BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2026, Rachel Groves is a lever harpist and composer hailing from Banchory, Aberdeenshire. Rooted in Scottish traditional music, she draws on influences from jazz, global folk and classical traditions as vehicles to explore the rich textural and rhythmic possibilities of the instrument. She has recently moved to Glasgow, where she enjoys playing in the city's vibrant session scene. A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Rachel is curious about expanding the lever harp’s role as a contemporary and collaborative voice within traditional music. Following on from being awarded the BBC Young Trad title at Celtic Connections this year, Rachel will present a new set of original and traditional music at several festivals this summer, alongside musicians and friends from Glasgow's music scene. She will be joined at Stonehaven Folk Festival by drummer, percussionist and bodhrán player Gregor Black.
Gregor Black is steeped in both classical percussion and the musical traditions of Scotland and Ireland. He has gained his BMus Hons in percussion from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance before relocating to Glasgow to receive an MA in Traditional Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. A passion for musical exploration, Gregor enjoys weaving influences from the diverse variety of percussion which he has studied. Notably, Gregor has performed at Celtic Connections, WOMEX, the BBC Proms, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival and the Edinburgh International Festival.
