Lead singer embraces Samaritans

Danny McNamara, lead singer with Embrace

The lead singer of a headline act at this weekend's Belladrum Tartan Heart festival has spoken of his support for the Samaritans.

Danny McNamara, of Embrace, said he was promoting the charity helpline during his appearance at the festival, near Beauly, Inverness-shire.

The singer said he called the Samaritans when he was going through a difficult time as a teenager.

Embrace played the Garden Stage on Saturday night.

The band recorded England's official World Cup song this summer.

Mr McNamara said the charity helped him make important changes to his life.

In pictures: Tartan Heart Festival

He said: "I remember contacting Samaritans when I was about 19.

"I was feeling really low, and knew that I needed to talk to someone.

"At the time the idea of talking about my feelings seemed like the most difficult thing in the world.

"Samaritans helped me through a really tough time and after contacting them I was able to make some major life changes."

Embrace were among more than 90 acts booked to perform at the festival on Friday and Saturday.

Saturday's other acts included The Automatic, The Vatersay Boys, King Creosote and Stereoglo.