Key professionals from the music industry are to be joined by leading journalists in providing a unique workshop at this year's Hebridean Celtic Festival.

The workshop will act as a drop-in surgery for people of all ages who want to know more about working in the music industry or in journalism.

The workshop is being presented by HAIL (the music development agency for the Highlands and Islands) and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) at this year's Hebridean Celtic Festival (12th–15th July). It will take place at An Lanntair on Thursday 13th July between 1.30pm and 4.00pm.

Caroline MacLennan, Festival Director, said: "We are delighted that HAIL and HIE are offering this chance for festival-goers to speak to real experts in the music and journalism fields.

“With it's drop-in surgery format, people will be able to chat informally with our advisors who can provide real guidance. It is an innovative approach by HAIL and HIE to produce such a workshop and we hope many will seize a real opportunity to get some industry insider knowledge. ”

Iain Hamilton, for HAIL and HIE said: “There are so many possibilities for working in the music and journalism industries. From performing as a band to promoting gigs and setting up an independent record label, there really is so much that can be done. It is already happening across the Highlands and Islands and we want to encourage even further growth.

“This workshop brings together experts from the Mechanical Copyright Protection Society; HAIL; the Scottish Arts Council and HIE; as well as from the fields of Radio and press journalism. This is a great opportunity to look at anything from dealing with downloads or copyright issues, to pr and funding. Anyone who wants to do anything in music or journalism, regardless of experience, should come along for a chat, simple as that.”

If you want to book a time to discuss your interest in music or journalism you should e-mail iain.hamilton@hient.co.uk  or call 01463 244463.