Meet the finalists competing for the title of BBC Radio Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2026
Scotland’s vibrant traditional music scene will be showcased on February 1st as BBC Radio Scotland broadcasts the final of its annual Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition live from Celtic Connections. Now in its 26th year, the event spotlights emerging talent and offers a significant platform for young musicians.
A Legacy of Support
The BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition has been nurturing young artists for over two decades. According to Victoria Easton-Riley, Head of Audio and Events at BBC Scotland, the competition is “a celebration of the rich and vibrant trad music scene” and has “offered a platform to so many talented young trad musicians in Scotland for 26 years.”
Meet the 2026 Finalists
This year’s finalists represent a diverse range of instruments and musical styles within the Scottish traditional music landscape. The competition will feature performances from Iona Fyfe (Scots song), Rachel Groves (lever harp), Craig Harrison (fiddle), Calum McGregor (piano and piano accordion), Gregor Niven (accordion), and Ewen Rorie (fiddle).
Iona Fyfe
Iona Fyfe, representing Scots song, brings a lifelong passion for her native Aberdeenshire’s musical traditions. She is a performer of Doric songs, having toured extensively across Europe, North America, and Australia. Notably, she is also the youngest Rector in the five-hundred-year history of Aberdeen University and a Scots language activist.
Rachel Groves
Rachel Groves, a lever harpist, blends traditional techniques with influences from jazz, classical, and global folk music. A graduate of both Berklee College of Music and the University of Edinburgh, she leads the Scolty Harp Ensemble and teaches lever harp in the North East of Scotland.
Craig Harrison
Fiddler Craig Harrison’s musical journey began in County Clare, Ireland, and now centers in Glasgow. He frequently performs with the Gle Mhath Ceilidh Band and Ape House, and is a former champion of the All-Britain Fleadh senior fiddle competition.
Calum McGregor
Calum McGregor, proficient in both piano and piano accordion, has a strong background in traditional music through Irish Minstrels CCÉ. He is a past winner of the Senior Piano competition at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and currently performs with Celtic Steps.
Gregor Niven
Accordionist Gregor Niven began his musical training at age seven, studying at the Royal Conservatoire Juniors and the Douglas Academy Music School. He is a regular performer on the Glasgow traditional music scene and is currently developing a new band.
Ewen Rorie
Fiddler Ewen Rorie, originally from Orkney, received instruction from Jennifer Wrigley and played with the local Strathspey and Reel society. He has performed with the Shetland tattoo fiddlers internationally and continues to perform with his band, Skeldro.
The winner of the competition will receive a recording session with BBC Radio Scotland, a performance at the Scots Trad Music Awards, a concert at HebCelt 2026, and one year’s membership of the Musicians’ Union.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition?
It is an annual competition, now in its 26th year, that showcases and supports young talent in traditional Scottish music.
Where and when will the final be broadcast?
The final will be broadcast live on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC ALBA on Sunday, February 1st.
What prizes does the winner receive?
The winner will receive a recording session with BBC Radio Scotland, a performance at the Scots Trad Music Awards, a concert at HebCelt 2026, and one year’s membership of the Musicians’ Union.
As these talented musicians prepare to take the stage, what role do you believe competitions like this play in preserving and promoting cultural heritage?