Skipinnish will perform in Paisley on Thursday, May 21 as part of their biggest British tour to date, featuring a refreshed ensemble of musicians and singers.
The 14-date tour kicks off in Leeds on Wednesday, May 6 and includes dates across Scotland and England, with tickets for Scottish shows already on sale.
Angus MacPhail, co-founder of Skipinnish, said: “This is an exciting time for Skipinnish and we are very lucky to have assembled such a talented and enthusiastic line-up to take us into this UK tour and beyond.
“Since we started as a band in 1999, we have been hugely fortunate to have been joined by so many gifted singers and musicians who have been with us on this wonderful Skipinnish journey which saw us headline at venues like Edinburgh Castle and Glasgow’s OVO Hydro.
“Together with all these wonderful performers and our incredible fans we have been gifted many unforgettable memories and unreal experiences for which we are very grateful.
“We are now embarking on a new chapter in the Skipinnish story and we are excited to take the band forward with a strong line-up of long-term bandmates and new faces – a line-up we know our fans will love.”
The revised line-up follows the band’s announcement in December of James Stewart taking over as lead vocalist from Norrie MacIver.
Lead singer James Stewart (Image: Ken Clark Photography)
James, from North Uist and also a member of trad band Beinn Lee, has previously performed with Skipinnish, contributing vocals and acoustic guitar.
Joining co-founders Angus MacPhail and Andrew Stevenson on stage will be long-time members and fresh talent, including fiddler Archie McAllister, vocalist Rachel Walker and multi-award-winning singer Mischa MacPherson from the Isle of Lewis.
Vocalist Rachel Walker (Image: Andrew King)
Mischa MacPherson, singer, said: “I’m really excited to be joining Skipinnish on stage starting with this tour in May.
“I’ve been listening to their music and songs throughout my life and I’ve worked with Angus on a couple of projects in recent years.
“So, it feels like a natural fit and I’m really looking forward to it.”
The band will also be joined by bassist Euan Burton, electric guitarist Davie Dunsmuir, drummer Andrew Scott and keyboardist Cailean McKerron.
Singer Mischa MacPherson (Image: Supplied)
“We are all looking forward to getting stuck into rehearsals over the coming weeks and hearing all the Skipinnish classics coming together ahead of the tour.
“It would not be a foot stomping Skipinnish gig without the songs that our fans belt out with us.
“The new members are as passionate about Celtic music as we are and every gig will continue to leave fans with lifelong musical memories.”