Line-up announced for The Royal Highland Show presents The Reeling, taking place on Saturday 20 June at the Royal Highland Centre
A major new partnership is set to bring one of Scotland’s most exciting contemporary folk festivals to the capital for the very first time.
For one day only on Saturday 20 June, the Royal Highland Show will partner with renowned trad music festival The Reeling to bring The Royal Highland Show presents The Reeling to the Royal Highland Centre.
Following the success of the Royal Highland Hoolie over the past three years, organisers at the Royal Highland Centre have teamed up with The Reeling, the celebrated festival founded in Glasgow, to deliver a bumper trad music experience during the iconic Show weekend.
The one-day Highland Show edition of The Reeling will shine a spotlight on the very best of Scotland’s contemporary trad scene, with a line-up featuring Breabach, Dlù, Dougie MacLean, Elephant Sessions, Kinnaris Q and Skippinish.
Advance tickets can be purchased from 9.00am Tuesday 3rd March via the Royal Highland Show website with combined Royal Highland Show and The Reeling entry priced at £75. The Reeling-only tickets are £45, while child tickets are £27.50. A VIP upgrade to The Reeling can be purchased for an additional £30.
Gate prices will be higher and availability cannot be guaranteed, so early booking is advised.
The Royal Highland Centre – Scotland’s largest indoor and outdoor venue – delivers some of the biggest events in the country, welcoming more than one million visitors every year.
As well as hosting the Royal Highland Show, which welcomes over 220,000 visitors to Ingliston each year across the four-day event, the venue has become a major destination for live music.
This August, it will welcome a series of Summer Sessions featuring Biffy Clyro, Florence and the Machine and brand-new festival Heather on the Hill, created by Nathan Evans and Saint PHNX.
The arrival of The Reeling signals another significant step in the venue’s ambition to grow and diversify its festival and large-scale event offering.
Mark Currie, Director at Royal Highland Centre, said: “This is an incredibly exciting partnership opportunity for us and really signifies the direction we are going in as we continue to build and strengthen our event and festival offering at the Royal Highland Centre.
“The Royal Highland Show weekend is the perfect platform for an event like this. Over the past three years, the musical element of the Show through the Royal Highland Hoolie has become a real draw for Show-goers, and we know that partnering with The Reeling will only build on that momentum.
“Bringing one of Scotland’s most exciting trad music festivals to Ingliston for a special Highland Show edition feels like a natural evolution, and we’re proud to be working with The Reeling to create something new and ambitious as part of the Show weekend.”
Founded by Michael Pellegrotti, co-director of Skye Live, The Reeling has quickly established itself as a flagship celebration of contemporary Scottish folk music since launching at Rouken Glen Park in 2023.
Now, the festival makes its move to Scotland’s capital for the first time.
Michael Pellegrotti, Founder of The Reeling, said: “We’re delighted to partner with The Royal Highland Show to bring The Reeling to Edinburgh for the first time. Both events celebrate the very best of Scotland, making this a natural collaboration.
“With a fantastic line-up of artists and so much to experience at the show, it’s set to be a great day out for everyone.”
The Royal Highland Show presents The Reeling takes place on Saturday 20 June at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston.
Edinburgh Tradfest is delighted to announce that Dick Gaughan will appear in conversation with Dr Lori Watson to talk about his life, career and love for Scotland’s big ballads on Sunday 10 May, as part of this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest (1 to 11 May 2026).
Gaughan is a singer of rare quality, a peerless guitar stylist, a charismatic performer and champion of social justice. This legendary musician has also been a huge influence on many of today’s best known folk musicians.
A proud Leither, Dick Gaughan was born in Glasgow in 1948. He moved to Leith at just 18 months old, and began playing in the folk clubs of Edinburgh in the late 60s. In 1970 he turned professional and made his first solo album in 1971. His career saw him recording albums for himself and others, composing music for films and working as an actor and theatre music director.
In the early 80s he worked with 7:84 (Scotland) Theatre Company and released his LP Handful of Earth, widely regarded as a classic and quoted by many artists as a seminal influence on their own work.
