The Highlands’ much-loved celebration of Scottish music and culture returns to Inverness with an electrifying mix of established stars and fresh new talent.
The Gathering Festival will once again transform Inverness’s historic Northern Meeting Park into a celebration of Scottish sound and spirit on Saturday 30 May 2026. Now entering its seventh year, the event has grown into a cornerstone of the Highland live music calendar, drawing thousands of fans from across Scotland and beyond for a day of world-class performances, local food, and community spirit.
At the top of the bill are Skerryvore, the multi-award-winning folk-rock powerhouse whose energy and musicianship have earned them international acclaim. Fresh from celebrating their 20th anniversary, their return to The Gathering stage is set to be a triumphant homecoming. From their early days in West Coast village halls to global tours across the USA, Canada, and Australia, Skerryvore’s sound – a dynamic mix of pipes, fiddles, accordions and powerful vocals – captures the pulse of modern Scotland.
Also gracing the 2026 line-up is Beluga Lagoon, the musical project of wildlife filmmaker Andrew O’Donnell. His cinematic songwriting paints vivid pictures of Scotland’s landscapes, from rugged glens to coastal horizons. Beluga Lagoon’s music feels like the Highlands themselves – raw, emotional, and expansive – and their recent sold-out performance at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom proved they are a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.
Highland favourites Torridon are back to ignite the crowd once again with their high-octane trad-rock sound. Known for anthemic choruses, heartfelt lyrics, and an infectious energy that never fails to get audiences moving, Torridon have built a loyal following through years of exhilarating live shows – and their Inverness set promises to be a major highlight of the day.
Joining them are Talisk, one of the most talked-about acts in contemporary folk. The trio – Mohsen Amini, Benedict Morris, and Charlie Galloway – are renowned for their explosive live performances, pairing concertina, fiddle, and guitar with relentless rhythmic drive. With over 15 million streams, 10,000 albums sold, and appearances at Glastonbury and the OVO Hydro, Talisk are poised to deliver a show-stopping set at Northern Meeting Park.
From the Isle of Skye, Valtos continue to make waves with their boundary-pushing blend of electronic and traditional sounds. Their music feels both deeply rooted and refreshingly modern, a sound that has seen them collaborate with artists across Scotland while selling out venues nationwide. Their immersive, high-energy performances have redefined what Scottish trad can be for a new generation of fans.
Also taking to the stage is Kim Carnie, whose mesmerising voice has been praised for its “velvet-voiced authority” by The Scotsman. Blending Gaelic roots with cinematic textures, Kim’s performances are rich in emotion and artistry. Her vocals have featured in major film and TV productions, including Outlaw King and Black Mirror, earning her recognition as one of Scotland’s most distinctive and powerful musical talents.
Making their debut at The Gathering are DANA, a Glasgow-based, all-female quartet bringing a fresh perspective to the trad scene. Combining fiddle, clarsach, whistle, and piano, the group formed after graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and have already impressed at major festivals including Belladrum, Celtic Connections, and Piping Live. Their modern approach to traditional music brings creativity and flair to a new generation of performers.
Completing the main stage line-up are City of Inverness Pipe Band and the Còisir na h-Òige Choir, both local institutions who embody the region’s rich musical heritage. Their performances will set the tone for a day that honours the roots of Highland music while celebrating its vibrant future.
Festival organiser Claire Clark shared her excitement for the upcoming event, saying:
“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.”
But The Gathering is about much more than music. Visitors can look forward to a buzzing food village showcasing top-quality Scottish produce, along with craft drinks from local brewers and distillers, artisan market stalls, and a packed schedule of family entertainment. With Highland dancing, children’s activities, and more announcements still to come, the 2026 festival promises an experience that captures the essence of the Highlands – community, creativity, and culture.
For many, The Gathering has become a yearly highlight, sitting proudly alongside other major Highland festivals such as Belladrum and Speyfest. Its location at Northern Meeting Park – a site steeped in history – adds to its unique charm, offering festivalgoers an intimate yet electrifying atmosphere in the heart of Inverness.
With a line-up that bridges generations and genres, The Gathering 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of Scottish talent. From the driving rhythms of Skerryvore to the cinematic beauty of Beluga Lagoon, the energy of Torridon, and the innovation of Valtos, it’s a day that promises to showcase the very best of Scotland’s music scene in full Highland style.
Tickets are on sale now via skiddle.com, with flexible payment plans available for early buyers.
