Bella’s Buzz — November(ish!) Edition
Hello Bella fam!
Yes… it’s technically December 1st, but what can we say?
November absolutely sprinted past us like a toddler heading for the walled garden at Belladrum. Between artist announcements, award ceremonies, meetings, planning sessions, and one or two emergency biscuit runs… the month snuck up and over us before we knew it.
So here we are, fashionably late, with a big warm edition of Bella’s Buzz to catch you up on everything happening behind the scenes.
Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast
This month brought a lovely milestone for us: Dougie and Cairan represented Team Bella at our very first Inverness Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast as official members. Held in the surroundings of Ness Walk, it was a morning packed with brilliant conversation, great company, and an insightful presentation from the VisitScotland team.
Getting out into the community, connecting with local organisations, and strengthening relationships is something we care deeply about. We may be a small team, but we’re a passionate one, and being part of events like this helps us grow in all the right ways!
Dougie Brown (Belladrum) , Eilidh Alexander (Inverness Chamber of Commerce) and Cairan Macleod (Belladrum)
Accessibility at Belladrum
One of our key priorities, both now and going forward, is ensuring that Belladrum is accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all. If you didn’t know already, we offer a range of accessibility support to help attendees enjoy Bella to the fullest.
Our Accessibility FAQs are available on our website, covering everything from facilities to application processes and what support you can request. But behind the scenes, we’ve also been working hard on developing improvements to our accessibility services. Our goal is to make applying for access support easier, smoother, more transparent, and more user-friendly for everyone.
More updates on this, soon!
Scottish Thistle Awards... A Big Night Out
After our win at the Highland & Islands regional finals earlier this autumn, Team Bella made the journey to Glasgow to attend the national Scottish Thistle Awards. It was a great night celebrating the very best of Scotland’s tourism and events industry.
While we didn’t walk away with the trophy this time, we genuinely couldn’t have been prouder to be finalists. Being recognised in the category of Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival means the world to us, and the room was full of organisations who inspire us every day with their creativity and dedication.
A massive congratulations to the Edinburgh Book Festival who took home the national title.
Charity of the Year — Welcoming Cantraybridge College
One of the brightest highlights of our month has been announcing our 2026 Charity Partner of the Year: Cantraybridge College.
This incredible organisation supports young adults with learning disabilities and autism through skill-building, education, and real-world opportunities.
We’re very excited to introduce you to the students, staff, and stories that make Cantraybridge so special throughout the next year. Keep an eye out for updates on how you can get involved, support their work, and celebrate their achievements with us in 2026.
The Big Bella Christmas Giveaway 🎁
Our BIG BELLA CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY launches tonight at 6pm! One lucky winner will scoop an incredible hamper stuffed with unforgettable experiences and amazing goodies, including:
Tickets to Belladrum 2026 including 2 adults and up to 2 children or youth tickets
Club Clan Bella upgrades
A pre-pitched glamping tent from Pitch Village (sleeps up to 6!)
A Family Pass to The Gathering Festival, Inverness
A private Tomatin Warehouse tour & tasting for up to 6 people, PLUS a bottle from the WH6 collection that you get to choose on the day. Pick-up & drop-off from anywhere within 20 miles
£100 on your Co-op Membership card
And even more surprises to be announced later today…
Lineup Announcement... The Buzz of All Buzzes?
Now… the moment that lit November on fire: our first wave of artists for Belladrum 2026!
James, Callum Beattie, The Human League, special guest MIKA, Razorlight, Scouting for Girls, and so many more landed on our first poster and WOW did you make us feel the love.
Curating a lineup for Belladrum is a complex puzzle with many moving parts. With 14 stages, a massive range of ages and tastes we’re constantly trying to strike the right balance!
You can get to know our artists over on our Spotify playlist.