The 35th Highlands and Islands Music and Dance Festival takes place in Oban this year with hopes high for a boost in competitor numbers.
Budding Highland dancers, fiddlers, pipers, pianists, accordionists and clarsach players, in addition to woodwind and brass musicians, are being called upon to take part.
Last year, there were 1,100 entries across 125 competitions and the organising committee hopes to beat this figure.
The festival takes place from May 4-6 and attracts performers from all over Scotland, stretching from neighbouring towns like Campbeltown to as far afield as Edinburgh, Dingwall and Skye. This year it has its first entry from Germany.
Many venues across Oban are brought to life with live music and there will be outdoor performers in the heart of the town.
The festival promotes a long tradition in music and dance, but also introduces innovation through group dancing competitions.
Argyll is rich in music and dance heritage and the festival is renowned for providing a valuable outlet for rising talent.
Breege Smyth, chairwoman, said: “The festival has retained a unique family feel that is the hallmark of true Highland hospitality, despite the competitive nature of the programme.
“Every year, I am delighted that our funders and the businesses of Oban share our passion and are generous in support – particularly as we have been going for 35 years.”
Organised by volunteers, the committee has attracted more than 3,000 visitors to the town which provides a welcome boost to the local economy.
