Biog

Gary Innes is a Highland-born accordionist, composer, broadcaster and event creator who has been at the forefront of Scottish traditional music for over 20 years. Raised in Spean Bridge, Lochaber, his career has seen him perform across the globe, record acclaimed solo and collaborative albums, and shape the future of traditional music both on stage and behind the scenes.

A founding member of the internationally renowned Scottish band Mànran, Gary has toured in over 30 countries, captivating audiences with the band’s signature fusion of Gaelic song, traditional melodies and modern energy. With four studio albums and a new one upcoming, and countless headline performances to their name, they remains one of the most recognisable and respected groups in Scottish music.

Alongside his work with Mànran, Gary has carved out a successful solo career, releasing three albums to date: How’s the Craic? (2005), ERA (2017), and IMMINENT (2019), each praised for their originality, emotional depth and technical brilliance. He is also known for his musical partnership with fellow Lochaber multi-instrumentalist Ewen Henderson, with whom he continues to create and perform music rooted in shared Highland heritage.

Gary’s contribution to the traditional music scene extends far beyond performance. In 2021, he launched Hoolie in the Hydro - the first event of its kind to bring traditional Scottish music to Glasgow’s OVO Hydro arena. Now in its fourth year, Hoolie has become one of the country’s flagship traditional music events, attracting thousands annually. In April 2025, the event made its international debut with Hoolie in New York, a sold-out night at Carnegie Hall during NYC Tartan Week, showcasing Scottish culture to a global audience.

Back on home turf, Gary is also the driving force behind the revival of Lochaber Live, a festival that had been silent for three decades before its return in 2024. Reimagined for a new generation but rooted in local pride, the festival celebrates the music, people and landscape of the West Highlands and returns in September 2025.

As a broadcaster, Gary has presented BBC Radio Scotland’s Take the Floor since 2016, taking over from the legendary Robbie Shepherd MBE. In 2020, he launched Your Requests with Gary Innes, further establishing himself as a trusted and much-loved voice in traditional music broadcasting.

Gary has twice been recognised at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, winning Instrumentalist of the Year and Industry Person of the Year, testament to his wide-ranging influence and dedication to the Scottish traditional arts.

A former Scottish international shinty captain and five-time Camanachd Cup winner with Fort William, Gary is one of the few players to have won every senior medal in the game. He continues to share his insight as a live commentator on BBC’s televised coverage. He also served for over 15 years as an auxiliary firefighter and spent 9 years as a First Responder in his home community.

From the local village hall to international stages, Gary Innes continues to be a creative force, a cultural ambassador, and a proud Highlander whose work celebrates both where he comes from and where Scottish music is going.