FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SET TIMES
These will be announced in due course.
TRAVEL OPTIONS
How do I get to Benbecula? Click here
BUS LINKS
Regular bus services connect with the ferry arrival and departure times.
The main coach operator from Central Scotland is Scottish Citylink Coaches, for all connections telephone 08705 505050 or visit their website: www.citylink.co.uk.
Tickets must be booked in advance to ensure a seat on the bus.
TRAIN LINKS
Uig - Lochmaddy Ferry service:
Train services run to Kyle Of Lochalsh, a bus must then be taken to Uig.
Train services run directly to Mallaig.
Please check connections with bus/ train with ferry.
Further details from 08457 48049050 or book online through www.scotrail.co.uk.
FLYING
Loganair fly from Glasgow to Benbecula. www.Loganair.co.uk
For more information on all of the travel options please follow the appropriate link.
FERRY
Caledonian MacBrayne run a direct car and passenger ferry from Uig to Lochmaddy and also from Mallaig to Lochboisdale. Inter-island services also operate between Ardmhor in Barra and Eriskay in South Uist and also from Berneray in North Uist to Leverburgh and Harris.
The summer timetable will be operating during the festival which will be operating extra sailings to Uist compared to the winter timetable. Pre bookings must be made for all vehicles. Tickets may be bought up to 5 months in advance.
Telephone 0800 066 5000 or log on to their website to view ferry timetables: www.calmac.co.uk
Do we need to book in advance?
If you intend to bring a car or any vehicles, then this must be booked in advance.
Do foot passengers need to book?
We would always advise you to book in advance, the ferries are extremely busy during festival time and a booking will guarantee your space. EDF and CalMac advise all foot passengers to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 1hr in advance of sailings to ensure travel.
You will need to buy a ticket and also make sure you pick up a boarding pass.
How far is the festival site from the ferry terminal?
If you arrive in Lochmaddy, the festival site in Liniclate is approximately 21 miles away.
If you arrive in Berneray, the festival site in Liniclate is approximately 31 miles away.
If you arrive in Lochboisdale, the festival site in Liniclate is approximately 22 miles away.
If you arrive in Eriskay, the festival site in Liniclate is approximately 28 miles away.
And how far is it from the airport?
The airport is approximately 6 miles away from the festival site.
How do we get transport to the festival?
Shuttle buses will be travelling from the ferries to the festival drop off site each day BUT MUST BE PRE BOOKED. The drop off point is a short distance to the festival site. This is to allow the buses to turn and not cause congestion on the road. You will be walking on the main road to the festival, so please be aware of traffic.
Our official buses will be provided by Lindsay's Coaches and MacVicars Coaches.
**BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL**
MacVicars coaches will also operate buses heading North as well as shuttle buses from Balivanich. **BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL**
Please book your bus place on 01870 603197 or by email by clicking here
Lindsay's Coaches will operate buses heading South. Please book your seat on the bus by calling AJ on 07780 548779.
Is there a campsite available?
There are five campsites available. Early booking is advised.
Otters Edge Caravan Park
Liniclate
Benbecula
Hebrides
HS7 5PJ
Mr Dave Adey
Tel: 07805 927657
This site is less than a mile from the festival site. (Suitable for Motorhomes)
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Liniclate Temporary Campsite
Liniclate
Benbecula
Hebrides
HS7 5PJ
Donald MacPherson
Tel: 07887 707609
This site is less than a mile from the festival site. (Perfect for tents) *BOOKING ESSENTIAL*
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Moorcroft Campsite
17 Carinish
North Uist
Hebrides
HS6 5HN
Iain & Catriona Morrison
Tel: 01876 580305
E-Mail: morrisons17@hotmail.com
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Balranald Hebridean Holidays
Hougharry
North Uist
Outer Hebrides
HS6 5DL
Tel: 01876510304
Mobile: 07748267996
E-Mail: info@balranaldhebrideanholidays.com
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Kilbride Campsite
Cille Bhrighde
South Uist
Hebrides
HS8 5TT
DJ MacIsaac
Tel: 01878 700568
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IS THERE ANY PUBLIC TRANSPORT?
There is limited public transport on the island, but a few taxi firms.
Shuttle buses will be running from the festival site to the campsite areas throughout the weekend, please see noticeboards on site for more information.
IF YOU ARE BEING DROPPED OFF / PICKED UP
If you are being dropped off by car, taxi/private hire or mini-bus, you must use the bus park at the school. There is no drop off / pick up point available at the Dark Island Hotel. The Dark Island Car Park will only be accessible residents or anyone with the appropriate pass. Taxis and private cars must use the school bus park.
LEAVING BENBECULA & THE FESTIVAL SITE
Please ensure that you leave the campsite and surrounding areas as you found them. Dispose of all rubbish and litter (bin bags can be given out at the main office). Please do not abandon tents or belongings.
When do the shuttle buses start?
Shuttle buses will be running from 5pm on the Thursday and 4pm on Friday from the campsites to the drop off point. If you are travelling to the island on the ferry, shuttle buses MUST BE PRE-BOOKED.
IDENTIFICATION & UNDER 18s
EDF follows the Challenge 25 policy (http://www.challenge25.org) If you are lucky enough to look under 25 you will be asked to prove that you are aged 18 or over on arrival. If you are under 18 you are committing an offence if you attempt to buy alcohol.
We would strongly advise all festival goers to ensure they bring identification, we accept the following:
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Passport
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Driving license
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Young Scot Card
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Citizen Card
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Or any other photo ID that has a PASS Logo
If you can’t prove proof of age then you will be issued with an under 18 band, and ONLY if you are accompanied by an adult. Concession ticket holders must also remember to bring proof of concession.
I am under 18, can I come to EDF?
