Mark Neal will be hosting our 'Open Stage' at the Festival Club on Saturday afternoon before his Music & Song Workshop. 

Come along and learn some traditional Scottish music and song, open to all singers and musicians playing melody or accompaniment instruments. Lead by multi-instrumentalist and singer Mark Neal, we will learn a song and melody and then work together to arrange the music together. 

Mark Neal is a singer, songwriter and multi instrumentalist based in Helensburgh, Scotland, who’s performing and songwriting has been compared to the likes of James Taylor and Richard Thomson.

His main focus is as a guitarist and singer but since starting playing music at the age of 5 he has been picking up and learning new instruments, as can be found on his latest He has been working in the music industry for over 25 years as a performer, music producer, sound engineer and acoustician.

As well as his solo work he plays regularly with the Scottish traditional duo ‘Eilidh Steel & Mark Neal’ and with folk/rock ceilidh band ‘Teannaich’.

In 2024 he released his first solo album ‘Cool Waters’ to great critical acclaim.

“ear-catching and very melodic acoustic food-for-thought” – Folk Wales

“a voice and style akin to James Taylor” – Folk London

“If you have to afford it the attention it deserves, it will repay your efforts. “ – Folking“

The Song and Music Workshop is on Saturday, 31st October 2026 from 2.30pm to 4pm after the free Open Stage. The Workshop is £10.00 per attendee and you simply pay when you are there to take part.

Fionnlagh Mac A’ Phiocair is regarded as one of the leading pioneers of the Scottish Smallpipe. Fionnlagh combines this virtuosity with Gàidhlig Song, to create euphonic textures which was over audiences. Being a native Gàidhlig speaker from the Isle of North Uist, Fionnlagh will be leading our workshop on “Traditional Piping of The Gaels”.  Fionnlagh is also known for his recent venture into pipemaking. 

Fionnlagh will be joined by Ruairidh Buxton, a fellow multi-instrumentalist, and native gàdihlig speaker. Ruairidh is a member of Ceol an Aire and Rhuvaal, as well as co-leading the Glè Mhath Ceilidh Band. He is both at home in Scotland and internationally, with multiple bands and ensembles including with Greg Lawson’s Grit Orchestra. 

This is a two-day practical workshop, with complementary lectures focusing on the traditional repertoire of Gaelic song and music on the Scottish Smallpipes.

The workshop is for those interested in the Scottish Smallpipes (bellow-blown variety) which have had a significant part in Gaelic tradition. We will look at the history of the instrument but we will cover: 

• Tunes

• Ornamentation for smallpipes 

• Learning by Ear 

• Essential Maintenance 

• Session repertoire 

• Gàidhealtachd repertoire 

• Masterclasses

All levels of players are welcome. 

There will be two workshop groups, and they will rotate between each tutor. Both groups will also come together to form a “masterclass”, where they will join together to perform. It will be fun!