Traitors winner Stephen Libby and Commonwealth Games swimming star Kara Hanlon will open this year’s star-studded HebCelt Festival - after being unveiled as baton bearers for The King’s Baton Relay in Stornoway.
The Lewis pair will be joined by broadcaster and Mànran founder Gary Innes to celebrate the baton’s safe arrival from the mainland, after it has been carried across The Minch aboard CalMac’s ferry MV Loch Seaforth.
The baton will make a brief appearance at the town’s Perceval Square with BBC Radio nan Gàidheal around lunchtime.
Both baton bearers will later lead the procession with Lewis Pipe band under the direction of Pipe Major Sandy Gomez, and Lewis and Harris Youth Pipe band under Pipe Major Ashleigh MacDonald, up the castle drive around 4.45pm.
They will then be greeted by a special Guard of Honour provided by shinty stalwarts Lewis Camanachd and team captain Scott MacLeod, before officially opening this year’s gates.
Between 6pm and 9pm the Baton, flanked by security, will go on display in the main arena giving festival goers a unique chance to see it up close, take photographs, and celebrate its visit to the island.
As part of the evening's celebrations, the baton will appear on the Main Stage for Mànran's headline set, and chance for a unique crowd ‘selfie’ to send the symbol on its way to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in style.
More than 9.6m people tuned in to The Traitors finale for its dramatic closing moments when Stephen, a former competitive gymnast, won the series by keeping his promise to fellow Traitor Rachel Duffy, splitting the £95,750 prize pot.
Describing the event as an ‘honour’, Stephen said: "I am delighted to be part of the King's Baton Relay when it comes to Lewis and the HebCelt Festival in a few weeks' time.
“It will be such an honour to carry the baton and be involved in the excitement and build-up ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games."
Kara, a Scottish record holder in the 50 and 100m breaststroke, represented Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games and Great Britain at European and world championships, and is the most successful swimmer to come from the Western Isles.
Kara said: “Being selected as a baton bearer for the King's Baton Relay is a huge honour. I was born and raised in Stornoway, and the Isle of Lewis shaped me as both an athlete and a person.
“Throughout my career I always said I was flying the flag for the Western Isles, whether at British Championships, World Championships, or representing Scotland on the Commonwealth stage.
“To carry the baton on home soil, in front of the community who have supported me, means a great deal.”
Starting in Glasgow on 1 July, the Baton Relay will travel across more than 50 events to celebrate Team Scotland, Scottish sport, the Commonwealth, Scottish culture and the Games, before arriving in Stornoway on 16 July.
HebCelt chair Iain Macphail said: “This festival happens because of teamwork, people at the top of their game, so there could be no-one more appropriate or deserving to lead the event than Kara and Stephen who know all about success.
“It’s such an incredible honour for us as a festival to welcome The King’s Baton Relay to the festival and our island, and with just a few weeks to go and weekend tickets selling fast, we know it’s going to be a fantastic experience for everyone there.
“Seeing The King’s Baton being held aloft with Mànran on stage will be an iconic moment for our 29th year, and a reminder of how music - like the Commonwealth Games themselves - brings people together the world over. It will be very special.”
Festival Operations Coordinator Carol Ferguson made the initial approach inviting them to the island, in an operation that she revealed has been shrouded in secrecy for several months while plans were refined.
She said: “It’s been hush-hush for so long. I really don’t know how Stephen was able to keep his secret for so long in Traitors - because I’ve been bursting to tell people about this. It’s going to be so good to see him and Kara leading the opening night fun, it’s very exciting.”
As well as the headliners, Thursday night’s line-up includes music from Corina MacInnes, Alice MacMillan, Beinn Lee, Old Man Luedecke, FARA and Peatbog Faeries.
The Mary Wallopers and The Saw Doctors join Manran as headliners across the weekend. Others include islanders The Tumbling Souls, Isla Scott, Emberline, Colin Macleod, Sean Harrison and Band, and many more.