Inverness music festival The Gathering to be headlined by Skippinish
The first confirmed acts for The Gathering Festival 2025 have been revealed.
Skippinish, Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Torridon have all been confirmed for the Inverness festival’s return, set for May 24 next year.
Skippinish was founded in 1999 by Angus MacPhail and Andrew Stevenson, with roots deeply entrenched in the rich musical traditions of Scotland.
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The band’s name, taken from the place where Angus grew up on the Island of Tiree, resonates with their strong connection to the land, sea and Gaelic culture.
Over the years, the ensemble has expanded, welcoming talented musicians who have added vibrant layers to their sound, blending voice, bagpipes, accordions, fiddles, on a rhythmical foundation of drums, bass and keyboards.
Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year they performed a spectacular Highland “homecoming” gig in Inverness last month, along with an Edinburgh date for 8000 fans.
Red Hot Chilli Pipers, meanwhile, are arguably the most famous pipeband in the world while Torridon are know as The Gathering’s honorary house band.
Also set to perform at next year’s event, which will see The Gathering return to its original Northern Meeting Park venue in Inverness, are award winning modern trad band Kinnaris Quintet, local accordionist and artist Calum Macphail, folk-singer, songwriter and ukulele player Claire Hastings and The City of Inverness Youth Pipe Band.
Dougie Brown, festival producer, said: “We are delighted to unveil the initial line-up for the Gathering Festival next May.
“Not only do we have some of the most incredible artist in the traditional/folk scene but 2025 will see us return to our home of the Northern Meeting Park following a major refurbishment.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the best party and kick off the 2025 festival season in style.”
Tickets are on sale now, available from https://www.skiddle.com/festivals/thegathering/#tickets
