The Blas music festival is to launch an "embassy" agreement with the Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

People who are to attend both events will be able to get "visa" rights which include information, advice and ticket price incentives.

The announcement was made as Blas unveiled its 2009 programme. The event is based around traditional music, Gaelic language and song, food, learning, whiskies and clans.

The Inverness festival is a highlight of the national Homecoming celebrations and venues range from community halls and distilleries, to Inverness Airport and Eden Court Theatre.

Featured artists will include musical talent such as Dougie MacLean, Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain, Blazin' Fiddles, the Barra MacNeils, and Karen Matheson.

Festival Director Donna MacRae said in a statement: "Our Blas `Scottish Embassy' strengthens our links with the Celtic Colours International Festival in Cape Breton.

"Celtic Colours provided the inspiration for the creation of Blas and this cements our partnership. From June visitors will be able to visit our website and access information about Scotland in our embassy. We are also keen to have an embassy set up on the Celtic Colours website with a reciprocal arrangement for them on ours.

"It is a new way to heighten the level of service to our customers. We will also be providing `Blassports' which visitors can get stamped by promoters at each of our events and internet `visas' which provide access to ticket discounts. It all adds to our commitment to culture and our links with the Homecoming Scotland programme."

Minister for Culture Michael Russell said: "Blas has produced an exciting programme which underlines the depth and variety of Highland culture in both traditional and modern terms.

"In this year of Homecoming it is great to see the interest from so many countries around the world demonstrating a real appreciation for Scottish culture. I also welcome the `cultural embassy' initiative - these relationships growing between festivals is very exciting."

Marie Christie, director of Homecoming Scotland, said: "The Year of Homecoming is all about Scotland re-connecting with its global family and welcoming people back in 2009 to enjoy a celebration of Scotland's many great contributions to the world.

"The Blas Festival provides a fantastic platform to experience many elements of contemporary and traditional Scottish culture in the outstanding setting of the Scottish Highlands. We are very pleased to be partnering such an extensive and entertaining programme which will bring enjoyment to locals and international visitors alike."