Celtic icons announced for Heartland Festival

Skipinnish book their Pitlochry slot for 2026

Celtic folk icons Skipinnish will headline the Saturday of next year’s Heartland Festival, with fans sure to welcome the announcement.

Organisers left it until after the group’s OVO Hydro performance in Glasgow on Saturday evening to share the news of their final act for 2026.

And they didn’t disappoint, with festival-goers already indicating in a survey that they wanted to see the band, formed 25 years ago, on the main stage.

Mainstays on the scene

Skipinnish, named after the township on Tiree where co-founder Angus MacPhail was raised, have become darlings of the contemporary Scottish folk scene.

Over time their sound – and line-up – has evolved, adding new musicians and instruments but maintaining a deep connection in their songs to the themes and rhythms of the highlands and islands.

An energetic and colourful live act, fans are sure to welcome the Saturday headliners.

Indeed, festival Sales and Marketing Director Simon Clark has disclosed that they already have!

“In our recent post-festival survey, we asked our followers to name one band they really wanted to see play at the Heartland Festival – and Skipinnish were one of the most requested.

“We are delighted to have been able to secure them as our Saturday headliner, and we are confident their appearance will be very well received.”

Growing Attraction

Skipinnish performed in front of 8500 spectators last year at Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade, as part of their quarter century anniversary.

With Peat and Diesel already booked up to headline Sunday, the Festival is clearly becoming a draw for bigger bands, which can only bode well for the future – and the fans.

Starsailor, Sandy Thom, Torridon, The Laurettes, Ben Walker and ‘Into the Valley’ creators, The Skids, are all on the bill, with under 13s going free.

Tickets can be purchased on www.heartlandfestival.co.uk