HAVING closed 2019 by winning the coveted BBC Scotland Traditional Music album of the year, Scottish folk favourites Breabach were looking forward to a busy 2020.

2020 marked a very special year in the life of the band, as it was their 15th anniversary. Throughout those 15 years the band have always looked to acknowledge and respect the origins of both the music they play and the roots of the band whilst embracing the future with new ideas, energy, and belief.

It is these key attributes, combined with hard work and talent, that has seen them develop into one of Scotland’s most exciting and successful folk groups. With six albums under their belt, a multitude of awards and a consistently full touring schedule, quite literally across the world, they look perfectly set to continue to build upon their successes.

The band started their anniversary year by teaming up with Glenturret, who distilled a special single cask 15-year-old single malt in celebration. They then headed off to Australia to perform at the iconic venue of Sydney Opera House. Celebrations continued with a UK wide tour through February and March before the world became a very different place.

The band spent lockdown writing Dùsagadh, five new pieces of music put to animation by BAFTA award winning Cat Bruce. This ‘virtually toured 19 venues/festivals in the UK between the February 11 and March 1, with proceeds split between both the band and participating venues/festivals.

Breabach unite the talents of Megan Henderson (Fiddle, Vocals), James Lindsay (Double Bass, Vocals), Calum MacCrimmon (Bagpipes, Whistle, Bouzouki, Vocals), Conal McDonagh (Bagpipes, Whistle) and Ewan Robertson (Guitar, Vocals, Cajon).

Whilst their online performances were well received earlier in the year, they are finally back playing another live gig, at Otley Courthouse.

Breabach will be playing at Otley Courthouse on Friday, October 22nd at 8pm. Tickets are £17.

To book tickets visit www.otleycourthouse.org.uk, call our box office on 01943 467466 or pop into the Courthouse on Courthouse Street, Otley, LS21 3AN