The Maclean Brothers are among a wave of exciting new names to join the Celtic Connections bill. The three Scottish brothers who set a new record for rowing across the Pacific Ocean unsupported this year will swap the seas for the stage when they host The Maclean Brothers & Special Guests at The Old Fruitmarket on Wednesday 21 January.
Lifelong trad music fans, Jamie, Ewan and Lachlan Maclean won hearts around the world when they took on the ultimate test of endurance. Music played an important part in their miraculous journey, and this is set to be celebrated at Celtic Connections 2026, with tickets on sale now.
Iconic scenes of Jamie playing the pipes in all conditions were witnessed by millions. This included playing to Ewan McGregor during an episode of their podcast, streaming live into Comic Con to join the All-American Rejects during their hit song Swing Swing and of course, as they rowed into Cairns, Australia after 139 days on the Pacific Ocean.
Now, the pipe-playing rower will be shaking off the salt water to perform on home soil alongside siblings Lachlan on accordion and Ewan on guitar. The multi-talented trio from Edinburgh, who now live in Assynt, will welcome a host of Scottish trad talent who soundtracked their epic voyage for this special show.
Ross Ainslie and Duncan Chisholm, who released a charity single to aid the brothers’ efforts, will perform, alongside the likes of high-octane outfit Valtos, and RURA, who are known for their epic, inspirational instrumentation. Stunning vocalist Siobhan Miller and Mull duo Sorren Maclean and Hannah Fisher will also make appearances across the night.
A Q&A session will kick things off, giving audiences the chance to hear first-hand about the brothers’ adventure and quest to raise £1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar.
The night is one of a raft of new shows that have been added to the jam-packed programme for Celtic Connections 2026 – the leading winter festival of its kind delivered by Glasgow Life in partnership with Innis & Gunn.