The sound of Scotland’s finest traditional and contemporary music will fill the heart of Inverness next May as The Gathering Festival returns with a lineup led by Trail West, Valtos and Torridon.
The popular celebration of Scottish music and culture will take place at Northern Meeting Park on Saturday 29 May 2027, bringing together established favourites, emerging performers and some of the Highlands’ most exciting musical talent.
Headlining the festival are Trail West, the energetic six piece band whose roots lie in the Western Highlands and Islands.
Named Live Act of the Year at the 2023 Scots Trad Music Awards, the group celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2025 with two sold out performances at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom.
Joining them are Skye’s Valtos, whose distinctive fusion of electronic music and Highland tradition has earned a growing following.
Martyn MacDonald and Daniel Docherty will be joined by special guests Kim Carnie, Lewis McLaughlin and Isla Scott for a performance bringing together traditional influences and contemporary sounds.
Ross shire favourites Torridon will also return, delivering their familiar mixture of folk rock, soaring bagpipes and crowd favourites, alongside material from their latest album, Polaroid.
Ullapool accordionist RUMAC, who reached the semifinals of Britain’s Got Talent, promises something rather different with a live show that moves effortlessly between traditional music, Gaelic song and unexpected musical influences.
Making her Gathering debut is Kirkcaldy singer NATI, whose popularity grew through performances shared on TikTok before appearances at major festivals including TRNSMT.
Inverness band CALA will return to their home city, bringing the contemporary traditional sound that has taken them from Highland stages to international festivals.
The lineup also features Lewis singer Josie Duncan, alongside Còisir na h-Òige and the City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band, ensuring younger Highland performers have their place in the celebrations.
Claire Clark from The Gathering Festival said:
“After the success of last year’s sell-out festival, we are buzzing to announce our 2027 line-up.
“We can’t wait to showcase the amazing talent we have here in Scotland.
“If there’s one thing our Gathering crowd know how to do, it’s party, so let’s do it all again at Northern Meeting Park next May!”
Beyond the main stage, visitors can enjoy a food village celebrating Scottish produce, drinks from local distillers and brewers, market stalls, Highland dancing and entertainment for children.
Now entering its ninth year, The Gathering continues to bring together the music, hospitality and traditions that make Highland festivals such a memorable part of the cultural calendar.
Following the success of the previous sold out event, organisers are preparing for another lively gathering of music lovers from across Scotland and beyond.
Tickets for Saturday 29 May 2027 are available through the festival’s official website at www.thegatheringscotland.com
