The Blas festival is now a firm fixture on Scotland's cultural calendar and is set to stage 45 events across the Highlands from September 5-13.

Locally there will be performances from the acclaimed Fiona Mackenzie Band; Meantime; Andrea Beaton and Kimberley Fraser; MacRimmon to the Power of Three; Cmhlan Luadh Bhaideanach; the Badenoch Walking Group Cilidh Trail, and the Cairngorm Cilidh Trail.

"Blas is Gaelic for 'taste' or 'savour' and this year's festival really is quite mouth-watering," said festival director Donna MacRae. "It's only our fourth year but we will be delivering a programme of music, Gaelic, food and workshop events that really strengthen our contribution to the region's cultural identity.

"We are very pleased to have the support of a variety of promoters in Badenoch and Strathspey and we know they will deliver a series of excellent shows."

The festival was created as a result of Highland Council's desire to form a new event for the region to match Cape Breton's Celtic Colours Festival, which is the largest of its kind in North America.

A large part of the Blas festival is to feature home-grown talent alongside internationally renowned traditional musicians.

Ms MacRae said: "Blas celebrates the Highlands, giving communities the chance to enjoy live music. It also provides young musicians, primarily from the Fis movement, with the opportunity to learn from stars in traditional music.

"We want to show just how different and authentic Highland culture is. With this year's programme we're doing just that."

Other performers heading for Blas 2008 include Julie Fowlis, Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain, The Peatbog Faeries and The Chieftains.

For more information and to book tickets for the festival visit their website at www.blas-festival.com.

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