Thousands enjoyed Oban’s 35th Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival over the Bank Holiday weekend. The turnout thrilled organisers, and festival chairman Breege Smyth said it was their busiest event on record. ‘This year was without a doubt our busiest and most engaging year. We felt everyone got involved, from pubs, clubs and hotels to all the competition venues.
There there was a whole town buzz. We’ve had superb comments and our reputation for friendly, humane competitions continues.’ Supported by Event- Scotland – Scotland the Perfect Stage, Oban welcomed more than 1,100 pipers, fiddlers, pianists, accordion and clarsach players, as well as Highland dancers to the town, to take part in 125 competitions. On Thursday, pupils from 16 primary and nursery schools in fancy dress took to the Corran Halls stage on Schools Day to sing songs with actions, getting the festival off to a bright start – unlike the weather. Retired teacher Martin Wilson, who presented youngsters with certificates, said: ‘Well done for bringing lots of colour and sunshine into the Corran Halls on such a dreich Oban morning.’