Old and new bands cheered at music fest

Local talent entertain crowds at Craigie gathering

The return of fondly remembered ska band, The Rude Boys to the stage was the highlight of the third Craigie Hillfest.

But a string of young bands shared the spotlight with more seasoned performers who included the Red Pine Timber Company and Rancho Rebop.

Members of The Rude Boys got together for the first time in 35 years and blew away a 700-strong audience.

Lead vocalist Stuart “Sparky” Campbell-Clark admitted it had been an emotional evening.

“The reaction was incredible and made all those months of rehearsals worth it,” he said.

“It went better than we could ever have hoped and the feedback has been superb.

“So far we have no plans to play any other gigs, but it was great to turn back the clock 35 years.”

One-time members Kevin Patterson and Chic Medley, who went on to form chart toppers Fiction Factory with Eddie Jordan, cheered on the band from the sidelines.

“It was nice to see them again and get their support,” said Sparky.

Last year Scots singer Eddi Reader topped the bill in The Hill car park but Saturday’s event showcased local talent, with support from Tayside firm Kilmac and other businesses.

“It was amazing to see teenage bands like Longstay and The Sandemans being so confident and composed on stage,” said Sparky.

“There’s an amazing amount of talent in the area and I’m sure that has a lot to do with the Rockschool at the UHI, Clearwater Studios and the D-I-Y Rockshop.”

Organiser and Hill steward Pauline Harrier said: “The weather gods certainly smiled on us again because it was pelting down on Friday and Sunday.

“We enjoyed fantastic support from the Kilmac team before and after the event.

“It was a fantastic day and there was a real family feel to the festival because kids under 14 were given free admission. It was the best yet, without a doubt and hopefully there will be a fourth Hillfest next summer.

“Everyone was blown away by The Rude Boys and the Red Pines were brilliant as usual. So many people were also saying how great it was to see young bands being given a chance to shine.”

Festival-goers were fed and watered by Ruby the Campervan team and the Kitchen Farmer, Jim Fairlie.