by Lucy Ashton
Plans are hotting up for Scotland’s single biggest night of traditional music, Hoolie in the Hydro, as organisers reveal legendary Scottish folk duo Phil Cunningham and Aly Bain are joining the star-studded bill.
The iconic duo, known for their unmatched chemistry, humour and musicianship, will perform in public for the first time in three years at the OVO Hydro on Saturday 12 December, for what promises to be a memorable moment.
The traditional music legends’ creative partnership has spanned four decades, and their anticipated return comes in a milestone year for both artists. Aly is celebrating his 80th birthday and received the prestigious Edinburgh Award this week, while Phil has reached an incredible 50 years in music.
With Hoolie in the Hydro organiser Gary Innes picking up the SEC Promoter of the Year at the Scottish Music Awards last week in recognition of Hoolie’s success, the event has cemented its place as a major fixture in Scotland’s live music calendar and the countdown for another successful year is well and truly on.
Now just weeks away, the fifth edition is gearing up to welcome some of the biggest names in Scottish trad music, including Beluga Lagoon, Mànran, Donnie Munro, Karine Polwart, Dougie MacLean and many more.
Hosted by acclaimed vocalist Julie Fowlis and Traitors star Stephen Libby, Hoolie will welcome thousands of fans as it celebrates all things Local Hero, including the musicians, personalities and unsung heroes shaping Scotland’s cultural landscape.
Everyday local heroes from across Scotland making a difference in their community are being recognised as part of the night. Deserving honourees include the driving force behind the Oban High School Pipe Band for almost 20 years, Nan Johnstone; Highland man Lachlan Campbell, who has been living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) for almost five years and has raised £40,000 for MND charities; and long-time event volunteers Janette Green and Margaret Daniels from Clackmannanshire.
Inspiring volunteer Maureen Lavin, who runs a baby donation bank in Fort William, and Mull bin lorry driver Colin Morrison, who has raised over £50,000 for local groups and good causes, will also be welcomed, alongside other local community legends.
Record-breaking rowers The MacLean Brothers and charity fundraiser Craig Ferguson are also among the inspirational Scots set to join the festivities, while Beatson Cancer Charity is this year’s official charity partner.
Hoolie in the Hydro organiser, broadcaster and musician Gary Innes, said: “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Phil and Aly to Hoolie this year – two absolute giants of the Scottish trad scene. I know it’s going to be such a treat for us all to see them perform on stage once again and really is the icing on the cake of an incredible Hoolie in the Hydro line-up.
“It’s almost time to fill Scotland’s biggest village hall once again, and the excitement is building as we count down to this special Local Hero edition. I would like to extend a big, warm welcome to our Local Heroes, who were deservingly nominated by the public and represent the very best of Scottish kindness and spirit. We can’t wait to have each of them with us on the night.
“Heading towards our fifth edition, the appetite for the Hoolie and for traditional music in Scotland shows no signs of slowing down. What started as a big, possibly mad, idea has become somewhat of a Christmas tradition for so many, and I’m incredibly proud of that. See you all soon!”
Phil Cunningham said: “We are so delighted to have been invited to join in the Hoolie! What a great way to mark our 40-year milestone, and to get together with pals, old and new and make some noise at this now legendary event. See you there!”
Hoolie in the Hydro – Local Hero takes place at the OVO Hydro on Saturday 12 December 2026. Tickets are on sale at www.ovohydro.com/events/detail/hoolie-in-the-hydro-2026.
