The multi award-winning HebCelt Festival has announced a new partnership with BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2026, offering the winner a prestigious performance slot at next summer’s festival in Stornoway.
The collaboration brings together two of Scotland’s most respected cultural platforms to shine a spotlight on the next generation of trad talent.
The initiative will officially be unveiled during the semi-final of the Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition on Sunday (12 October), with coverage on BBC Radio Scotland’s much-loved Travelling Folk show and broadcast on BBC Alba.
Michelle Shields, Artist Programmer and Festival Director for HebCelt, said:
“HebCelt has always been passionate about creating opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their talent on a global stage.
“Teaming up with BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year is a perfect fit.
“It celebrates the best of Scotland’s new musical talent while giving the winner the chance to perform at one of the country’s most vibrant and best loved festivals.
“We’re thrilled to be part of their journey and can’t wait to welcome the 2026 winner to Stornoway.”
Helen Needham, Senior Producer, BBC Radio Scotland, said:
“Here at BBC Scotland we are proud to have supported the Young Trads for over two decades, and in doing so, provided a launchpad for so many outstanding careers in Scottish music.
“This new partnership with HebCelt brings an exciting new dimension to the Award, offering the winner a major festival performance which will help them gain the recognition and exposure they deserve.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the artist and a celebration of Scotland’s thriving traditional music scene as well as a great addition to the awards.”
Initiated by Hands Up For Trad, the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year award has gone on to be widely recognised as a key and vital platform for emerging artists since 2001.
Previous BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musicians include Anna Massie, Hannah Rarity, Mohsen Amini of Talisk and Imar, Michael Biggins of The Canny Band, Kristan Harvey of Fara, Eryn Rae, Calum McIlroy and last year’s winner Ellie Beaton.
This year’s full line-up of semi-finalists are: Calum McGregor (Piano and Piano Accordion), Claire Frances MacNeil (Gaelic Song/Voice) Craig Harrison (Fiddle), Ewen Rorie (Fiddle), Gregor Niven (Accordion), Iain Cormack (Gaelic Song), Iona Fyfe (Scots Song), Josiah Duhlstine (Cello), Kenneth Macfarlane (Whistles), Lachie Robinson (Guitar, Vocals, Tenor Banjo), Rachel Groves ( Clarsach), Ruairidh Iain Buxton (Bagpipes and Flute).
HebCelt celebrated its most successful year in its history this summer, drawing thousands of visitors to Stornoway for its unique blend of world-class performers and grassroots talent, with past performances from the likes of Runrig, The Waterboys, Van Morrison, KT Tunstall, Julie Fowlis and this year’s headliners Tide Lines, Lulu and Skerryvore.
“This is more than just a performance slot,” added Shields, “It’s about giving an emerging artist the opportunity to connect with audiences in a unique setting, to be part of a festival family that has supported musicians for nearly three decades, and to take their place on a stage shared by some of the world’s greatest artists.”
The Semi Finals will be held at Pacific Quay this Sunday, 12 October.
They will be broadcast on Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk at 8pm, on Thursday 16 October and BBC iPlayer from 2200.
Also on BBC Alba on Sunday, 19 October at 2100.
Next year’s HebCelt Festival takes place from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 July.
