The events tour throughout the Highlands, with highlights including Harvest, a gala concert written and directed by Capercaillie's Donald Shaw, and Kin; an original commission from Wolfstone's Duncan Chisolm.

Other special events include the Henderson family from Lochaber singing alongside the MacNeil's from Cape Breton in Nova Scotia for the Clan event. Na Seòid presents eight singers/musicians under Mary Ann Kennedy's musical direction. The finalists of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award receive a showcase, and The Musical Isle / Eilean a´ Chiùil concert offers the Isle of Skye's musical heritage played by the area's young musicians. Mary Jane Lamond, one of the most sought after Gaelic singers in North America teams up with Kathleen MacInnes from South Uist, for the highly-regarded performers Atlantic Voices / Guthan a´ Chain Shiair concert.

An Open Stage will be held in Inverness (1 September) and Fort William (8 September), an opportunity for under 25's, either as a soloist or in a group, to take part with places allocated on a first come first serve basis. Performing for 15 - 20 minutes across three stages that, weather permitting, will be outdoor and with a PA system provided by the festival this is an exciting opportunity to be part of the celebrations.

For full programme, venue and scheduling information vist www.blas-festival.com