Discovery Stage will have its first official sponsor in 2026

Long distance bus firm Scottish Citylink has cemented its support for Pitlochry’s Heartland Festival by securing the naming rights for the future talent stage.

The popular coach company were one of the festival’s sponsors this year but have extended the arrangement to become the official partner of the Discovery Stage.

The Scottish Citylink Discovery Stage will feature 14 new and upcoming artists in 2026, having already established itself as a platform for emerging Scottish musicians.

Requests to play the stage are considerably over-subscribed, with The Crom, Joe Goodall, David Delinquent and The IOU’s already having cut their festival teeth, there.

Keeping it real

Despite the growth of the festival since its inception, organisers are keen to encourage commercial partnerships, like the one with Scottish Citylink, that retain the family feel of the event.

“Businesses are wanting to be associated with Heartland Festival although we have decided to try and keep a small number of sponsors as we don’t want to over commercialise the festival,” said Sales and Marketing Director, Simon Clark.

“We are delighted to be once again working with Scottish Citylink. Their support and ongoing partnership for the Discovery Stage is a crucial part of the festival’s long-term vision.”

For Scottish Citylink, the partnership aligns well with their mission.

“The festival brings people and communities together in such a positive way, and that really aligns with what Citylink is all about, connecting people and places across Scotland,” said Head of Marketing, Nicola Campbell.

To see the full 2026 line-up and book tickets, visit www.heartlandfestival.co.uk