Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival has chosen Cantraybridge as its Charity of the Year for 2026, marking the beginning of a partnership rooted in kindness, community and the belief that every young person deserves the chance to thrive.
The festival has made a tradition of lifting local charities into the spotlight each year, giving them a platform to share their work with thousands of festival goers and supporters across the Highlands.
This year’s choice brings Cantraybridge into the heart of the Belladrum family, a charity that has spent three decades helping young people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent conditions build confidence, skills and independence.
Cantraybridge began in 1994 as a small rural initiative just outside Inverness and has grown into a vibrant community where young people learn, live and find opportunities that recognise their talents and potential.
Its Learning Centre offers training across animal care, horticulture, wood skills, creative arts, digital skills and hospitality, and its Independent Living Service supports students as they develop daily living skills and experience life in supported accommodation.
The charity also runs a busy cafe, sells seasonal produce and handcrafted goods and hosts community events, using every part of its work to create meaningful experiences for the young people at its heart.
Belladrum described the partnership as a natural fit for a festival that places community and compassion at its core.
Dougie Brown, Festival Producer for Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, said:
“Cantraybridge represents everything we love to champion at Belladrum, community, creativity, and lots of heart.
“Their work changes lives every single day, and we’re all very excited to help bring their story to thousands of festival goers between now and Belladrum 2026.”
The partnership will run throughout the year and offers festival goers several chances to support the charity, including the option to donate when buying tickets and the return of the Big Bella Christmas Prize Draw this December.
The draw will feature a festive hamper filled with Highland gifts including Belladrum twenty twenty six tickets, exclusive merchandise and products donated by partners such as Tomatin Distillery, Co op, Black Isle Brewery and Miele’s Gelato.
Belladrum’s marketing team say they want to shine a wider light on the charity and the young people who make its community so special.
Cairan Macleod, from the festival marketing team, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to be working alongside Cantraybridge this year and to help shine a light on the work they do.
“Through our marketing campaigns and platform both online and offline we hope to raise real awareness of their mission and celebrate the young people and workers at the heart of it all.
“It’s a privilege to use Bella’s reach to support a great local organisation.”
Visitors to Belladrum in 2026 will have the chance to meet the Cantraybridge team in person, take part in hands on activities and learn more about the community that has grown from hope, purpose and a strong belief in the potential of young people.
Fiona Morrison, from Cantraybridge, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to be named Belladrum’s charity partner for 2026.
“This partnership offers a powerful platform to raise awareness of the remarkable talents, resilience and contribution of the young people at Cantraybridge.
“We are particularly looking forward to sharing their stories, showcasing their work and raising awareness of our mission and impact with the wider festival audience.
“Festival goers can expect to engage with our team on site, take part in hands on activities linked to our social enterprise, and learn more about the incredible community we have fostered together.”
