For the first time this summer, Lochaber will have its own Ceilidh Trail project run by the Lochaber Feisean organisation.

Funded by Lochaber Enterprise, The Scottish Arts Council's Lottery Fund and the European LEADER+ programme, the Ceilidh Trail began last Friday (16th July) and runs until Saturday 7th August.

The project gives seven teenagers the opportunity to work as professional musicians and the public the chance to hear good quality Highland music in venues throughout the Lochaber area.

This three-year project gives each year's participants the opportunity to be trained and to perform their music in a professional capacity and comprises two elements:

* A series of training days from April to July involving instruction in various subjects such as stage craft, group playing, playing for dancing and instrument maintenance.

* One month in the summer comprising one week of preparation and rehearsal and three weeks of performances in Lochaber.

A further two students have been employed for a six-week period to act as coordinators and supervisors, gaining experience in arranging public performances and assisting with the organisation of the musicians and the rehearsals.

Ingrid Henderson, Lochaber Feisean development officer, said: "The Feis movement in Lochaber has been running for several years and has previously focused its efforts on younger children but the movement has now produced a number of older children who are requiring further development.

"The aim of the Ceilidh Trail project is to provide a higher level of specialised provision for this older teenage group.  We hope this project will help to retain the interest of the young people and allow them to learn new skills."

Lochaber Enterprise development manager Helen Cameron said: "Normally there are few opportunities for young musicians to perform in commercial concerts in the Lochaber area.  To gain experience, most have to move away, with many never returning.  We hope this project will help retain young people in the area as well as developing the vibrant music scene in Lochaber."