BBC Alba launch search for homegrown talent to play Belladrum festival

The National

13-06-2025

The broadcaster has teamed up with The Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival to unearth the next top talent from the Highlands and Islands in a bid to celebrate newcomers to Scotland's music scene.
The competition is open to solo artists and bands, where at least 50% of their members have a Highland home address, across all genres, with one newcomer receiving the opportunity to open the main stage at the Hot House Arena on Thursday, 31 July.
As the festival prepares for its 21st year, with acts including Texas, Supergrass, Paul Heaton, Tom Walker, and Natasha Bedingfield confirmed, BBC ALBA is on the hunt to find the best new homegrown talent to add to the lineup.
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Calum McConnell, commissioning editor at BBC ALBA, said: 'While there is nothing quite like the atmosphere of being in the field at a festival, shoulder to shoulder with fellow music and arts fans, BBC ALBA remain committed to bringing the magic of Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival to audiences who can't be there in person, as we have done for the past 13 years.
'Our festival highlights are always a popular fixture in BBC ALBA's summer schedule, and this year will be no exception. The addition of the talent search will shine an even brighter light on the incredible creativity emerging from the Highlands and Islands.'
(Image: BBC ALBA)
Held on the Belladrum Estate in Kiltarlity, the festival has grown in popularity over the past 20 years and now attracts thousands of visitors.
BBC ALBA, which held a similar competition last year, said it aims to support Scottish artists and aims to provide a platform to propel newcomers into the industry.
The lucky winner will also have the additional opportunity to record an acoustic session in the BBC ALBA studio at the festival.
Musicians can apply by submitting a bio and link to their music to [e-mail], with entries judged by a panel of experts, including representatives from the BBC and Belladrum, alongside an independent musician appearing at the festival, before the shortlist goes to a public vote.
Applications will open on May 27 at 9am and will close at 11.59pm on June 8.
It is expected that the public vote will open on June 13 on the Belladrum website and will close on June 20, ahead of Belladrum Tartan Heart Music Festival 2025, which runs from July 31 to August 2.