The 2026 Blas festival will take place between 4th and 12th September with a packed programme of live cèilidhs and concerts across the region.
Consistent with the aim of celebrating Highland music, Gaelic language and culture, this year's programme features leading Scottish and Irish performers, including Julie Fowlis, Duncan Chisholm, Dàimh and Flook.
The festival finale will also showcase Aon Ghuth, the world's first Gaelic Makaton choir.
Organized by Fèisean nan Gàidheal and The Highland Council, Blas will stage around twenty-five concerts and cèilidhs in venues across the Highlands and Islands.
Road users are being advised of traffic management changes at Lynebeg and Tomatin from 13th July 2026, as underpass construction continues.
From 13th to 17th July, large beams will be installed during daytime hours.
Temporary signals will operate intermittently on the A9 at Tomatin North Junction, affecting northbound traffic, and on the B9154 Moy Road near the new railway bridge, stopping traffic in both directions.
From 20th to 24th July, further signals will be in place on the Tomatin Link Road, stopping traffic both ways. The A9 at Tomatin North Junction will also see full stoppage.
Signals will operate “all red” for up to three minutes, with up to 20 activations daily between 8am and 7pm.
Staff will be on site to manage disruption.
…. And in football news ….
With just one week to go before the start of the competitive football season, Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle play each other in a pre-season friendly match tomorrow.
The match had been scheduled to take place at the Sarens PSG Stadium, Caley Thistle's ground, but due to ongoing work there, it has been relocated to Grant Street Park, the home of Clachnacuddin FC.
Kickoff is at one o'clock, not two o'clock as previously planned.
