Young performers with a passion for traditional music and a sense of adventure are being invited to apply for one of Scotland’s most sought-after summer opportunities. Fèis Rois has opened applications for its prestigious 2026 Ceilidh Trail, offering 16 – 25-year-olds the chance to tour the country, learn from leading artists, and gain unrivalled professional experience.
Now in its 26th year, the Ceilidh Trail has grown into one of Scotland’s foremost development programmes for emerging traditional musicians. Two bands made up of the country’s most promising young talent, will spend the summer performing across the Highlands and further afield, visiting some of Scotland’s most iconic and unexpected venues. Participants will learn first-hand what life is like as a professional musician, both on and off the stage.
Launched in 2000 by the Dingwall-based arts organisation Fèis Rois, the Ceilidh Trail, which won Community Project of the Year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards in 2023, has helped shape the careers of some of today’s leading traditional artists. Alumni include Mischa Macpherson, Brìghde Chaimbeul, Rachel Newton, Kim Carnie (Mànran), and Conal McDonagh (Breabach). The project’s very first Ceilidh Trail coordinator, in 2000, was internationally acclaimed Gaelic singer and musician, Julie Fowlis.
The summer programme begins with an intensive training week, during which participants will sharpen their performance and touring skills through a series of workshops and rehearsals. Sessions will cover sound engineering, dance calling, stagecraft, and the realities of touring life.
Christian Gamauf, Fèis Rois Creative Producer, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what the Ceilidh Trail has become; not just a launch-pad for tomorrow’s top musicians, but a celebration of Scotland’s cultural richness. This project brings traditional music into unexpected spaces, from village halls to high-profile festivals, and offers young people an unforgettable taste of professional life on the road. We are very grateful for funding from Creative Scotland, SSEN and the Highland Council which has made our 2026 instalment possible”
As part of Fèis Rois’ ongoing commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we welcome applications from underrepresented groups and aim to support musicians with access needs to be able to participate in the application process and the Ceilidh Trail.
If you have any questions about the Ceilidh Trail or would like to ask about any accessibility requirements, please get in touch with Christian Gamauf, christian.gamauf@feisrois.org. The deadline for applications is Sunday 8 February via https://feisrois.org/?projects=ceilidh-trail