Cowal Music Tent

BANDS FOR 2026

For Cowal Gathering 2025, we had some great acts performing and with headliners Tide Lines being supported by Dàna, and Inverhooley Ceilidh Band, 2026 is shaping up to be just as exhilarating. Each year we look to bring some of Scotland’s best musical talent to Dunoon and 2026 will not disappoint. The Cowal Music Tent is based on the ‘Top Field’, with the first band starting at around midday.

TIDE LINES

Tide Lines are a four-piece folk pop band from the Highlands of Scotland. Cited as one of the leading folk-rock groups in Scotland, their musical style has been described as “anthemic, indie-folk”.

Renowned for their electrifying live performances and powerful blend of traditional Scottish elements with modern influences, Tide Lines have become one of Scotland’s most celebrated contemporary bands. Their appearance at the Cowal Gathering promises to deliver a memorable evening of high-energy music, singalong anthems and heartfelt storytelling.

The rich offering of Cowal Gathering’s Live Music Tent has become a highlight of the extensive programme, attracting visitors from all four corners of the globe. This year’s headline act reinforces the Gathering’s commitment to showcasing outstanding Scottish talent while creating a vibrant and inclusive festival atmosphere.

Celebrating their 10^th anniversary, Tide Lines have built a loyal following across the UK and internationally, with chart success, sold-out tours and appearances at major festivals. Their dynamic set is expected to be one of the standout moments of this year’s Gathering.

Their fourth studio album Glasgow Love Story was released on the 25th of April 2025, and followed up with a tour later in 2025 to venues in Scotland and England, with Rose Betts as a supporting act.

DÀNA

Dàna are a new emerging all-female band based in Glasgow. Their name, derived from the Gaelic word meaning “bold” or “audacious,” perfectly captures their vibrant sound and approach to performance. They have swiftly made a name for themselves in Scotland’s rich musical scene, winning a Danny Kyle award at Celtic Connections, and Up and Coming Artist of the Year at the BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards 2025.

Founded by a group of musicians who met and honed their craft at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Dàna features a traditional blend of fiddle, clarsach, whistle, and piano. Each member contributes their individual style and influences, drawn from their diverse regional backgrounds and dialects, creating a sound that is both rich and exciting.

Over the past year, Dàna has quickly established a strong presence in the Scottish music scene. They have performed at several prominent festivals and events, including Celtic Connections, The Reeling, Belladrum, MOKFest, and Under Canvas. These appearances have showcased their ability to captivate and energise audiences, solidifying their reputation as one of Scotland’s most exciting new acts.

In 2025, they released their debut single The Crown Range, which gained glowing reviews and radio play across the UK. They are set to release their debut album in 2026, alongside several festival performances including Skye Live, The Gathering and Cowal Gathering.

INVERHOOLEY CEILIDH BAND

Playing again on our main stage this year will be our local Inverhooley Ceilidh Band.

Formed in Cowal in 2017 from some of our finest local musicians they are steeped in highland dancing and piping tradition, but with further influences from across Scotland and Ireland and beyond.

If you have visited us in previous years, you may recognise them from our successful Ceilidh Dancing Tent! They are currently busy engaging with audiences across Scotland with their lively traditional dance sets arranged for Pipes, Fiddle, Flute, Accordion and Guitar. A lively set of ceilidh music songs is guaranteed to get your 2026 Cowal Gathering off to a great dancing start.