About Lochaber Live
Lochaber Live is a vibrant celebration of Scottish music and culture, set against the stunning backdrop of Fort William. Originally a cornerstone of the Highland music scene in the 1980s and 1990s, the festival made a triumphant return in 2024 after a 30-year hiatus, thanks to the efforts of renowned musician and broadcaster Gary Innes. Gary is also the brains behind the record-breaking and history-making Hoolie in the Hydro event, and as Spean Bridge native, he wanted to see his hometown festival restored to its former glory in a way that reflected Scotland’s thriving traditional music scene.
The new event’s visual identity also reflects the pride of the region, with a nod to the UK’s highest mountain Ben Nevis, and the legendary red tassels presented to Lochaber fiddlers by much-loved local teacher, Aonghas Grant BEM. The logo acknowledges Aonghas’ lifelong dedication to the area, having taught fiddle to hundreds of children across over five decades. Once players reach a high enough calibre, they are presented with a handmade tassel from Aonghas to hang from their instrument as a badge of honour.
A Historic Revival
The 2024 revival of Lochaber Live was a resounding success, drawing approximately 7,000 attendees over three days. Among the acts with close ties to Lochaber that took to the stage in September 2024 were Tide Lines. Led by Fort William’s own Robert Robertson, the Scottish four-piece showcased their signature combination of folk melodies and big-chorused contemporary indie-rock for a home crowd. One of the region’s finest exponents of Celtic music, Mànran, also brought home their powerhouse presence to the reimagined Lochaber Live, hot off the heels of their performance to crowds of 10,500 at Hoolie in the Hydro in December 2023. The legendary Wolfstone and its all-star bill of musicians were the last band to headline Lochaber Live back in 1994, and they made a glorious return to its new stage, 30 years on from their last performance there. Gaelic supergroup from west Lochaber and Skye, Dàimh also played, alongside the one and only Shooglenifty. Founded by the late Angus Grant, son of Lochaber fiddle legend Aonghas Grant, the band’s members include other Lochaber locals, drummer James Mackintosh and vocalist Kaela Rowan, who saw their acid croft sounds celebrated on home turf last September. In line with the former Lochaber Live’s strong connection with Irish musicians, Ireland’s much-loved Sharon Shannon Trio was also part of last year’s bill. Fort William festival favourites Hò-rò, Spean Bridge singer and guitarist Little Win and the inimitable Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band, also performed to crowds at An Aird.
The festival coincided with the prestigious Camanachd Cup Final, Scotland's national shinty final, adding a unique sporting dimension to the cultural festivities .
Looking Ahead to 2025
Building on the momentum of its revival, Lochaber Live is set to return from Friday September 12th - Sunday September 14th 2025, once again at the An Aird Shinty Field. The upcoming edition promises an unforgettable experience, with a line-up featuring:
Trail West: West Coast legends bringing their unique sound to the festival.
Mànran: Returning to headline with their dynamic Celtic and pop-folk influences.
Peatbog Faeries: Skye-based band known for their innovative fusion of traditional and electronic music.
Breabach: Fort William's own, celebrated for their contemporary take on traditional music.
FARA: A fiddle-led quartet celebrating their 10th anniversary.
Flook: Anglo-Irish folk band known for their intricate and powerful instrumental music.
Cara Dillon: Acclaimed Irish folk artist making a much-anticipated return to the festival.
Karen Matheson: The legendary Scottish vocalist known for her work with Capercaillie.
As in previous years, the festival will feature ticketed events on Friday and Saturday nights, with a free family day on Sunday, offering a platform for local and emerging talent and inviting families to join an afternoon ceilidh .
Whether you're a long time fan or a newcomer eager to experience the magic of Scottish music and culture, Lochaber Live 2025 promises to be an event not to be missed.
Lochaber Live organiser, broadcaster and musician Gary Innes, said on announcing the 2024 festival: “My home area is so special to me, so it fills me with pride to be rebooting one of the most beloved music events Lochaber has ever seen. It’s only right that Lochaber will once again have its own festival which really reflects the breadth of talent and love of traditional music in the region. It’s 30 years since the last Lochaber Live. I played at the very last one aged just 12 at the Nevis Centre in Fort William. A lot has happened in the intervening three decades and with the profile and platform of traditional music now at what feels like an all-time high, it seems like the perfect time to try and resurrect a cultural event that people locally still have such fond memories of. We’ve got a fantastic bill of artists lined up, who all share my love and affinity for the culture of Lochaber and the Highlands, and I know they will do a stellar job of entertaining the crowds at An Aird this September. We want to make this event as open and welcoming as possible to people of all ages so I would encourage festival fans to round up the family and come along to what is going to be an incredible celebration. I have no doubt the people of Lochaber – and further afield – will have that tent rocking for the newly restored Lochaber Live this September.”
