Assynt

Award winning instrumental folk trio ‘Assynt’ are former BBC Radio Scotland Young Musician of the Year finalists, Graham Mackenzie (fiddle) and David Shedden (pipes/whistles) alongside BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award winner Innes White (guitar). 2018 saw the official launch of the band, the release of their debut album ‘The Road to the North’ and were awarded ‘Up and Coming Artist of the Year’ at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. Inspired by the great piping, fiddle and Gaelic traditions of the Highlands of Scotland, Assynt’s self penned melodies are “refreshingly contemporary” (Folk Radio UK) while remaining true to the music traditions they are rooted in. 

The group have come to be recognised for their tight-knit fiddle and pipe playing blended with intricate guitar lines and grooves. This powerful and intuitive musicality continues to be showcased throughout their second studio release ‘Where From Here’ described as ‘breathtakingly wonderful’ by FolkWorld. Assynt have received airplay across the BBC including BBC Radio 2’s The Folk Show, Travelling Folk and Caithream Ciuil on BBC Radio Scotland. Last year, the band toured extensively in Australia, China, Germany as well as performing throughout the UK. 

“one of our most impressive young bands” - Folk Radio UK 

“Assynt’s music is breathtakingly wonderful: Powerful, energetic and big tunes” - FolkWorld 

“Sterling second from the virtuoso stalwarts, individually and collectively award winners in their fields.” - At the Barrier