A musical element to one of Perthshire’s top highland games is breaking new ground for the traditional event.
The new string to the bow of Crieff Highland Gathering was a huge success last year and is being repeated with an international line-up.
Some of the UK’s favourite traditional music acts to play the Glenturret Music Tent at this year’s gathering which takes place on Sunday August 21.
Leading folk band, Breabach, twice nominated ‘best band’ at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, are set to hit the stage for an electric performance of contemporary folk music. Also on the line-up is Scottish-Gaelic band Skipinnish. The five-piece, who come from the Highlands and Islands, have been entertaining crowds for over 15 years with a mix of traditional Highland music with a contemporary twist.
Joining them is one of America’s most sought-after Celtic singers, Charlie Zahm, bringing a little Philadelphia charm to the Crieff Highland Gathering. As one of the few singers in the world to be invited to sing live with The Black Watch twice, he completes the line-up of live entertainment at Crieff’s biggest annual event.
“I’m very excited to be able to sing the great songs of Scotland for the Scots at the Crieff Highland Gathering,” said Charlie Zahm.
“It’ll be a great day and I’m so happy that I have been invited all the way from America to perform.”
The Glenturret Music Tent is a collaboration with Crieff’s Glenturret Distillery, Scotland’s oldest working distillery, and was a new addition to last year’s games.
Ian Stewart, chairman of Crieff Highland Gathering, said: “We’ve managed to secure a fantastic line-up for this year’s Glenturret Music Tent, who will all bring a great atmosphere to the games.
“To have not one, but three amazing live acts playing at this year’s Crieff Highland Gathering is a real treat and we know that everyone will love Breabach, Skippinish and Charlie Zahm.
Organisers recently announced that PGA chairman David Murchie is to be this year’s chieftain and will bring with him The Ryder Cup, most likely its last visit to Perthshire before the 2016 tournament in the US.