD, Iolaire tragedy tribute.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Tickets on sale July 2025 at www.blas.scot; accommodation scarce in remote venues (e.g., Raasay, Glenelg).
• Weather Prep: September (45–55°F, rainy); pack waterproofs, sturdy shoes.
• Explore Locally: Dunvegan Castle ($15 USD, Dunvegan); Eilean Donan Castle ($12 USD, near Kyle); Loch Ness ($5 USD tours, near Inverness).
• Public Transport: Stagecoach Smartcard ($10 USD) for Highland routes.
• Festival Info: Digital schedules at www.blas.scot; no dedicated app.

Local Attractions

• Inverness: Loch Ness (20-minute drive, $5 USD tours); Inverness Castle (5-minute walk from Eden Court, free exterior).
• Dunvegan: Dunvegan Castle ($15 USD, 5-minute walk from venue).
• Ullapool: Ullapool Museum ($5 USD, 5-minute walk from Cèilidh Place).
• Glenelg: Brochs at Glenelg (free, 5-minute drive).

Accommodation Options

• Inverness:
  • Hotels: Kingsmills Hotel ($100–$200 USD/night, 10-minute walk from Eden Court).
  • B&Bs: Moyness House ($80–$150 USD/night, 5-minute drive).
• Ullapool:
  • Hotels: Royal Hotel ($90–$180 USD/night, 3-minute walk from Cèilidh Place).
  • Airbnb: Cottages ($50–$120 USD/night).
• Dunvegan:
  • B&Bs: Atholl House ($70–$140 USD/night, 5-minute walk).
• Booking Tip: Reserve 6–12 months for September; check www.visitscotland.com.

Safety & Health Measures

• Medical Support: First aid at Eden Court; local clinics (e.g., Inverness Health Centre, 5-minute drive).
• Security: Bag checks at Eden Court; small venues may limit large bags.
• Health Protocols: Sanitiser stations; optional masks. Outdoor venues (e.g., Raasay) are weather-dependent.
• Safeguarding: Per Fèisean nan Gàidheal policies at www.blas.scot.