Councillors asked to back continued funding for Blas Festival

A festival set up more than 20 years ago as a celebration of Highland and Gaelic culture could be set for continued local authority funding.

Blas began as a small event in Strontian, Clashmore and Strathpeffer in 2004 and has since grown to feature concerts and ceilidhs at dozens of venues across the Highlands.

Financial support has been an issue in the past and over the years organisers Fèisean nan Gàidheal have called for extra backing.

Highland Council's Gaelic committee has been asked to agree that the local authority continue its funding, while noting that all future allocations would remain subject of annual review.

In a report to the committee, officers said Blas made a "robust contribution" to Highland communities.

But they added that the festival's ability to secure external funding was dependent on the support it received from the council.

The officers said: "Any reduction or withdrawal of this funding would place the wider funding package at risk."

Councillors will consider the report, and its recommendations for continued funding and stronger links between the council and Blas, when they meet on Wednesday.

The festival is held in September and traditional music and the Gaelic language are important features of its programme.

In previous years, performers have included Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis and composer and fiddle player Duncan Chisholm.