Skye Live 2026: Local talent and trad superstars stun Portree crowds
Written by MartyM on 11 May 2026
By Jamie McDonald
Skye Live 2026: Local talent and trad superstars stun Portree crowds
Revellers were treated to a star studded lineup at this year’s Skye Live Festival over the weekend. Despite chilly temperatures, the weather failed to dampen the spirits of the crowd.
“Skye Live…is probably the best festival in the country.” – Innes Strachan
Dougie MacLean kicked things off in style at Thursday’s opening concert, followed by Beluga Lagoon.
Friday saw a host of well known acts and some newcomers take to the big tent stage, with Mànran topping the bill. Gary Innes from the band told Radio Skye:
“Skye holds a special place in my heart from all those years coming up and playing shinty here. To be playing at a festival like this with the band is always wonderful and the reception you get on Skye is electric and something you don’t forget.
Gary Innes with Radio Skye’s Suzy Lee
The 2026 lineup also showcased rising stars like Dàna and Irish act Huartan. Local band El Sartel were met with a warm reception on Saturday afternoon with members sporting retro Staffin FC football shirts to hammer home their north end credentials.
Drummer David Matheson told Radio Skye:
“I was really chuffed with how many folk showed up. I was responsible for three of them, my wife and my two children! Skye’s beautiful and there’s plenty of other things you could do other than watch us, so I was really pleased.”
El Sartel sporting Staffin FC shirts
For the first time, there were breakout events off site, with a family cèilidh at the Portree Community Centre on Saturday afternoon, and a special screening of Solas na Maidne – the new documentary following Niteworks through their final tour which began at Skye Live. Innes Strachan from Niteworks performed on the Saturday with his new outfit, LUSA.
He told Radio Skye:
“We drew the curtains on the whole Niteworks thing which was an emotional experience for us all. We played in the tent at Skye Live at the beginning of that tour. It was probably one of the most memorable we ever played and features in the documentary. On Thursday (14th May) we’re releasing the film on a pay-per-view on our website and the live album of that tour too.”
Innes went on to praise the festival:
“Skye Live is probably the best festival in Scotland for crowd interaction. The energy is always ridiculous. In fact I think it’s probably the best festival in the country.”
Trail West
