4 July 2011: The Outer Hebrides is to host a series of events over the forthcoming months as part of the Year of Scotland’s Islands.

One of the most highly anticipated flagship events is The Hebridean Celtic Festival on Lewis from 13 – 16 July. This is set to be a real highlight with Scottish singer songwriter KT Tunstall headlining plus Seth Lakeman and The Boy Who Trapped The Sun.

Ideal for families, Lewis’ Galson Estate is offering a programme of guided walks as part of the Year of Scotland’s Islands. These include Creepy Crawly Capers, Bumblebees and Butterflies, Under the Sea, and Whale and Dolphin Watch.

Families will also enjoy Berneray Week from 15-23 July, with many different activities to take part in such as boat rides, a sandcastle building competition, a treasure hunt and kite flying.

Another highlight in the Outer Hebrides is the Pipes & Strings Tour, a unique project bringing together some of Scotland’s finest musicians and fusing traditional and classical styles. Opening on Barra on 12 July, the concert will then travel to South and North Uist on 13 July, Skye on 14 July, Harris on 15 July and Lewis on 16 July.

Concerts will feature a piece commissioned by the National Piping Centre to celebrate the music of the late Duncan Johnstone, one of the finest pipers of his generation, and performed on solo smallpipes, flute, whistle and strings.

The Year of Scotland’s Islands aims to raise the profile of the islands across the UK and internationally, attract more visitors, bolster economic development and strengthen links between the islands and mainland cultural organisations.

The programme, which includes over 140 events across 42 islands, showcases the music, arts, food, sport, history and heritage of the islands, as well as highlighting their unique beauty as visitor destinations.

The Scotland’s Islands initiative has been developed through a partnership of the six local authorities with island communities – Argyll and Bute, Highland, North Ayrshire, Orkney, Shetland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.

Other supporters who have contributed to the funding of the programme include Highlands & Islands Enterprise, EventScotland, European Regional Development Fund, VisitScotland and Awards for All.

For more information on the Year of Scotland’s Islands please visit:

www.scotlandsislands.com

Source: Scotland’s Islands