Traditional musicians from across Scotland and beyond will be arriving in Speyside on a regular basis throughout the year.
Western Isles group Skerryvore, former Young Traditional Musician of the Year Robyn Stapleton, from Dumfries and Galloway, and Glasgow group Ímar have been included in the 2018 Arc Sessions line-up.
The Fochabers programme also includes a return to Moray for Garmouth-native Calum Stewart, who now earns a living as a musician in France, and local performer James Alexander, best known as part of the Fochabers Fiddlers.
The series of eight concerts, which run between February and November, is now in its third year at the Institute in the village.
Packed audiences and performers enjoyed the atmospheric surroundings of the venue during last year’s line-up.
Yesterday, organiser Mhairi Marwick said the event was now developing a nationwide reputation, which has resulted in musicians asking to be included on the bill.
She added: “It’s great for Fochabers because there’s nothing like it in the area, especially now the Institute has been refurbished.
“The word is definitely spreading – bands are speaking about what it’s like to play in Fochabers and it’s meaning that people are starting to approach us.
“It’s amazing to have people from all across Scotland performing, but also to have people back home who have gone on to be full-time musicians elsewhere.”
The 2018 line-up also includes Irish musician Sharon Shannon and the Adam Sutherland Band, from Errogie near the south shore of Loch Ness.
Full listings are available online at www.thearcsessions.com and tickets are available at Christie’s Chemist in Fochabers.
