Thousands of motorists have queued for hours in standstill traffic to get to the Belladrum Festival.
The popular three-day event, held at the Belladrum Estate near Beauly, kicked off today but many faced significant delays en route to the site.
The festival has drawn thousands of music fans to the Highlands but the influx of people has also caused traffic chaos in the area.
Motorists on the A833 Drumnadrochit to Beauly road have been at a complete standstill with those who joined the queue shortly after midday still waiting to get into the venue hours later.
Shuttle buses travelling from Inverness were also stuck in the traffic.
Some passengers who were getting dropped off to enjoy the musical festivities were “abandoned” on the road while drivers U-turned to escape the queue.
Bemused tourists on the congested rural road told the Press and Journal they were surprised there were not more road signs.
One person said: “We were hoping to get to Beauly but instead we have sat in a queue of traffic.”
Police were patrolling the road but traffic remained at a gridlock on the narrow road.
🚨 We are aware of the congestion out on the roads but please be patient and do not walk down the carriageways. We are doing all that we can to get you in as quickly and safely as possible.
— Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival (@BelladrumFest) July 27, 2023
Visitors leaving cars and hiking miles to Belladrum Estate
Some festival-goers, and even performers, decided to leave their cars in Kiltarlity, just under two miles from Belladrum, and walk the rest of the way.
However, locals have said the village is already overcrowded and are asking visitors not to “dump” their cars.
Others decided to hike more than 10 miles from Drumnadrochit.
People have also been calling the police on 101 but have said they have been offered no help.
One woman in the queue said: “We have been sitting for three hours. It has never been like this before in all the years I’ve been coming.”
Another has called for a drop-off point for campers, she added: “I nipped out of work at lunchtime to take the kids to Belladrum. I have now had to take the afternoon off. What a disgrace.”
Police shared a post on social media this evening asking people to “not abandon their vehicles”.
They wrote: “There is congestion on the A833 and A862 and officers are in there assisting Belladrum organisers to ensure people get to the event safely.
“Please be patient as traffic is moving slowly. We ask that people do not abandon their vehicles or walk on the road.”
Highland Council previously shared a number of road closures and restrictions in connection with the festival.
