CalMac confirms sponsorship for Skye music festival

West coast ferry operator CalMac has confirmed it will be the main sponsor of a new music festival on the Isle of Skye.

The company has pledged to help ensure the success of the inaugural Beò Festival in May.

According to organisers, it will be a live celebration of the music, culture and heritage of the Highlands and Islands - Beò is Gaelic for live.

The two-day event will see bands from across Scotland coming together to celebrate Gaelic culture, including The Vatersay Boys, Trail West and Beinn Lee.

The festival takes place in the historic grounds of Armadale Castle.

CalMac’s director of community and stakeholder engagement Brian Fulton said: ‘This part of Skye has so much going for it and while the Cullins and the Fairy Pools are top of most visitors’ lists, those willing to walk the less beaten path will be well rewarded.

‘Helping to bring more people to the island to see what Sleat has to offer can only be good for the economy and we are delighted to be able to help.

‘We want to help establish Beò as a regular feature on the Skye events calendar.’

CalMac is the UK’s largest ferry operator serving 28 routes to island and remote mainland destinations with a fleet of 33 vessels.

‘Last year it carried more than 5.3 million passengers and 1.4 million vehicles.

Organiser John Robertson said: ‘We’re delighted to be holding the first music festival in the magnificent grounds of Armadale Castle in Sleat. We want to celebrate and promote Gaelic with the finest bands around. The festival will be a weekend of craic with great music, food and drink.

‘We’re delighted to have CalMac as the main sponsor as it provides a magnificent service throughout the west coast.’

Tickets for the event are available online now at beofest.eventbrite.co.uk