Campers on Tiree pack up amid strong winds and rain
A music festival in the Inner Hebrides has been cancelled the day before events were due to begin as a result of “extreme weather”.
Organisers of Tiree Music Festival said the decision had been “incredibly difficult” but necessary in order to get campers and staff back to safety.
Islanders have rallied to accommodate those stranded, with strong winds and rain are forecast from Friday.
The BBC understands hundreds are currently on Tiree for the event.
Organisers have urged people to make their way to An Talla where their team would be on hand to support.
Jim Gamble owns a house in Tiree and plans to accommodate stranded festival-goers for the night.
He was not attending the festival, but decided to open his home to help those who might be struggling after the cancellation.
Jim Gamble is opening his home to stranded festival-goers
“The message went out to the community, so we’re just responding to that,” he said.
“I can accommodate about four or five people, and transport comes into it with how many folk we can fit in the car.
“The whole community pulls together in situations like this.
“You’ll see that, with all those cars waiting outside.”
‘Tents falling down’
Garth Harrison from Kenmore and Ali Lamont from Dunkeld are attending the festival for the first time.
“We’re gutted obviously,” said Mr Harrison.
Ali Lamont and Garth Harrison arrived on Tiree on Thursday
“We took a couple days off work so that’s really not ideal. But you can’t blame the organisers for cancelling it because you can see the tents and everything are falling down.
“We do wish that they could’ve looked at the forecast and told us and maybe given a bit of a warning about it ahead of everyone coming here and setting up.
“We’ve no idea where we’re going tomorrow morning so it’s not brilliant.”
Ms Lamont added: “If you’re coming all the way to Tiree, you take the risk.”
Mhairi Marwick was due to teach at the Fèis Thiriodh and play with Celtic Worship at the festival.
Mhairi Marwick was due to perform at the festival
She said: “I’m so gutted for the team who have put so much work and time and effort into this.
“It’s a brilliant festival, so it’s such a shame. It’s one of these festivals on everyone’s radar for the summer, so it’s just devastating for the bands.
“It’s really sad it’s not happening this year.
“But I don’t think there’s many musicians who have arrived on the island and the boat’s not coming tonight, so it might be quiet over the weekend.”
She said an impromptu ceilidh had broken out in a nearby hall where revellers sheltered from the strong winds.
Organisers said: “The safety of everyone on site is our number one priority and this decision is based on the advice of trusted partner authorities and our on-site health and safety, security, medical and event management teams following the extreme weather conditions we are facing.
“We are working extremely hard to make sure this process is safe and all-encompassing and to ensure every single person on site is relocated to safety and escorted to begin a safe journey home.
“Anyone who has not started their journey, please do not travel to [the festival]. If you are on your way to the festival, please make your way home.
“We understand the cancellation is hugely disappointing for everyone involved in the festival but we do not take this decision lightly.”
They said further updates would be provided as they came in.
Ferry unable to berth
Performances at the Scottish folk music festival were due to run from Friday to Sunday.
Wet Wet Wet, Tide Lines and Skerryvore were among the 26 bands on the line-up.
The programme also featured beach yoga, Gaelic song workshops, walking tours and magic shows.
A ceilidh which was set to welcome the festival on Thursday night has also been cancelled.
CalMac said its Thursday evening sailing to Tiree from Oban was unable to berth.
It said the Oban ferry terminal would remain open overnight tonight to accommodate those without accommodation.