Dick’s own songs have been recorded by, among others, Billy Bragg, Mary Black and Capercaille, and he was an early member of Boys of the Lough and Five Hand Reel. In the 1990s he founded Clan Alba, a supergroup also featuring Mary Macmaster, Brian MacNeill, Fred Morrison, Patsy Seddon, Davy Steele, Mike Travis and Dave Tulloch.
More recently, thanks to a campaign by fans and industry professionals, a Kickstarter campaign raised funds to support the release of a 7CD + DVD boxed set R/evolution: 1969-83 in 2025, with more releases planned.
Dick Gaughan: Muckle Sangs is this year’s Rebellious Truth talk presented in partnership with Celtic and Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh. It will also include a special music set by University of Edinburgh Traditional Artist in Residence, in Celtic and Scottish Studies Fraser Fifield.
Dr Lori Watson, Celtic & Scottish Studies, University of Edinburgh said: “Talking of the muckle sangs, Dick Gaughan’s traditional ballads such as Glenlogie or Floo’er o Northumberland are a masterclass in Scots song interpretation.
“There is a deep understanding of the lives, experiences and relationships in the songs as well as the demands of the ballad form. Dick Gaughan is one of the finest, fiercest, and most compassionate storytellers in song that Scotland has seen.”
The event will be presented in person and livestreamed.
Dick Gaughan: Muckle Sangs is just one event in this year’s packed 11 day Edinburgh Tradfest programme, presenting the very best traditional music from Scotland and around the world. Other headliners include: RURA, Kim Carnie, Session A9, and The Furrow Collective.
Edinburgh Tradfest 2026 will run from Friday 1 May – Monday 11 May. Full programme including folk film and storytelling will be announced on Tuesday 17 March 2026 thanks to support from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.
Julie Fowlisand a stage packed with some of the finest musicians in folk, brought this year’s Edinburgh Tradfest to a close on Monday 13 May with an outstanding rendition of Runrig’s ‘Fuaim A Bhlair’.
The 11 day festival of traditional live music, talks, folk film and storytelling, saw over 80% of tickets sold for the music programme and multiple sell-out shows at the Traverse Theatre, Cameo and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
The festival enjoyed a massive jump in trad fans coming out in support of live music, with sell-out shows and packed houses on both weekends (Triptic, Martin Simpson Daimh, Rachel Newton, Nordic Fiddlers Bloc, and VALTOS).
There was also a full audience for this year’s new commission Everyone’s Welcome to Edinburghcurated by renowned fiddler Robbie Greig and performed by Robbie and a stellar line-up of musicians including Hannah Rarity, Jenn Butterworth, Signy Jakobsdottir, Duncan Lyall and Megan MacDonald. Plus, there was not a seat to be had for Malin Lewis’ debut album launchHalocline.
The second weekend’s workshops also saw great attendance and 92% of places sold, with Bruce Ncube’s Zimbabwean singing workshop bringing home an abundance of joy-felt harmonies from an amazing standard of participants.
, over at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Svend-Erik Engh’s improve your patter session for musicians was an early sell out, as was Shona Cowie and Neil Sutcliffe’s premiere of their new show Rickle O Stanes which galloped through the story of Scotland, from its geological formation right up to its present socio-economic condition told through stories and song.
Another big hit at the Scottish Storytelling Centre was an emotional Hearth Fire Session which saw an incredible blend of live storytelling from Traveller Jess Smith, folk musician Sam Gillespie and basket-weaver Katie Warner, all guided by host Dougie Mackay who gifted Jess with a willow basket full of the stories and songs of the evening, to acknowledge her contribution to storytelling.
Further afield the Folk Film Gathering celebrated its 10th anniversary with a popular programme of Scottish and international films, many accompanied by live scores or introductory talks. Screen premieres included the sold out Scottish premiere of Songlines – a new documentary from Pat Collins celebrating the songs and singers at the heart of the Irish traveller community; and Itu Ninu set in a dystopian ‘smart city’ from Edinburgh-based Mexican director Itandehui Jansen.
Plus, to close this year’s folk film gathering, musician Aly Bain introduced a screening of Mike Alexander’s film Down Home with some great chat and tremendous tunes.
