Renowned as "one of the most exciting bands on the Scottish folk scene" (★★★★★ Songlines), RURA celebrated 15 years as a multi-award-winning act in 2025. Their signature progressive, emotive, and powerful sound draws on Scotland's rich landscape, inspiring cinematic arrangements of fiery, rugged, and refined instrumentals on fiddle, Highland pipes, flute, guitar, and bodhrán. Having captivated crowds across 20+ countries, including appearances on BBC1's Hogmanay Live and the OVO Hydro arena, RURA’s impact is undeniable.

BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners ÍMAR bring their 10th-anniversary celebration to the festival. Formed in Glasgow, the Irish/Manx/Scottish quintet quickly became one of the trad scene's most talked-about groups. Their "high-octane fuel" is powered by a shared background in Irish music, a foundation that underpins their distinctive sound. Boasting a heavyweight collective haul of nine All-Ireland and eight All-Britain titles the band deliver formidable technical prowess underpinned by electric live energy and an out-and-out joy of playing together, embodying the musical kinship between Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man.

Opening the evening is the return of the exceptional collective Staran, launching their much-anticipated second album, Gold from Ruins. This is a special chance to hear new material from this group of established musicians, whose sound is rooted in Scottish traditional music but inspired by elements of jazz, minimalism, and experimental electronica.