Festival-goers service complaints

The festival, on Lewis, saw an influx of visitors

Visitors to this year's Hebridean Celtic Festival have complained about the level of service they received during their stay in the Western Isles.

About 200 people expressed disappointment with their treatment at shops and restaurants.

The customer service project behind the feedback scheme, Who cares Wins, put it down to the high number of people who attended the festival, on Lewis.

A staff bank is now being considered to provide support during busy periods.

Lisa Maclean, project co-ordinator for Who Cares Wins, funded by development agency HIE Innse Gall, said the feedback was surprising for a part of the world famed for its hospitality.

She said: "The main grumble was from customers having to wait so long to be served and staff not being as attentive as normal.

"You have to remember that this was festival week which is when they are busiest and when staff were under the most pressure."