Douglas Robertson and Jane-Ann Purdy, co-producers of Edinburgh Tradfest said: “This year’s festival was just brilliant, we took a chance and top and tailed the music programme with two big gigs at the Queen’s Hall and the Assembly Rooms and it really paid off, with audiences returning again and again to hear more great music and support the musicians.
“The buzz around the venues was fantastic and our thanks goes to everyone who has supported us in making the festival possible. Next year we are back 2-12 May – and we can’t wait!”
Jamie Chambers producer of the Folk Film Gathering said: “2024 was a banner year for us. It was great to be back in synch with our friends at Tradfest and to be working again with Cameo Picturehouse.
“Programme highlights for us included the combined voices of Jess Smith and Joss Cameron at the Scottish premiere of Pat Collin’s SONGLINES, celebrating the links between Scottish and Irish traveller culture; the sublime, emotionally overwhelming new score composed by Luke Sutherland and Semay Wu for Alexander Dovzhenko’s EARTH; the chance to host Finnish master musicians Lau Nau and Pekko Kappi, for the premiere of Katja Gauriloff’s moving JE’VIDA; and the powerful words of Palestinian-Scottish poet Nada Shawa at our screening of Michel Khleifi TALE OF THE THREE JEWELS.”
Daniel Abercrombie, Head of Programming, Scottish Storytelling Centre, said: “Tradfest continues to enhance our programme, it is a wonderful time of year!
“We were especially delighted that so many families and young people were involved in our song and story sessions, as well as joining together to celebrate the traditions of Beltane as May arrives. Looking forward to next year already!”
Edinburgh Tradfest is supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and the William Grant Foundation.
Edinburgh Tradfest will return from 2 to 12 May 2025.
Preparations are well underway for Celtic Connections, Europe’s premier folk and roots music festival, which launches in Glasgow next week.
This year marking its 30th edition, the 18-day event kicks off on Thursday 19th January, and features some of the world’s most celebrated musical artists in genre-defying spectacles and one-off collaborations.
Organisers and contributors are full steam ahead with arrangements for what is set to be a full-scale return and celebration of the Scottish music scene’s resilience in the face of adversity.
1200 musicians will take to the stage for 300 events at more than 25 venues across the city, with shows spanning traditional folk, roots, Americana, jazz, soul and world music from Thursday 19th January – Sunday 5th February.
Donald Shaw, Creative Producer for Celtic Connections, said: “It feels remarkable that in just a matter of days the 30th edition of Celtic Connections will kick off in Glasgow, celebrating all genres of music, a variety of world cultures, and bringing communities together from across the globe.
“A huge amount of work and preparation has gone into this year’s festival; it is testament to the strength and tenacity of the Scottish music industry, which has successfully overcome an incredibly tough period.
We are so appreciative of the musicians and artists who have contributed in all manner of ways to Celtic Connections over the past three decades, and we will pay homage to them throughout the 2023 festival, as well as looking forward towards a bright and hopeful future. We look forward to seeing venues full, artists doing what they do best and the musical community thriving right across the city in a week’s time.
Among the wall-to-wall shows taking place across the start of 2023 is a show-stopping performance from Irish six-piece contemporary ensemble NOTIFY, who celebrate their 10th anniversary at Saint Luke’s on Saturday 21st January, with special guests Caoimhe and Séamus Uí Fhlatharta. Support comes from The Canny Band, whose music fuses piano, diatonic button accordion and bodhrán.
On Wednesday 25th January, the Mackintosh Church will play host to Scottish folk singer, songwriter and ukulele player Claire Hastings and Welsh language singer, songwriter and musician Gwilym Bowen Rhys, along with Icelandic sibling trio Blood Harmony, who are making their unmissable Celtic Connections debut with their unique fusion of Nordic melancholic folk and Americana.
Elsewhere, Róisín Reimagined sees award-winning Irish singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and the Irish Chamber Orchestra team up for an exciting new project that combines Muireann’s exceptional vocals with fresh orchestral arrangements of sean nós songs, breathing new life into the noble, classical music of 16th-19th century Gaelic Ireland.
The first time another national orchestra has played Celtic Connections, they will share the stage at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Wednesday 25th January, with Brìghde Chaimbeul, Ross Ainslieand Steven Byrnes, who will perform their new album LAS, a collaboration featuring tunes from France, Scotland, Bulgaria, Ireland alongside self-penned compositions.
