A new single has been released as part of a series of commissioned works by the Hebridean Celtic Festival during its 25th anniversary celebrations.
The track is a version of Runrig’s anthem ‘Only the Brave’ and features the band’s Rory Macdonald, as well as Julie Fowlis, Outer Hebrides singer songwriter Colin Macleod and a variety of artists collectively dubbed the Hebridean Allstars.
While HebCelt was forced to cancel this year’s event due to the pandemic, the festival commissioned a variety of new works called Seisean HebCelt (HebCelt Sessions) which have been aired on social media.
Festival Director, Caroline Maclennan said: “I want to say a huge thank you on behalf of the team here at HebCelt to all of the commissioned artists and those who pulled it all together. They have reminded us this week of the music, culture and sheer enjoyment that we regularly experience at the festival.
“It has been a taste of HebCelt which whets our appetite for returning stronger in 2021 when we hope to return to more normal service.”
The sessions will also raise money for charity with the festival setting up a Just Giving page for donations to the Bethesda Hospice in Stornoway which provides four hospice beds for specialist palliative care and 30 care home beds.
Carol Somerville, general manager at the hospice, said: “HebCelt is a very important part of the culture and local economy so we are extremely pleased to have this support. These sessions will provide some welcome relief and enjoyment.”