Ceilidh Trail 2026: A Summer of Music Across Renfrewshire
We’re delighted to look back on a fantastic summer with our 2026 Fèis Phàislig Ceilidh Trail!
Following rehearsals and an intensive training week, our group of emerging traditional musicians came together for a busy two-week tour, delivering more than 20 performances and community sessions across Renfrewshire and beyond.
Our 2026 Ceilidh Trail musicians were:
- Daniel Small – accordion
- Harris McCormack – bagpipes and piano
- Alice Di Lullo – fiddle
- Anna Morrison – fiddle and Gaelic song
- Jamie Brewer – guitar
- Lewis Russell – bagpipes and whistle
Together, they created a lively and varied programme of traditional music, bringing their different instruments, musical backgrounds and ideas together as an ensemble.
The Ceilidh Trail gives young musicians the opportunity to experience life as professional performers. Alongside developing their repertoire, the group gained hands-on experience in arranging music, stagecraft, ceilidh calling, using sound equipment and adapting performances for different audiences and settings.
Throughout the tour, the musicians brought traditional music and Gaelic culture to communities across all seven of Renfrewshire’s Local Partnership areas. Performances took place in a wide range of settings, including care homes, early years centres, libraries, community venues and public events.
One of the most rewarding parts of the project was seeing people of all ages enjoying the music. From young children hearing traditional instruments up close to older residents singing along with familiar tunes, the tour created lots of special moments and opportunities for communities to come together through music.
The musicians also had the opportunity to perform at larger events and venues beyond Renfrewshire, building their confidence, experience and professional networks. Across the summer, the Ceilidh Trail reached hundreds of audience members and gave the group valuable paid employment within Scotland’s traditional music sector.
A huge thank you to all of the venues, community organisations, staff, volunteers and audience members who welcomed and supported the group throughout the tour.
The 2026 Ceilidh Trail was made possible with generous support from Renfrewshire Council’s Culture, Heritage and Events Fund. This funding allowed us to provide paid professional development for young musicians and bring high-quality traditional music performances to communities throughout Renfrewshire.
We are incredibly grateful to Renfrewshire Council for recognising the value of the project and helping us make this ambitious programme possible. We would also like to thank Fèisean nan Gàidheal for their continued support.
Tapadh leibh to everyone who helped make the 2026 Ceilidh Trail such a success.
