Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and BBC ALBA have launched a new talent search to find an emerging musician or band to open one of Scotland’s best loved festivals this summer.
The competition, which opened on 1 June, is seeking solo artists and bands from the north and north east of Scotland, with the winner earning a coveted performance slot on the Hot House Stage at Belladrum on Thursday 30 July.
Returning after successful competitions in both 2024 and 2025, the initiative aims to shine a spotlight on homegrown talent and provide a major platform for artists looking to take the next step in their musical careers.
Now preparing for its 22nd year, Belladrum has grown into one of Scotland’s most popular family festivals, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually to its Highland setting.
This year’s line up already includes major names such as Callum Beattie, The Human League, James, Mika and Brooke Combe.
The winning act will not only perform at the festival but will also have the opportunity to feature as part of BBC ALBA’s Belladrum coverage, giving them exposure to audiences across Scotland and beyond.
BBC ALBA has long championed Scottish music and emerging artists, helping create opportunities for new performers to reach wider audiences.
Calum McConnell, Commissioning Editor at BBC ALBA, said:
“We’re very excited to be working alongside the Belladrum team again this year.
“One of the highlights of the past few years has been seeing previous talent search winners Cameron Ferguson and Falasgair getting the festival underway, both playing knock out sets in front of expectant crowds.
“We’re delighted to showcase this year’s talent search winner as part of our ongoing festival coverage.
“Our Belladrum highlights are always a popular fixture in BBC ALBA’s summer schedule, whether that’s for those not able to be in attendance or festival goers who just want to relive a magical weekend all over again!”
Musicians interested in taking part are being asked to submit a biography and a link to their music for consideration.
Musicians can apply by submitting a bio and link to their music to tartanheart@bbc.co.uk
Applications will be reviewed by a panel including representatives from BBC ALBA, Belladrum and an independent musician appearing at the festival.
The shortlisted acts will then go forward to a public vote.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday 8 June, with public voting expected to begin on Friday 12 June and close on Friday 19 June.
Previous winners have gone on to achieve significant success.
Singer songwriter Cameron Ferguson later formed the band brittle, while Isle of Skye group Falasgair have released their debut album, performed at Celtic Connections, supported Valtos at a sold out Barrowlands show and appeared at festivals across Scotland.
Belladrum Festival Producer Dougie Brown said:
“Partnering with BBC ALBA to find the next wave of Scottish talent continues to be one of the highlights of our year.
“There is so much incredible talent out there and this is exactly the kind of platform that can change the course of an artist’s journey.
“What I love most is that moment of discovery when a fresh voice takes to the Belladrum stage and the crowd just connects with them.
“We’ve seen that spark so many times over the years, and those artists have gone on to do brilliant things.
“We look forward to seeing who emerges this year!”
For aspiring musicians across the Highlands and north east, the search offers a rare opportunity to step onto a major festival stage and potentially launch the next chapter of their musical journey.
Find out more about Belladrum and get your tickets at tartanheartfestival.com
BBC ALBA will be bringing the best of the festival to viewers at home across the weekend, available on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer.
Watch live or on demand: Belladrum on BBC ALBA
