A NEW island music festival was almost scuppered at its launch after a local radio station wrongly announced that it was cancelled.
Organisers were bewildered why only a few people turned up to Friday's event in Stornoway town hall showcasing local musicians.
But after the gig they realised supporters had stayed away because Isles FM suggested it was off. The inaugural BOLT
(Best Of Local Talent) Festival was devised by Daniel Gillespie, manager and musician with Tiree celtic rock group Skerryvore, and Eileen Matheson.
It was Mr Gillespie's first attempt at event management after recently establishing his own music promotion business called RingingStone.
Skerryvore, which has a huge following in the Hebrides, headlined the BOLT event in Stornoway to help to kick off what will become an annual platform for bands and youth musicians from across the Highlands and Islands.
Ms Matheson said: "We are extremely unhappy that Isles FM apparently suggested it was cancelled.
"There was a buzz running up to the event, but then only a handful turned up on Friday. Many people told us that they heard the radio saying it was cancelled.
"It was hugely disappointing. The station made an apology on air on Saturday morning and they then plugged that night's event.
"Anyway, the atmosphere was brilliant on Saturday evening and we want to reassure people that BOLT will happen again next year."
Daniel Gillespie said the radio blunder was "a major shock to us". David Morrison, managing director of Isles FM, suggested that there may have been a mix-up over a planned radio interview with Skerryvore which did not go ahead.
He said: "We are always keen to promote such events.
"We would not have made an announcement without some notification.
"There may be crossed wires somewhere."
The full article contains 302 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
