Newly appointed Festival Operations Coordinator, Carol Ferguson took on her role in March this year. Though a steep learning curve Carol has history with the festival as she first joined the HebCelt team back in 2014, when she moved to Lewis and was looking for a way to meet people outside her day job.
With a background in social care, having managed sheltered and supported accommodation for the elderly, Carol felt that she had many skills and attributes that she could bring to the volunteer role, such as communication, team work and a strong work ethic. Having learned Gaelic and sung in the Mod at primary school, Carol attended her first concert aged 15, which was RunRig at Balloch Country Park. From here grew a love of Celtic/Folk music. Over the years her music tastes have varied, but Celtic/Folk music always remained a passion, ignited again in recent years by bands such as Tide Lines, Niteworks and Elephant Sessions.
Carol initially signed up for the stewarding team, and loved it so much she has volunteered ever since, she eventually progressed to became deputy and then team leader of the ambassadors team, before moving on to leading the new site coordination team established in 2023. That new role gave her a broader insight into how the festival comes together on the ground and earlier this year, when Carol saw the vacancy for festival operations coordinator, she knew she was looking at her dream job.
Carol said: From my first day of volunteering for HebCelt 10 years ago, I felt welcomed into what I now know is the Festival Family. Some of the people you don't see from year to year, but when we all meet again on the green it's like you were only with then the day before. To have the opportunity now to oversee the operations for the festival and be involved at the planning stages, will make it even more special when 'doors' open on festival week. I am a firm believer in, 'If you love what you do it will show', using my passion, skills and experience to give me a sense of fulfilment and pride in my work.
Carol is now enjoying working with Artist Programmer Michelle Shields and the Board of Trustees to bring HebCelt 2024 to fruition