People in Stornoway are being asked to put their island hospitality into action and make available rooms, beds and even driveways, to cope with an influx of festival-goers.
Hebridean Celtic Festival, which will include performances from Deacon Blue, The Fratellis and Eddi Reader, has proven so popular that an appeal is going out to homeowners to offer spare rooms and beds to visitors.
People are also being asked to make their driveways available to cope with an overspill of mobile homes.
The Fratellis to headline Stornoway’s Hebridean Celtic Festival
Festival goers double the population of the town to around 16,000 over the four days from July 18-21.
With 10 weeks still to go to HebCelt 2018, hotels, guest houses and facilities for campervans in the Stornoway area are already booked up.
The local VisitScotland office has made the appeal earlier than usual as this year’s festival is expected to attract one of its biggest-ever audiences, with music fans coming from across Europe, Canada, the US and Australia.
Alan Mackenzie, VisitScotland island manager, said: “The buzz around HebCelt started some time ago and we already have a waiting list for accommodation in Stornoway for festival week.
“The event generates massive interest in the islands and provides an economic boost for the whole community.
“Residents are extremely welcoming and hospitable and with their help we can assist those who have so far not managed to find somewhere to stay.
“It is the first time we have asked for space in driveways but it can help visitors arriving in campervans to find safe places to park.
“Anyone who can help should contact our team at the Stornoway VisitScotland iCentre (01851 703088).”
The 23rd HebCelt will be held from July 18-21 in Stornoway with headliners Deacon Blue, The Fratellis, Eddi Reader, Skippinish and Roddy Woomble.
The event’s popularity continues to grow and last month it was named Best Cultural Event or Festival at the Scottish Thistle Awards.
HebCelt director Caroline Maclennan said: “We are delighted at the level of interest in this year’s festival and we are hoping for another bumper crowd.
“The number of people coming into Stornoway creates a fantastic atmosphere in the town and brings the biggest economic benefit outside the festive season.
“We work closely with VisitScotland and accommodation providers to help visitors and ensure they can enjoy the festival, and their stay in the Hebrides, to the full.”
