The-otter-hide.co.uk

01/07/2024

With Runrig – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉

24/06/2024

Less than a week before he steps onto the stage at the Stramash Festival in Stornoway, Iain gives his thoughts below:

I’m very excited about this for many reasons. Obviously, the chance to be back “On the Rock” is not to be missed, as I have a lifetime of memories stretching back to when I first played on Lewis as a teenager.

It was an honour to be invited to appear this year. The whole ethos behind Stramash is highly commendable.

Over the Friday and Saturday it provides a unique opportunity for musicians of all ages and genres to showcase their skills and passion for playing on a stage, with full sound and lighting production.

It’s run by volunteers with the aim of supporting local musicians and charities. In particular, they contribute so much to the Macaulay College C.I.C, who do fantastic work with special needs education on the island.

It’s free entry; you don’t need a ticket, and any voluntary contributions go to the college. On the Saturday, there’ll be free goodie bags for kids, free hot meals for struggling families, and more. I think you get the idea why I, for one, am delighted to be part of this.

I’ll be doing a drum workshop on the Friday afternoon for anyone interested in sharing their ideas. It’s given me the opportunity to bring together a great collection of musicians; some I’ve known for years, some I’m sure I’ll know for years to come.

Not least among them is Calum Martin (Leum Music), a long time friend of the band and musical supremo.

I invited Calum to be a part of the show because I felt it was essential to have Gaelic in the set, and he’s a perfect fit for Faileas air an Airigh. To my delight, he was also up for doing O Cho Meallt, a not oft performed song.

Uilleam Macleod will be joining us on stage, along with Sean Harrison, Murdo MacLennan, Brian Montgomery, Iain Spanish Mackay, Chris Mackinnon, Stephen Drummond, Crisdean Golly MacDonald, Andrew Grant and AJ Macinnes.

We’ll be putting our own stamp on some well-known Runrig music and songs as I think it’s essential for musicians to express their individuality and creativity. It’ll be very exciting.

I hope that many of you will make it along to support this great event in its 12th year and enjoy a weekend of music, knowing the positive impact it will have on so many.
Iain.

Sean Harrison, Stramash Secretary and of Sean Harrison & Band, said: “Everyone in the Stramash team is absolutely delighted to welcome Iain to our festival this year. When we spoke to him about the ethos of our festival and our work in the community, he was generous enough to offer his time to travel over to the island, not only to perform live at our event but to meet with young musicians on the island as part of a musical workshop. On a personal note, as a lifelong fan of Runrig’s music and legendary live shows, it will be an honour to pay homage to some of their amazing songs and bring our own twists to the arrangements as a part of Iain’s live band next weekend.“

Uilly Macleod, Peat & Diesel, said: "When Iain approached me to be a part of the Stramash Festival and the Drum Section, it was a no-brainer for me. I’ve been a big fan of Iain’s drumming and the band from the start, growing up with their music and having Runrig as my main influence throughout the years. Iain has pulled together the best musicians across the islands for a one-off performance that will blow you away. It’s definitely something you don’t want to miss.”

Calum Martin said: “It is a delight and an honour to be invited by Iain to join him on stage at the Stramash Festival with other musicians from the Islands to perform our own unique arrangements of two of our favourite Gaelic songs; O Cho Meallt and Faileas air an Airigh, which were written by the Lennon and McCartney of Gaeldom, Calum and Rory. Iain and I have known each other since the early days when he first joined Runrig, but this is the first time we have had an opportunity to record and play together, and I am so excited and really looking forward to playing these songs at the festival.“

Iain "Spanish" Mackay said: "I've been going to Stramash for nearly ten years now, and it has always been a fantastic festival, supporting local artists and giving opportunities to the youngsters starting out. Being asked to be involved this year with the mighty Iain Bayne of Runrig is a real privilege, and I absolutely cannot wait for everyone to hear the "Stramash" take on these amazing Runrig songs, songs that have always inspired us and given us hope. I think this is going to be a really special night, and an absolutely unforgettable Stramash experience! Let's go!"

📸 Iain Bayne photo credit: Carl Hayesmore

21/06/2024

1 WEEK TO GO

We are one week out from kicking off Stramash Festival 2024!

As a reminder, this is a FREE, non-ticketed event and we would recommend arriving early and enjoying the mix of fantastic live music and atmosphere on offer.

Hot food, licensed bar, snacks, hot and cold drinks, full WC facilities including accessible toilet and baby changing facilities and a cracking festival held under marquee in the heart of Stornoway. (See comments for map)

Info on our family-friendly Saturday afternoon event coming tomorrow...

People you should tell:

Aunties
Grannies
Your neighbour
The postman
The cove or blone up the road

14/01/2024

Armed with a sickle and a mesh net our Sugar Kelp diver carefully cuts every golden-green frond above the holdfast.

This allows the plant to regrow over the late colder months of winter and into spring before being harvested again.

Using a clever GPS system, the Kelp Man monitors the gathering areas to ensure the underwater forest continues to thrive for use and as a home for many underwater creatures.

