◆   Tarland, Aberdeenshire   ◆   Summer 2025   ◆

◆   Tarland Festival 2025   ◆

Festival Programme

Everything you need to plan your perfect festival weekend — from artisan food stalls to live folk music.

◆   Food & Drink   ◆

The Food Market

Over 30 local producers and artisan food vendors will be serving the very best of Aberdeenshire's larder throughout the weekend.

Aberdeenshire Cheese Board

Deeside Dairy

A curated selection of award-winning cheeses made from local Aberdeenshire milk, served with oatcakes and chutney.

DairyArtisan

Smoked Salmon Platter

River Dee Smokehouse

Cold-smoked Atlantic salmon from the River Dee, sliced to order and served with cream cheese and rye bread.

SeafoodSmoked

Venison & Ale Pie

Cairngorm Game Kitchen

Slow-braised Highland venison in a rich dark ale gravy, encased in buttery shortcrust pastry. A festival favourite.

GameHot Food

Heather Honey & Preserves

Tarland Apiary

Raw heather honey harvested from hives on the Muir of Dinnet, alongside seasonal jams and fruit preserves.

HoneyPreserves

Artisan Sourdough

Aboyne Bakehouse

Long-fermented sourdough loaves baked fresh each morning, using locally milled flour from Aberdeenshire grain.

BakeryBread

Scottish Craft Ales

Deeside Brewery

A rotating selection of cask and keg ales brewed in the Dee Valley, including seasonal festival specials.

DrinksAle

Cullen Skink

The Tarland Kitchen

Traditional Scottish smoked haddock chowder, rich with cream and potato. Served piping hot in a bread bowl.

SoupTraditional

Cranachan Bar

Heather & Cream

Scotland's beloved dessert — layers of whipped cream, toasted oats, fresh raspberries, and a generous dram of whisky.

DessertTraditional

◆   Live Music   ◆

Music Programme

From intimate acoustic sessions to the grand Saturday ceilidh, our music programme celebrates the living tradition of Scottish folk music.

Headline
Saturday EveningMain Stage

The Cairngorm Ceilidh Band

Ceilidh / Traditional

Aberdeenshire's most beloved ceilidh band, bringing high-energy reels and jigs to get everyone on their feet. Headlining Saturday night's grand ceilidh.

Saturday AfternoonMain Stage

Fiona MacLeod & The Reel

Contemporary Folk

Award-winning singer-songwriter Fiona MacLeod blends traditional Gaelic melodies with contemporary folk arrangements. Her debut album reached the Scottish Folk Charts.

Saturday MorningAcoustic Stage

The Deeside Fiddlers

Traditional Fiddle

A collective of local fiddle players performing traditional Scottish tunes, jigs, and slow airs in the intimate acoustic tent.

Sunday MorningVillage Square

Pipe Band of Aboyne

Pipe Band

The Pipe Band of Aboyne opens Sunday with a ceremonial march through the village square, followed by a programme of traditional pipe music.

Sunday AfternoonMain Stage

Strathspey & Reel Society

Strathspey / Reel

A 12-piece ensemble performing the classic strathspeys and reels of the North East tradition, with special guests joining for a grand finale.

Sunday MorningAcoustic Stage

Tarland Youth Choir

Choral / Folk Song

Young voices from the local community performing a programme of Scottish folk songs, Gaelic psalms, and traditional ballads.

Saturday AfternoonAcoustic Stage

Duncan Ross Trio

Folk / Acoustic

Intimate acoustic folk from guitarist and singer Duncan Ross, accompanied by double bass and fiddle. Songs of the land, sea, and people of Scotland.

Headline
Sunday EveningMain Stage

Closing Session

Open Session

An open session to close the festival — all musicians welcome to join. Fiddles, accordions, whistles, and voices come together for a joyful farewell.

◆   More to See   ◆

Activities & Attractions

🎨

Craft Market

Browse handmade goods from over 20 local craftspeople — jewellery, textiles, ceramics, woodwork, and more.

👨‍🍳

Cooking Demonstrations

Watch local chefs and producers demonstrate traditional Scottish recipes and modern takes on classic dishes.

🧒

Children's Area

A dedicated family zone with storytelling, face painting, craft workshops, and activities for children of all ages.