On Friday 27th January, Afro Celtic Connections will see Saint Luke’s play host to Rise Kagona, the founder, lead guitarist and only remaining member of the mega-successful Zimbabwean rock band The Bhundu Boys.
Also on the bill is Diwan, who bring an exuberant fusion of funky mbalax and Afrobeat grooves, with undercurrents of ska, rock and Senegalese soul led by charismatic Senegalese singer Samba Sene and Chief Cheb, a celebrated African philosopher, poet storyteller and music teacher.
One of the most successful contemporary folk musicians from Finland, Maija Kauhanen will be combining her expressive voice with Finnish kantele and inventive percussion on Friday 27th January. She will perform at The National Piping Centre along with acclaimed traditional trio Oakes // Bews // Thorpe, and talented accordion player and composer Andrew Waite.
On Sunday 29th January, audiences at Drygate Brewery will be able to enjoy uplifting performances from Rozi Plain and Terra Kin. London-based folk musician Rozi Plain will perform tracks from her upcoming fifth LP, Prize, which continues to display her musical growth whilst retaining the home-grown intimacy and a familial warmth she is known for.
Local musician Terra Kin will present their debut EP Too Far Gone. Combining a love for jazz, ambient and folk music with a soft soulful voice, the resulting sound defies genres and is sure to delight audiences.
Malian husband-and-wife duo Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia will bring their rich, radiant blend of desert blues, Afro-pop, rock, disco and hip-hop to Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Wednesday 1st February.
Since their 2004 breakthrough album Dimanche à Bamako, produced by Manu Chao, the duo have grown a passionate international following, and have regularly appeared in Damon Albarn’s Africa Express and collaborated with Johnny Marr, Flea and David Gilmour as well as fellow African greats including Toumani Diabaté and Bassekou Kouyate.
The incredible wealth and breadth of talent on display doesn’t stop there. Saint Luke’s will also showcase the talents of Hen Hoose and Man of the Minch on Saturday 4th February. Founded by Tamara Schlesinger (aka MALKA), Hen Hoose are an all-female/non-binary songwriting collective, bringing together an array of artists from across the creative industries including Karine Polwart, Emma Pollock, Jayda and Elisabeth Elektra to produce groundbreaking new music.
Man of the Minch is the stage name of Pedro Cameron, who has become one of the most exciting names at the forefront of Scottish folk music. Performing tracks from his debut album, The Tide is at the Turning, with a full live band, he blends traditional Celtic sounds with personal and profound storytelling.
Also on Saturday 4th February, The Old Fruitmarket will host Rokia Koné’s first UK live performance of her debut album Bamanan, which was named as one of the New York Times Best Albums of 2022.
One of Mali’s most beloved and dynamic artists, Rokia will share the stage with the Togo All Stars, renowned for their spectacular live performances showcasing their distinctive blend of afrofunk and voodoo rhythms from the musical heart of West Africa.
BOYACK: BBC Radio Scotland cuts will be a massive hit for artists, audiences and our Scottish heritage’
Commenting on the open letter sent by members of the music scene to Angus Robertson regarding the BBC Radio Scotland cuts,Scottish Labour culture spokesperson Sarah Boyack MSP said:“The arts and culture sector is collapsing.
“These BBC Radio Scotland cuts will be a massive hit for artists, audiences and our Scottish heritage. This decision must be reversed given the perfect storm our artists and musicians are facing.
“The proposed cuts to Creative Scotland in the Scottish Government’s budget which were announced just before Christmas will also add to the huge pressures the sector is facing and are undermining the Scottish arts and culture industry putting jobs and livelihoods at risk.
“It’s difficult to avoid a “culture of doom” when the sector desperately needs urgent solutions but all we get is vague answers.
“We need urgent action to support our musicians from both the BBC and the Scottish Government.”
Two well known faces from the Edinburgh folk music scene are to showcase their talents in Eastern Europe later this month. Leith based singer songwriters Kevin Gore and Bobby Nicholson have received an invitation to perform at the Prague Fringe, a festival of music, comedy and drama which is held annually in the Czech capital.Continue reading Edinburgh folk singers take show to Prague festival
