Music fans from nearly 30 countries helped make this year's Hebridean Celtic Festival one of its most successful and provided an economic boost to the islands, say organisers.

The award-winning event took place last weekend in Stornoway, in Lewis, with Big Country, The Levellers and Donnie Munro headlining the programme of 40 acts - its biggest yet.

An influx of overseas visitors made up half the estimated 14,000-strong audience, who attended shows in the grounds of Lews Castle, An Lanntair arts centre in the town centre and other venues in rural areas. The figure is close to last year's record-breaking attendance - which was the best in the event's 19-year history - and almost 17 per cent up on 2012.