SKERRYVORE returns to BC after a four-year absence, bringing their distinctive Scot-Rock sound to Victoria’s McPherson Playhouse on October 6, and Vancouver’s Hollywood Theatre on October 7. Both performances are part of Vancouver Island’s CeltFest 2026.
Formed on the tiny Isle of Tiree in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides in 2004, SKERRYVORE took shape when brothers Daniel and Martin Gillespie began playing with fellow musicians who shared a connection to the island. Named for the Skerryvore lighthouse off Tiree, the band grew from those early days in Scotland into an eight-piece ensemble with an international following. They regularly tour extensively throughout the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia, establishing themselves as a distinctive Scottish voice on the world music scene.
Traditional Celtic instrumentation meets a contemporary and expansive sound in SKERRYVORE’s music, with fiddle, accordion, Highland pipes and whistles joined by a full rock rhythm section of guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard. Their repertoire ranges from traditional melodies and pipe tunes to rock-influenced arrangements, pop song writing, and powerful instrumental passages. That musical breadth, combined with their experience as a live band, has taken them from intimate Scottish venues to major concert and festival stages around the world, including a mainstage performance at Boston’s FIFA World Cup opening ceremony this year.
The past year has marked an important milestone for the group. Following their 20th anniversary world tour in 2025, SKERRYVORE released "Skerryvore XX: Live at Floors Castle", a live recording celebrating 20 years of music. They also claimed the Scots Trad Music Awards’ “Live Act of the Year” title for the fourth time, making them the most decorated band in the history of the category. Now, with a new studio album, "Beautiful Mistakes", scheduled for release in November 2026, the band is entering their next chapter with new music alongside a deep catalogue of fan favourites.
The October concerts in BC will feature music from across the band’s career, including selections from "Skerryvore XX: Live at Floors Castle" and introducing new music from "Beautiful Mistakes". After two decades of touring and performing together, SKERRYVORE continues to draw on Scotland’s musical traditions while expanding them into a sound that reaches well beyond the confines of the genre, making them a band best experienced live.
For physical events that happen at a specific time. For example a concert, or dance performance. If there are multiple shows, you can still duplicate your event to cover them all.
In-Person Event
Tue. October 6th + Add to Calendar
McPherson Playhouse
7:30pm - 9:30pm
$67
