Eilean Dorcha Festival (EDF) has secured £10,000 support from Awards for All.

Taking place on Liniclate machair on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th July, EDF is the first ever music festival for Benbecula.  Acts including Skippinish, Vatersay Boys, Trail West and Donnie Munro will take to the stage over a weekend like no other for the islands.

Funding from Awards for All – a partnership by sportscotland and the Big Lottery Fund – will help cover the costs of setting up the annual festival.

EDF Chairman Roddy MacKay commented “We are delighted to get this award to help us deliver Benbecula’s first music festival. Not since Runrig played at Liniclate more than 20 years ago has there been anything like this held in Uist. With former frontman Donnie Munro returning, it’s sure to be a momentous weekend.

“We will have nearly 20 acts this year and there’s sure to be something for everyone. This award will allow us to showcase Benbecula and the Southern Isles and what they have to offer at a crucial time for the tourism industry here in the islands.”

A spokesperson for Awards for All said: “These grants, totalling just under one million pounds will benefit over 130 groups across the country and shows the variety of projects that can be funded through Awards for All. We are always surprised at the difference a relatively small amount of money can make providing support and advice to people in communities across Scotland and wish all of these groups the best of luck for the future.”

Awards for All Scotland gives out grants of between £500 and £10,000 to projects that bring communities together to enjoy a range of activities.  Groups can download this form here www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/awardsforallscotland