Congratulations to Fèis Rois who has / have been nominated in Community Project of the Year sponsored by Isle of Barra Distillers in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026. Vote for Fèis Rois now! It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 5th December in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Fiona of Fèis Rois the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Founded in 1986 in Ross-shire, Fèis Rois is one of Scotland’s leading traditional arts charities, dedicated to inspiring people of all ages to take part in music, Gaelic language and cultural activities. Through an expansive education programme, including festivals, workshops, performance opportunities and collaborations with schools, local authorities and many community groups, the organisation supports thousands of participants each year, helping to nurture talent, strengthen communities and keep Scotland’s rich cultural heritage alive. Fèis Rois works locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, creating inclusive opportunities for learning, creativity and connection, and paid work for 150+ musicians annually. 2026 marks the charity’s 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of sector leadership, innovation and lasting impact across Scotland and beyond.
Any particular career highlights?
Over the past 40 years, Fèis Rois has grown from a single residential tuition festival attended by around 50 young people in 1986 to one of Scotland’s leading traditional arts organisations, engaging more than 5,000 participants annually through music, Gaelic language and cultural programmes.
Some highlights include:
Developing generations of musicians: Thousands of young people have taken their first steps in traditional music through Fèis Rois, with many former participants shortlisted in the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards in 2026, including Lauren MacColl, Innes White, Fell Line, members of Dàna, TRIP and Elephant Sessions, and former Fèis Rois Ceilidh Trail participants, Kim Carnie and Isla Ratcliff. It was wonderful to see two generations performing together, parents together with their children, who had all come through Fèis Rois, at the charity’s recent 40th anniversary concert in Eden Court Theatre, Inverness in September 2026.
Creating career opportunities in the arts: Fèis Rois now works with 150+ freelance musicians and artists each year, helping sustain Scotland’s traditional music sector and providing pathways into professional creative careers.
Building cultural confidence: Over the past 40 years, Fèis Rois has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to traditional music and the Gaelic language. This is highlighted in recent videos posted on the Fèis Rois Facebook page from the concert at the end of a residential Fèis for 100+ children and young people in October 2026.
As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, Fèis Rois can look back on four decades of cultural leadership, the nurturing of exceptional musical talent, and a lasting contribution to Scotland’s traditional arts landscape.
What are your plans for the future?
As Fèis Rois enters its 40th anniversary year, the charity is focused on building on four decades of success while ensuring that traditional music, Gaelic language and cultural participation remain accessible to future generations.
Key priorities for the future include:
– Expanding access to traditional music and the Gaelic language by continuing to develop programmes for children, young people and adults, both in Ross-shire and further afield.
– Supporting the next generation of musicians through residential fèisean, tuition programmes, performance opportunities, mentoring pathways and professional development opportunities.
– Strengthening communities by contributing to community wealth building and using music and the arts to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and bring people together across generations.
– Developing new partnerships and innovative projects locally, nationally and internationally, ensuring that traditional music and Gaelic culture remain relevant and vibrant in a changing world.
– Removing barriers to participation so that people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can engage with high-quality cultural experiences.
– Securing the long-term sustainability of the organisation, including investment in fundraising and organisational development to support future growth and impact.
As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, Fèis Rois has launched a £40,000 fundraising campaign to help realise these ambitions. Please visit: https://justgiving.com/campaign/feisrois40for40
Looking ahead, Fèis Rois aims to remain at the forefront of traditional arts development in Scotland, nurturing talent, championing Gaelic culture and creating life-changing opportunities for people of all ages for the next 40 years and beyond.
Fèis Rois Social Media
Website: https://feisrois.org/
Facebook: @feisrois
Instagram: @feisrois
YouTube: @feisrois
TikTok: @feisrois
Listen to music: https://feisrois.bandcamp.com/
The 2026 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 5th December 2026 in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here).
Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night will welcome live performances from some of the brightest lights on the thriving trad scene today including Valtos, Gnoss, Sian, Fèis Phàislig, Spodo Komodo and BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Rachel Groves and many more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.