PICTURES: Callum Beattie hailed 'star of the show' at third Tunes By the Dunes
Scottish singer/songwriter Callum Beattie was hailed as "the absolute star of the show" at the third Tunes By the Dunes at the weekend.
The two-day festival, staged in a marquee at Ham Park in Dunnet, attracted a 1200 sell-out and was blessed with hot and sunny weather.
Beattie was appearing at Tunes By the Dunes for the first time, as were the bands Skipinnish, Torridon and the Tumbling Souls. Also on the bill were Whisky, Trail West, The Chair, Mànran, Brandon McPhee and Beinn Lee.
Run by North Coast Entertainments, this was the third Tunes By the Dunes.
Event coordinator Iain Mackay said: “It went really, really well from start to finish, and of course we had glorious weather.
“As you might expect, the absolute star of the show was Callum Beattie. His stage presence and his set blew the crowd away – he had the crowd in the palm of his hand.
“I think it's tremendous that guys like that will come as far as Caithness.”
The first Tunes By the Dunes was held in 2019 and it returned in 2022 following a two-year Covid break.
Mr Mackay pointed out that the festival is making a name for itself among performers as well as music fans.
“The feedback on social media has been hugely positive, and also we're building up a reputation among the musicians," he said. "They all speak to each other.
“I wouldn't say it's easy, but it's not as difficult as it was... when you mention Tunes By the Dunes, most of them know right away.
“Right down to the last detail, everybody seemed to be very impressed."
Mr Mackay praised the volunteer helpers who join forces to make the festival possible.
He said: “We probably could not afford to put this event on, or certainly keep the ticket prices at an affordable level, if it wasn't for the local volunteers that help us in the build-up, the people that work behind the bar, the people that help steward it... without them there just wouldn't be a Tunes By the Dunes, and we are really grateful for all their support.”
Michael Gray, chairman of North Coast Entertainments, had earlier described the festival as "a great way of promoting this part of the world". Many visitors take the opportunity to tour the area as well as enjoying the two days of music.
The acts were spread across Friday evening and the whole of Saturday, with a bar, food and other facilities in place. Bus services were laid on from Thurso and Wick.
