Braemar Folk Festival 2026 - Rachel Groves & Friends

BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2026, Rachel Groves is a lever harpist and composer from Banchory, Aberdeenshire.

Rooted in Scottish traditional music, she draws on influences from jazz and global folk traditions 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 harps 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 year, alongside musicians and friends from Glasgow's music scene.

She will be joined at Braemar Folk Festival by cellist Juliette Lemoine and percussionist Gregor Black.