This September, Blas Festival will celebrate a decade of one of Gaelic music’s most distinctive vocal groups as Sian returns to the festival where it all began.
Marking their 10th anniversary in 2026, Sian will perform two special concerts alongside acclaimed Lewis singer-songwriter Iain Morrison, appearing in Kyle on Thursday 11th September before bringing the curtain down on this year’s Blas Festival with the closing concert in Drumnadrochit on Friday 12th September.
Originally brought together as a one-off collaboration for Blas in 2016 by Gaelic singer, and Fèisgoil Manager, Eilidh Mackenzie, Sian has grown into one of Scotland’s most celebrated Gaelic acts. The group features three of today’s most gifted Gaelic singers, Ceitlin Lilidh, Eilidh Cormack and Ellen MacDonald, accompanied by renowned multi-instrumentalist, Innes White, who is originally from Dingwall.
With deep roots in Lewis, Skye and North Uist, Sian’s music combines a profound respect for Gaelic song tradition with richly inventive vocal harmonies. Their distinctive sound has drawn comparisons to The Staves and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, while remaining firmly grounded in their own musical heritage. Produced by Donald Shaw, the group’s self-titled debut album was released in 2020, followed by ARAON, which was named Album of the Year at the 2025 Scottish Traditional Music Awards.
Eilidh Cormack, Sian, commented: “We are delighted to be returning to Blas to mark ten years since the festival first brought us together to celebrate songs composed by female Gaelic bards. This is a theme we have largely stayed true to over the last decade, bringing lesser-known songs from women’s perspectives to new audiences and shining a light on an important part of the Gaelic song tradition.
“As musicians from across the Highlands and Islands, we owe a great deal to Blas, which has provided us with countless opportunities for collaboration and connection with other musicians since our teenage years. Blas is a unique celebration of Gaelic culture which brings live music to communities across the region where bands might not otherwise have the opportunity to perform, and we look forward to marking a decade together as a band at this special festival.”
Eilidh Mackenzie, who first brought the singers together for Blas in 2016, said: “When Sian first came together, it was intended as a special collaboration for Blas, but there was an immediate musical connection between them that everyone could hear. It’s been wonderful to watch them develop into one of the most exciting groups in Gaelic music over the past ten years, and it’s especially fitting that they’re celebrating this milestone by returning to the festival where it all began.”
Joining Sian for both concerts is acclaimed Isle of Lewis musician and songwriter Iain Morrison, who is currently preparing to release his new album, Vatisker, later this year. They will also be joined by Fèis na h-Òige’s teen group ‘Club Dihaoine’ in Drumnadrochit.
Rooted in place, memory and lineage, the project draws inspiration from archival recordings of two tradition bearers from Morrison’s home village of Back; the relatively unknown Gaelic singer Tormod Spàigean and his father, piper Iain Murdo Morrison. Fragments of melody, phrasing, rhythm and atmosphere from these recordings have been sampled, reimagined and woven into new compositions, while original field recordings feature throughout the album, creating a powerful dialogue between past and present. He will be joined on stage by Gordon Maclean from the Isle of Mull.
Calum Alex Macmillan, Fèisean nan Gàidheal Chief Executive, added: “Sian and Iain Morrison are artists who share a deep commitment to Gaelic language and culture while continually finding fresh and imaginative ways to present traditional music. These concerts promise to be a real highlight of this year’s festival, and we’re delighted that Sian’s anniversary celebrations will form part of our closing weekend.”
Organised by Fèisean nan Gàidheal in partnership with The Highland Council, Blas has become a key fixture in the Highland cultural calendar, since it began in 2004. The festival is a vibrant celebration of Gaelic culture, bringing outstanding performances to venues across the region, from village halls to arts centres, and making this rich cultural experience accessible to communities of all sizes. Other artists taking to the stage during Blas include Gary Innes and Ewen Henderson; Capercaillie fiddle player Charlie McKerron; BBC weather presenter and Traditional Mòd Gold medallist Calum MacColl; Gaelic singer Maggie MacInnes; a new collaboration between Ailis Sutherland and Lauren MacColl, musician and artist Mairearad Green; singer and TV presenter Kim Carnie; and many more.
The full programme of events can be found at www.blas.scot along with details of how to purchase tickets.