BY KIRSTY WATT
The sound of live music and community laughter filled the small, south Skye village of Glasnakille last Sunday at the first ever Glasnabury charity music festival.
The sun was shining down on the cliff-top croft, ringed with flags and filled with hay bales and the chatter of the Elgol and Strathaird community, as musicians from near and far performed – for free – in aid of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance.
James Adams, Glasnakille, who organised the event, told the Free Press: “I’ve just hit 55 and it made me realise that if you are going to do anything in life, don’t just talk about it, just do it. Music has always been my passion. I’ve played in bands and I’ve made records, but I’ve never hosted an event. I thought I would have a go and I honestly didn’t really know why, or if it would work out!
“I was quite nervous initially – I woke up in the morning and immediately realised I had to rig the entire place. I managed to get all the wires plugged in, but I had no idea whether it was even going to work! I was then faced with the task of organising all these people to come onstage to do a sound check. We got a few open mic people on at the beginning and it started to get rolling. Once it was going, there was no going back!
“I think we all, since COVID, have become a bit more insular. It’s good to have these sort of events locally because it’s bringing the community together and we don’t get that chance often. All the villagers were absolutely, fully behind the festival. I did go around everyone and ask how would they feel if there was an influx of people and music for a night but they were all very much for it. And the fact they now want maybe more… maybe they will get more!”
Local musicians Doc Livingston, Rachel Henderson and Calum MacKinnon were among those who joined James in the line-up, alongside others including The Tartan Cowboys, Lois Crossland and Zoid.
Although the event was free to attend, people were encouraged to donate to the SCAA.
James said: “The air ambulance landed on our croft, in the exact field of the festival, twice in two weeks. Doing the festival as a charity event meant we could raise money for something that actually happened here. Living remotely, the air ambulance is sometimes the only way to respond quickly.”
The festival was supported by the Elgol Gala Fund; Harbo in Portree donated pallets which were used to construct the stage; the Broadford and Strath Community Company lent a gazebo; Elgol Bistro donated refreshments for the musicians; and Molly’s Meals provided the catering.
Donald Cumming, who was at the festival alongside the Free Press, said: “It was just a lovely friendly atmosphere. A family orientated event with neighbours, friends, and people in the village all wandering around chatting away to each other. It was like getting together on a summer day and it was fantastic to raise money for the air ambulance – that’s what it is all about!”
