Rachel Groves Awarded BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician 2026
Aberdeenshire harpist Rachel Groves has been announced as the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician for 2026.
Rachel, who leads the Scolty Harp Ensemble in northeast Scotland and teaches the lever harp, expressed her surprise and delight at winning the award.
"It's amazing to win and I am in shock."
The announcement was made during a live broadcast on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Alba at the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow, where six finalists performed.
The BBC Radio Scotland competition is widely regarded as one of the most significant platforms for emerging talent in traditional music.
Musical Background and Style
Rachel began playing the lever harp in her final year of primary school. She pursued music studies at the University of Edinburgh and the Berklee College of Music in Valencia.
Currently based in Glasgow, Rachel incorporates elements from jazz, classical, and global folk music into her performances.
"Scottish trad music is what I play but I really enjoy playing with different musicians and I enjoy collaborating with people who come from a different perspective to my own,"
she told BBC Radio Scotland's Breakfast programme.
"I also played the piano growing up but it's all about what instrument you connect to and I think I got lucky."
Rachel also acknowledged her first harp tutor, Alison Bell, who was present in the audience during her award-winning performance.
Recognition and Future Opportunities
Hayley Valentine, director of BBC Scotland, praised the event and congratulated Rachel and the other finalists.
"Each and every performance was remarkable and shines a light on just how strong and diverse Scotland's traditional music scene is,"
she said.
"Our audiences, whether listening on BBC Radio Scotland, watching on BBC Alba, or sitting here at City Halls, could not fail to be uplifted by their talent."
Rachel's prize package includes a recording session with BBC Radio Scotland and invitations to perform at the Scots Trad Music Awards and the HebCelt - the Hebridean Celtic Festival in Stornoway.
About the Competition
Organised by BBC Radio Scotland, the Young Traditional Musician competition has been promoting Scottish traditional music and recognising emerging talent since 2001.
The competition has served as a launchpad for many Scottish traditional musicians who have achieved international recognition.
Eligibility criteria require entrants to be aged between 18 and 27 and to have resided in Scotland for at least one year immediately prior to entry.
Last year's winner was singer Ellie Beaton, who is also from Aberdeenshire.