For more information on our connections to the sea, take a look here... https://harrisdistillery.com/pages/fromthesea

31/12/2023

just before the internet goes off completely i would like to wish all my friends and family, along with past guests and guests we are yet to meet a very happy new year, when it comes!

25/12/2023

Wishing All our previous guests, family, friends and guests we are yet to meet A very MERRY CHRISTMAS.
see you all in 2024
best wishes from The-otter-hide.co.uk

24/11/2023

🔔 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 🔔

Face the West are performing at next years HebCelt Festival! What an incredible line up too! We have an album coming out in 2024 so it's going to be a big year for the band. Go buy your tickets now and we will see you there! Big shout out to our record label mates The Laurettes and our agent mates Valtos too! What a party that's going to be!

23/11/2023

Just heard this!
HEBCELT NEWS


Dear Festival Goer,

We’re beyond excited to bring you the first artists to be announced for our 2024 Arena Programme!

SATURDAY HEADLINE

DEL AMITRI

Performing for the first time at HebCelt, get set to give the band a rousing Hebridean Welcome.

OTHERS CONFIRMED SO FAR
Brownbear, Elephant Sessions, Face The West, Katie Macfarlane, Kinnaris Quintet, Low Light Listening Lounge, Mec Lir, Sharon Shannon, Sian, The Deep Blue, The Laurettes, The Lucky Doves, The Lumber Jills, The Willie Campbell Band and Valtos.
more to be announced...

You can read more on this HERE

HebCelt Artist Programmer, Michelle Shields, said: "We are delighted to reveal the first wave of artists who will be joining us at HebCelt 2024, which the team aims to make our best yet. We remain deeply appreciative of the unwavering support we receive from our community and loyal festival goers."


TICKETS ON SALE

10AM, FRIDAY, 24TH NOVEMBER

TICKETS


Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest news and updates.
Find us online HERE
HebCelt 17th - 20th July 2024

Chì sinn an uairsin thu!

Team HebCelt

28/10/2023

21/09/2023

Oatmeal and Dundee marmalade ginger cake on the menu today… the fire is on if you are passing..

14/09/2023

Have you ever explored the wild coast of North Harris? Lagoons and tiny remote coves, flanked by mind-blowing slabs of gneiss; fabulous views of Taransay and the islands beyond. All this coupled with very high chances of white tailed eagle and otter sightings! There are no paths to follow so let Daryll guide you! There are spaces on a guided walk this Saturday 16th September starting at 2pm. Please book through our website by selecting ‘Medium Walk’ with Daryll on Saturday afternoon.

https://wildharris.schedulista.com/

14/09/2023

I DID NOT MESSAGE OR DRAW THE PRIZE!! Some low life scamming bastard cloned my account and pretended to answer everyone saying they had won and needed to follow a link. That was not me, I have reported the account and deleted the post. As per usual these evil, low life, total waste of humanity, bastards have ruined everyone's fun. I will draw off the original post and let the winners know via private message. All I will ask for is their address and the winners address. I will not ask for any further information. I will not ask you to click on a link within some stupid time frame or threaten to let someone else have it. Once its won, its won, end of. Utter pricks ruining things for everyone 😭😭

14/09/2023

2024 calendar just opened! forgot to increase prices. book now The-otter-hide.co.uk

13/09/2023

What's on September and October
All welcome including new customers.

Saddle Clubs afternoon 16th, and 23rd of September , Saturday 14th and 21st of October £36 2pm to 5 pm
* customer loyalty card stamp eligible

Come and Traigh XC practice sessions
Tuesday 26th of September and 3rd of October £30 5.30 pm and 630 pm slots . Own horses welcome.

Beach Ride Day!
Saturday 30th of September £35
Enjoy heavily discounted beach rides.
10 am , 11am, 12pm , 2 pm and 3pm
Meet at Tràigh Mhòr Carpark

Mini One Day Event
7th of October £40 (three events in one). This is one working towards the bronze challenge awards . Special guest dressage judge AND classes for all levels. More details to follow. An inclusive, friendly approach to competition suitable for young or nervous riders. Own horses welcome. Spectators welcome.

Halloween all day saddle club, hot dogs and the haunted hunt! 28th of October £50 10 am to 630 pm ( dark!) * customer loyalty card stamp eligible

13/09/2023

Perfect day today for a seat outside and a slice of raspberry and citrus drizzle cake…

06/09/2023

17/08/2023

just opened calendar for sept, was going on holiday but decided to stay, yippeee, book now to avoid disappointment

16/07/2023

Looking for things to do while in the Outer Hebrides?

Head over to our website bit.ly/44bkieH

📸:

14/07/2023

https://www.facebook.com/reel/258909566840183

Sadly i am missing the Hebcelt this year, back next time.
GO GREEN TEAM !!! 😉

12/07/2023

weekend availability July / August 3 nights, Friday Saturday Sunday, see website for details, treat yourself to a short break
the-otter-hide.co.uk

06/07/2023

04/07/2023

03/07/2023

03/07/2023

Availability through out August, weekend three night breaks. Friday to Monday. go on you know you want to!.
call 07713971344 or see our website for details.
The-otter-hide.co.uk
get away from the hurly burly, chill out and relax

30/06/2023