In a true testament to its growing international appeal, the fifth annual Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week), running from 23rd February – 1st March 2026, is set to unite Gaelic speakers and learners on a global scale like never before. From rural Scottish Highland communities to the city of London, and as far away as Australia, […]
Newsletter
Edinburgh International Harp Festival 2026 10th – 14th April 2026, George Watson’s College, Edinburgh
The Clarsach Society presents the 45th Edinburgh International Harp Festival (EIHF), taking place at George Watson’s College from 10–14 April. A celebration of harps of all kinds, with Scotland’s clarsach at its heart, the festival brings together harpists and enthusiasts from around the world for an inspiring programme of concerts, courses and workshops, showcasing the […]
National Associations of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs Festival 07 March 2026
We invite you to join us, either as a competitor, spectator or dancer, at the 52nd NAAFC Festival taking place for the first time in Glasgow at the Partick Burgh Halls, Burgh Hall Street, Glasgow G11 5LW The festival is a lively Scottish Accordion and Fiddle music competition and celebrations with performances, contests, trade stalls, food, licensed bar and a […]
Rachel Groves Wins BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2026
Rachel Groves (Lever harp) is the winner of BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2026. Broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC ALBA on Sunday 1 February, the event brought six outstanding young traditional musicians to Glasgow’s City Halls, where they competed for the coveted title. Rachel grew up learning the lever harp in Aberdeenshire. A […]
Battle of the Folk Bands 2026: The Way North Crowned Winners
Congratulations to The Way North who were crowned the winners of Battle of the Folk Bands 2026 at Celtic Connections on Saturday 31st January. The competition took place at the Drygate Brewery and all five finalists delivered brilliant performances in front of an enthusiastic audience. The Way North are a contemporary folk band based in […]
Record breaking Celtic Connections delivers message of hope and unity to the world
Celtic Connections has celebrated a stunning festival packed with live performances, record-breaking ticket sales and unique events, sending a message of hope and unity around the world about the power of music, cultural identity and collaboration. Delivered by Glasgow Life in partnership with Innis & Gunn, the festival recorded attendances of 114,000 across 18 days – with the highest […]
Wee Grants for Creativity in the Scots Leid 2026
‘Wee Grants for Creativity in the Scots Leid’ will gie oot grants o a thoosan pund. Oor ambition is tae gie this siller tae individuals, community groups or organisations wha will yaise it tae produce audience-facing creative wark. The wark maun be maistly in ae dialect o the Scots leid. Ane o the successfu applicants […]
Women Musicians’ Experiences of Sexual Violence and Harassment in Scottish Folk Music. (January 2026)
The challenges facing women musicians in the music industry have been discussed for many years. Research has consistently identified gender marginalisation and misogyny as significant barriers affecting women’s participation across different musical genres. However, until now, there has been limited research specifically addressing sexual violence and harassment within the Scottish folk music scene. This important […]
Battle of the Folk Bands 2026 Finalists Announced!
We’re thrilled to reveal the finalists for the Battle of the Folk Bands 2026! After listening to all the brilliant entries submitted this year, our panel of musicians has selected five outstanding bands to compete at the grand final during Celtic Connections. Meet the Finalists These five bands impressed our judges with their musicality, originality, […]
BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2026 Finalists Announced
Six exceptional musicians selected for prestigious Celtic Connections final Following an outstanding semi-finals weekend at BBC Pacific Quay in Glasgow, we’re thrilled to announce the six finalists for the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2026. All twelve semi-finalists delivered exceptional performances throughout the weekend, showcasing the remarkable depth of talent within Scotland’s traditional […]