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Peat and Diesel have made a mad dash across the Minch for a surprise performance at the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival tonight (Thursday).

The trio were urgently summoned to replace Eurovison runner-up Sam Ryder who was forced to pull out of the massive Beauly music event because of illness.

Organisers reached out across the water to the storming performers who cancelled everything to catch the lunchtime ferry departing Stornoway.

CalMac staff managed to squeeze them on the jam-packed MV Loch Seaforth on one of the busiest sailings of the season.

Band members, Calum 'Boydie' Macleod, Innes Scott and Uilly Macleod are “100%” full of praise for the shipping company’s ticket office workers.

Innes explained: “We ran down to the ferry terminal and pleaded with CalMac and they were very, very helpful.”

With the ship crammed to the gunwales with vehicles they had to leave their van on the pier. So luggage trolleys were stacked high with musical instruments and equipment to wheel them aboard.

“The local staff at CalMac bent over backwards so we could get everything on,” added Innes.

The thrill of playing at the popular Highland festival turned to fears of being stranded at Ullapool harbour without transport.

Desperate phone calls to van hire companies brought no joy.

Then Lewis-based contractors Duncan Mackay & Sons stepped in with the offer of a minibus on the mainland.

“I phoned them up and they helped us out no bother. They sorted out a minibus for us,” said a relieved Innes.

After receiving confirmation the band was definitely on their way, Belladrum organisers announced: “Western Isles’ Rescue Mission in Operation.

“We are delighted to announce that the one-and-only Peat & Diesel are sailing in to save the day and headline the Hot House Stage this evening at 9.45pm."

They added: “We all wish Sam a speedy recovery and look forward seeing him next year.”

 

Peat and Diesel save the day at Belladrum

28 July 2022