Hebridean Celtic Festival

This week was truely one of the most exciting and most special weeks of my life. Not only was the festival itself incredible, a chance to experience a taste of island life and meeting many new people was the cherry on top.

My journey started in Stirling when boarding the train heavily laden. I could litrally not get my rucksack on my back without help! I then switched to bus transport to get me to Ullapool and then finally boarded the ferry, the last stage in my journey.

Once on the island, me and a friend, another volunteer, found our campsite and set up camp. Our tent was tiny and could hardly fit us let alone our massive rucksacks but it was home for the next few days! By this time it was quite late in the day so we headed to the pub! Here we got the chance to talk to many different people, many had been to the festival before and told us about their experiences. We left the pub with a mounting sense of excitment for the next few days!

Thursday dawned sunny and beautiful as we got up early to explore the island. We had a lovely lunch in the village then went back to the tent to collect some more layers for the night ahead! We then reported for duty late afternoon!

Being a steward over the 3 days was incredibly enjoyable. There were a few different spots needed to be manned and we would rotate each position for a fairer shift. Each position offered its own excitement and challanges! We had to provide general information to the festival go-ers including musical line up and answer any questions. One man told e his life story in about 10minutes! Our most inportant job was to ensure the safety of the festival and every individual attending. You had to be constantly alert and watchful, scanning the crowds and looking for anything out of ordinary.

The whole experience was very rewarding. But its not all work! Although even the work didnt feel like work! I would recommend this festival to anyone, any age! It was really, truely a great way to spend a week of my summer! Thanks HebCelt!