Two landmark anniversaries celebrating historic modes of transport in Lochaber will take centre stage during this year’s Blas Festival, the Highland’s annual celebration of Gaelic music and culture, which takes place from 5th to 13th September 2025.
Caolas 50 will mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Ballachulish Bridge, while the MV Maid of Glencoul, a much-loved vessel on the Corran Crossing, will also be honoured, with help from some of Scotland’s top traditional musicians.
Built in 1975, the MV Maid of Glencoul has served on the Corran Crossing for over four decades and currently provides a backup service on this vital west Highland route. On the festival’s opening night, Friday 5th September, a special ceilidh in tribute to the vessel will be held in Ardgour Memorial Hall. The event will feature Mòd Gold Medallists Mary Ann Kennedy and Darren MacLean, alongside West Coast button box player Robert Nairn.
Mary Ann Kennedy, a double Mòd Gold Medallist and respected musician, broadcaster, composer and producer, now calls Lochaber home. Coming from a family of Gaelic song tradition bearers and classically trained, she runs Watercolour Music studio in Ardgour with husband Nick Turner and is deeply involved in local cultural life, including directing the Lochaber Gaelic Choir. Robert Nairn, originally from Kentra on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, brings a strong West Coast Gaelic and piping tradition to his music and will get everyone on the dance floor!
Before the Ballachulish Bridge opened in 1975, ferries transported passengers and vehicles across the narrows. In the early 20th century, the Ballachulish ferry began carrying cars, and by the 1960s, the crossing operated with three turntable ferries, each capable of carrying six vehicles. The opening of the bridge marked a significant leap in infrastructure, spanning 964 feet and transforming transport in the area.
To commemorate the bridge’s 50th anniversary, a brand-new band, Prasgan, made up of some of Lochaber’s best-known musicians, will make their debut appearance. The line-up features Angus Nicolson, Ewen Henderson, Allan Henderson, Andrew MacPherson, and Murdo Cameron, all renowned names on the traditional music scene. They will perform on Sunday 7th September at Ballachulish Village Hall.
Since its inception in 2004, Blas Festival has become a highlight of the Highland and Gaelic cultural calendar. The 2025 programme includes a stellar line-up of artists from Scotland and Ireland, including Julie Fowlis, Duncan Chisholm, James Duncan Mackenzie, Lauren MacColl, Mischa Macpherson, Norrie MacIver, Gaelic supergroup Dàimh, and the internationally renowned Flook, among many others.
Other highlights include Julie Fowlis and Duncan Chishom’s An Treas Suaile, a moving performance sharing the stories of those lost in the Iolaire tragedy, combining music and visuals in a powerful tribute. Celebrating the cultural bridge between Scotland and Ireland, Irish musicians Bláithínn MhicCanna, Piaras O Lorcain & Lauren Ni Nèill will join Lauren MacColl for special concerts in Dunvegan and Arisaig. Eabhal, a band making a significant impact on the Scottish music scene with their vibrant and energetic folk music, will play in Acharacle alongside the next generation of traditional musicians from Fèis nan Garbh Chrìochan.
This year’s grand finale will also feature a world-first: Aon Ghuth / One Voice, the first Gaelic Makaton youth choir, will perform alongside Gaelic music luminaries including Arthur Cormack, Jenna Cumming and Ruairidh Gray. They’ll be joined by a stellar house band led by Musical Director Ingrid Henderson, with Iain MacFarlane, Angus Nicolson, and Eamon Doorley, plus a string quartet led by Lochaber’s Helena Rose.
Organised by Fèisean nan Gàidheal in partnership with The Highland Council, Blas is known for bringing world-class performances to local venues, ensuring that even the most remote communities can enjoy rich cultural experiences.
Calum Alex Macmillan, Chief Executive of Fèisean nan Gàidheal, added: “Community has always been at the heart of Blas Festival since it began in just three venues, Strontian, Clashmore, and Strathpeffer, 21 years ago. We are delighted to be able to help celebrate these important anniversaries in Lochaber. It is crucial to us to provide a platform that not only showcases Gaelic music but also honours the local history and culture that inspire it.”
“Since 2004, Blas Festival has delivered over 1,350 events, featured 5,550 performers, and welcomed an audience of more than 130,000. It has contributed over £8.4 million to the Highland economy.”
For the full programme and ticket information, visit www.blas.scot and follow @blasfestival on social media for updates.