EDF is open to everyone. Under 18 tickets are only available to buy with an adult ticket. All under 18’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is over the age of 18. One adult can be responsible for a maximum of four under 18s and must be present at registration. Any Under 18’s who arrive at the gate without their responsible adult will not be permitted to enter EDF. All under 18s will also be asked to write a contact telephone number on their wrist band in case of emergency.
TICKETING
All tickets will be scanned prior to entry and a wristband issued. No wristband means no entry so please take care of your tickets. No replacement can be made for lost tickets.
TICKET AVAILABILITY ON SITE
There will be no tickets available on the day, please purchase your ticket through the official website ticket links prior to arrival.
WRISTBANDS
Different wristbands will be issued in accordance to the ticket purchased. These will be issued when your ticket is scanned. DO NOT LOSE YOUR WRISTBAND, IT WILL NOT BE REPLACED no wristband means no entry to the arena.
ENTRY & SECURITY
There will be trained security staff patrolling the venue at all times, anyone causing a disturbance will be asked to leave the festival arena. Entry is STRICTLY by ticket only and everyone attending the event will be subject to a search. A drugs dog will also be present.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Is there a licensed bar at the festival?
Yes. There is a bar located in the main arena. Opening times will be advertised in due course.
ANIMALS
Can you bring your dog to the festival?
Pets are not permitted within the festival arena or any other fields in and around the festival site. The only exception to this are guide dogs. Please be aware that livestock will be in surrounding fields so extra care of pets is essential. Pets must be kept on a lead at all times within the campsites.
IS THERE A CAR PARK?
Yes. The car park is situated in the field behind the HIE building. Access is next to the Green Shed and will be clearly marked by a 4m Teardrop Flag.
IS THERE WI-FI AT THE FESTIVAL?
No. The area does have 4G on the EE network.
IS THERE DISABLED ACCESS AT THE FESTIVAL?
Yes, BLUE BADGE holders will have a special parking area next to the main arena and there is a special disabled viewing area within the arena. If you need assistance please introduce yourself to a member of the team on arrival and we will do everything to assist you.
DO YOU REQUIRE ANY ASSISTANCE?
Please let us know if you require wheelchair access as the disabled viewing area is limited in number. Click here to let us know of your requirements. Click here if you require access to the disabled viewing area. Space on the platform is on a first come basis and cannot be reserved. Additional seating for carers is available. We may need to prioritise those with disabilities in busy periods. The platform is also used as a family viewing area for people with young children, ear defenders are available upon request for babies and young children within the main arena. We will have two accessible loos situated adjacent to the platform.
WEATHER
The weather in Scotland, even in July can be challenging. If the weather is so extreme that we have to cancel or postpone the event, there will be contingencies and processes in place to deal with this. We do advise that you bring clothing and essentials for all types of Scottish weather from suncream to waterproofs!
THESE ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED
Food and drink. We have a number of food outlets catering for all dietary requirements.
Tents or gazebos.
Fireworks or pyro of any kind.
Single use plastic vapes.
Pets / animals
Professional camera/video/audio equipment with removable lenses
Drones
Glass bottles or glassware of any kind is permitted on the festival site and will be confiscated. Anyone found to be attempting to bring alcohol into the site will have it confiscated and they will be asked to leave the site.
All bags will be searched on arrival.
EDF CODE OF CONDUCT
ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES, ALCOHOL & ANTI-‐SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
The Eilean Dorcha Festival has a zero tolerance towards illegal substances, underage drinking and
anti‐social behavior. Anyone found with illegal substances, behaving in an anti‐social manner or being
under the influence of alcohol while under the age of 18 will be ejected from the festival site and reported to the police. The Eilean Dorcha Festival encourages sensible drinking.
NO ALCOHOL CAN BE TAKEN INTO THE MAIN ARENA!
Please leave any alcohol you have purchased at home. If you attempt to bring alcohol into the main arena it will be confiscated and you risk being ejected from the festival for breaching our licensing conditions.
Please only camp and use the facilities in the campsite area you have purchased your ticket for.
NB - THERE IS LIMITED PARKING AT THE FESTIVAL SITE.
NO GLASS (BOTTLES/TUMBLERS) MAY BE BROUGHT INTO THE MAIN FESTIVAL ARENA.
NEIGHBOURS
Please be aware that the festival area is also amongst local housing. Be considerate of our neighbours and please keep the noise down at night as you leave the festival arena. Anyone causing a disturbance will be reported to the police.
FIREWORKS/FIRE LANTERNS
Strictly no Fireworks or fire lanterns are allowed anywhere on the festival site. Those caught doing so will be removed from the festival site and no refunds will be issued.
ADDITIONAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION
PARKING
There is LIMITED PARKING at the EDF site. Please do not block the road when dropping people off so that we don’t disturb the flow of traffic around the island. Follow the stewards directions at all times.
CHAIRS & BLANKETS
You are welcome to bring blankets and folding camp chairs into the site, however we ask that you don’t block any access points and if an area becomes busy you may be asked by our security team to either move somewhere else or put them away.
PETS
There are NO PETS allowed within the festival site, the ONLY exception being guide dogs.
LITTER
Liniclate is a fabulous location and we would like your help in keeping it that way. Please use the bins provided, or take your rubbish home.
HAZARDS
Most of the site is farmland so please take care on uneven ground. The roads surrounding the festival site have cattle grids so please be vigilant and avoid these where possible.
PLEASE LOOK AFTER OUR ISLAND
There is no doubt that what makes EDF a special festival is the stunning location, please look after our island as if it were your home. Were it not for the support of the local community, we would not be able to hold this fantastic new event so we would appreciate it if you could please treat them with the respect they deserve and try to minimise the disruption to their everyday lives.