Skipinnish

Formed in Glasgow in 1999 by Angus MacPhail and Andrew Stevenson while they were studying at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Skipinnish is rooted in the musical landscape of the Highlands and Scottish islands. Their traditional base is clearly marked by accordion, bagpipes, whistles and fiddle. Initially conceived around the founding duo, Skipinnish gradually expanded both on stage and in the studio, at times incorporating singers and musicians from the Scottish folk scene — notably Robert Robertson and later Norrie MacIver on vocals. Their repertoire blends traditional Scottish music, Celtic folk and more contemporary forms close to folk-rock, while remaining anchored in the ceilidh aesthetic and the melodies of the Hebrides. Mostly sung in English, with a constant link to Gaelic culture, the band has built its discography on its own label, Skipinnish Records, with albums such as Skipinnish (2001), The Sound of the Summer (2007), Atlantic Roar (2013), The Seventh Wave (2017) and Steer by the Stars (2019). Over the years Skipinnish has moved between folk festivals, Scottish venues and larger stages, maintaining a collective sound where the energy of dance meets broader, melodic songwriting.