The Gathering Festival will return to the historic Northern Meeting Park in Inverness on Saturday 30 May 2026, with an outstanding line-up of Scottish talent celebrating the very best of contemporary trad, folk and Celtic-inspired music.
Now entering its seventh year, The Gathering Festival continues to champion Scottish culture – bringing together music lovers from across the Highlands and beyond for a day of incredible live music, local food and drink, and family-friendly entertainment.
Headlining the 2026 festival are multi-award-winning Scottish band SKERRYVORE, who return to The Gathering stage after celebrating their 20th anniversary year for what promises to be a sensational headline performance. From their roots in West Coast halls to global tours across the USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe, Skerryvore’s electrifying fusion of folk, rock, and pop has earned them a reputation as one of Scotland’s greatest live acts. With bagpipes, fiddles, accordions, and whistles layered over driving rhythm and soaring vocals, their music embodies the spirit and energy of modern Scotland.
Joining them are BELUGA LAGOON, the musical project of wildlife filmmaker Andrew O’Donnell, whose songs capture the rugged beauty and soul of the Scottish landscape. Beluga Lagoon’s performances- intimate yet cinematic- evoke glens, rivers, and coastlines through an authentic, heartfelt sound that has captivated audiences across Scotland, including sold-out shows at Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland Ballroom.
Festival favourites TORRIDON make a triumphant return to The Gathering, promising their trademark high-octane blend of anthemic trad-rock and infectious energy that never fails to get the crowd moving.
Also announced are TALISK– one of the most talked about and celebrated live acts in contemporary folk. Armed with concertina, fiddle, and guitar, the trio of Mohsen Amini, Benedict Morris and Charlie Galloway bring an explosive live set honed from ten years of thrilling audiences worldwide. With over 15 million streams, 10,000 albums sold, and headline shows from Glastonbury to the OVO Hydro, Talisk are set to deliver a powerhouse performance in Inverness.
Rising stars VALTOS, hailing from the Isle of Skye, blend electronic and traditional influences into a sound that’s both ground-breaking and deeply rooted in their Highland heritage. Following their sold-out shows and collaborations with the likes of Elephant Sessions and Julie Fowlis, Valtos are fast becoming one of Scotland’s most exciting live acts, renowned for their immersive, high-energy sets.
Also featuring on the 2026 line-up is KIM CARNIE, celebrated for her “velvet-voiced authority” (The Scotsman). Blending Gaelic roots with cinematic soundscapes, Kim’s performances—whether solo or with her acclaimed band—are both soulful and spellbinding. Her voice, heard on soundtracks including Outlaw King and Black Mirror, has earned her global recognition as one of Scotland’s most compelling musical talents.
Taking to the main stage for the first time are DANA—a dynamic, all-female traditional four-piece featuring fiddle, clarsach, whistle and piano. Since graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Glasgow-based band have performed at festivals including Belladrum, Celtic Connections, and Piping Live, bringing fresh energy and creativity to Scotland’s vibrant trad scene.
Completing the main stage line-up are festival favourites City of Inverness Pipe Band and the Còisir na h-Òige Choir who will be opening the main stage.
Claire Clark from The Gathering Festival said: “The Gathering has always been about celebrating the best of Scottish music and culture- and 2026 is shaping up to be one of our strongest line-ups yet. From world-renowned headliners to exciting new voices, it’s a true showcase of the incredible talent we have here in Scotland. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Inverness for another amazing day.”
Alongside the stellar musical line-up, The Gathering 2026 will feature a food village showcasing top-quality Scottish produce, craft drinks from local distillers and brewers, market stalls, kids’ entertainment, Highland dancing, and more to be announced in the coming months.
Tickets are on sale now from www.skiddle.com, with flexible payment plan options available.
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