A Moray music festival is to be recognised in parliament after this year’s successful 21st instalment.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has lodged a motion to congratulate Speyfest on last weekend’s extravaganza – which brought a Scottish legend to Fochabers and showcased some of the region’s best young talent.
Mr Lochhead singled out 13-year-old Cullen harpist Hannah Alexander for praise.
Hannah dazzled audiences on Sunday afternoon, after winning the 2016 Speyfest Young Entertainer of the Year competition to earn the slot on stage.
Mr Lochhead said: “I know that for many folk in Moray, and further afield, Speyfest is a highlight of their music festival diaries.
“The quality of artists that Speyfest manages to attract is always of a high standard, and this year packed audiences saw some of the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music.
“The introduction of the Young Entertainer of the Year competition is a wonderful way to encourage young people to perform, and for them to get experience of performing in front of an audience.
“Well done to Hannah Alexander for winning the competition, I hope it is something that Speyfest will continue to run.”
He added: “It is only right that, in its 21st year, Speyfest is recognised in Scotland’s national parliament for its huge contribution to music, arts and culture.”
Scottish singing star Barbara Dickson headlined the first night of the event, last Friday.
Over the course of the weekend, she was followed by folk favourites including RURA, Skerryvore and Peatbog Fairies.
