Gaelic culture in June and July 2026
This latest round-up features rich storytelling and vibrant festivals
In June the Scottish Storytelling Centre branches out to different venues across the central belt. At The Boardwalk in Glasgow (Tuesday 4), Sangs And Clatter: Tales From The Gàidhealtachd has Andrew Wilson journeying through the rich storytelling heritage of Skye. At Edinburgh’s Waverley Bar (Friday 26), meet Angus Òg alongside storyteller Harriet Grindley and the Burgh Blatherers. Featuring tales traditional and new, you’ll hear Gaelic songs, clàrsach and concertina.
In Edinburgh, Julie Fowlis plays Queen’s Hall (Saturday 13) following tour dates including Perth Theatre (Friday 12). Alongside traditional favourites, join her to hear new songwriting in Gaelic and English. Try your hand at writing your own with Rachel Walker and Aaron Jones at Lairg Community Centre (Saturday 13); or if the words of other bards appeal, they lead a singing workshop on the same day. Further afield, connections are forged between Skye and Wyoming as Margaret Bennett and Skip Gorman take part in the Skye Bridge Sessions in Kyle Of Lochalsh (Tuesday 9).
Skipinnish, newly joined by Mischa Macpherson, play Edinburgh’s The Reeling (Saturday 20) before heading to Pitlochry’s Heartland Festival (Saturday 27). Then into July join Comunn Tìr nam Beann, Rena Gertz and The Magnus Turpie Combo at Edinburgh’s Augustine Church (Saturday 18). Canna House kitchen hosts a screening of Solas, an NTS documentary of the life of gatherer of songs, cinematographer and photographer Margaret Fay Shaw (Friday 31). This is a unique opportunity to engage with her story in her own home, surrounded by the personal belongings that remain.
HebCelt sets the Lews Castle grounds alight (Thursday 16–Saturday 18) in July. The Thursday line-up features Peatbog Faeries and Mànran (pictured), with Hebridean favourite Iain ‘Costello’ MacIver and band on the Friday alongside Heisk. The Saturday night features Dàna and Manxmen Mec Lir. With events running in parallel at An Lanntair, The Western Isles Trad Orchestra showcases brand new arrangements from Jane Hepburn Macmillan (Thursday 16). Events in rural community venues include Gary Innes and Ewan Henderson at Breasclete Community Centre (Wednesday 15), while Amy MacKay plays alongside Canada’s Old Man Luedecke at Harris’ Hebrides People Visitor Centre (Friday 17).