Artists
Ellie Beaton Trio
FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER @ ST MARGARET’S BRAEMAR, 8PM
Ellie Beaton is an award-winning Folk Singer hailing from Rothienorman in the North East of Scotland. With a commanding voice that ripples with warmth and confidence, Ellie effortlessly embodies the timeless spirit of Aberdeenshire’s vibrant singing style whilst blending inspirations from across the globe. Although being predominantly a Folk Singer, in 2024, she graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with a Bachelor of Music in Classical Vocal Studies, paving a future career in both genres of Folk and Classical music. Ellie is currently working on her debut album, which will blend the traditions of the North-East and her recent life in Glasgow. You can hear Ellie perform with her trio on Friday 2nd October in St Margaret’s.
Staran
FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER @ ST MARGARET’S BRAEMAR, 8PM
Comprising a group of established musicians in their own right, this collective is a meeting of musical minds that traverses a diverse range of styles and backgrounds. While the overall sound is rooted in Scottish traditional music, there are undoubtedly elements of inspiration from the genres of jazz, minimalism and experimental electronica. The band features Kim Carnie (vocals), John Lowrie (Piano), Innes White (Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar), James Lindsay (Bass) and Jack Smedley (Fiddle). Incorporating a fuller sound featuring percussion, samples and string quartet, their new release sees the group further explore an original, multi-layered sound and features special guests Julie Fowlis, Matt Carmichael (sax) and Ailis Sutherland (smallpipes). You can see Staran perform on Friday 2nd October in St Margaret’s.
Cala
SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER @ ST MARGARET’S BRAEMAR, 8PM
Scottish post-traditional band from Inverness. Cala grew up alongside one another in the Highlands of Scotland. Fusing traditional music with their many influences across contemporary music, their sound is something that’s hard to pin down but effortlessly unique and charming. Having played all across Scotland and enjoyed escapades abroad, Cala continues to grow into a big presence on the neo-traditional music scene. Cala’s self-titled second album sets a new standard as they head into the summer of ‘26, reflecting the development in recent years of their distinct and adventurous style-eclectic, bold and unapologetic.
ASTRO BLOC
SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER @ ST MARGARET’S BRAEMAR, 8PM
ASTRO BLOC is a bold and dynamic new folk band that blends deep-rooted tradition with boundary-pushing creativity, producing a thrilling sound that redefines the genre. Featuring BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year Eryn Rae, internationally renowned percussionist Paul Jennings, multi-award-winning instrumentalist Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, and the innovative, genre-spanning talent of Gillie O’Flaherty, Astro Bloc is breathing fresh life into the folk scene. With influences from Scotland, Ireland, and beyond, their music offers an exhilarating mix of heritage and innovation. You can watch ASTRO BLOC on Saturday 3rd October in St Margaret’s.
Fras
SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER @ HIGHLAND GAMES CENTRE, 4PM
FRAS have stormed their way through the West coast of Scotland and beyond with their iconic pipe heavy sound. A thundering five piece from na Garbh Chrìochan of box, flute, pipes, guitar and drums. FRAS blend old melodies and original tunes to create a crashing wave of highland music. Tearing up dancefloors in their wake and leaving audiences captivated. Their debut album, Dìle, was a forecast of what was to come. Flinne, their latest, showcases entirely original compositions, offering shelter from the elements whilst embracing their signature storming West Highland sound. FRAS will be performing on Saturday 3rd October at the Highland Games Pavilion, and on Sunday 4th October at our Bothy Gig.
Rachel Groves & Friends
SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER @ HIGHLAND GAMES CENTRE, 1PM
BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2026, Rachel Groves is a lever harpist and composer from Banchory, Aberdeenshire. Rooted in Scottish traditional music, she draws on influences from jazz and global folk traditions to explore the rich textural and rhythmic possibilities of the instrument. She has recently moved to Glasgow, where she enjoys playing in the city's vibrant session scene. A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Rachel is curious about expanding the lever harp’s role as a contemporary and collaborative voice within traditional music. Following on from being awarded the BBC Young Trad title at Celtic Connections this year, Rachel will present a new set of original and traditional music at several festivals this year, alongside musicians and friends from Glasgow's music scene. She will be joined at Braemar Folk Festival by cellist Juliette Lemoine and percussionist Gregor Black. You can watch the trio at the Highland Games Pavilion on Saturday 3rd October, at 1pm.
Rosie H Sullivan
FRIDAY 2ND OCTOBER @ BRAEMAR CASTLE, 4PM
At just 23, Scottish songwriter Rosie H Sullivan has already carved out a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists – a writer of songs that hold intimacy and universality in equal measure. Growing up on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, her music has always been rooted in honesty, nature, and a rare ability to turn raw feeling into timeless melody. Now an entirely self-sufficient, independent artist, Rosie has taken the time to refine her craft, stepping forward with new music that underlines her maturity and vision. Her latest EP Phases, is her boldest statement yet – a collection that showcases both her vulnerability and strength as an artist in full command of her work. You can hear Rosie perform at our opening concert on Friday 2nd October.
