What is
Heartland?
Heartland Festival is a family-friendly Scottish music festival celebrating the very best of Scottish music while bringing people together for a weekend of live entertainment, community spirit and memorable experiences.
Now in its fourth year, Heartland was created with a simple vision: to celebrate Scottish music, support local community organisations and create a welcoming, affordable festival where families, friends and music lovers of all ages can enjoy time together in a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.
Over the years, Heartland has welcomed some of Scotland's biggest and best-loved artists, including Marti Pellow, Skipinnish, Peat & Diesel, Skerryvore, Idlewild, Nathan Evans & The Saint PHNX Band, alongside many more established and emerging performers. In 2026, Heartland was also named Runner-Up in the Scottish Music Festival Awards, recognising the festival's continued growth and impact.
What makes Heartland different is our commitment to supporting Scottish artists. From established names on the Main Stage to the next generation of talent on the Scottish Citylink Discovery Stage, we're proud to provide a platform for artists at every stage of their journey. In fact, 97% of the artists performing across both stages at Heartland 2026 were Scottish, making Heartland one of Scotland's strongest celebrations of homegrown live music.
As the festival has grown, so too has the experience. Heartland 27 features more than 40 artists across two stages over three days, plus camping, glamping, motorhomes, campervans, great food and drink, children's entertainment and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year.
Heartland is proud to be dog-friendly, children under 13 go FREE, and we're committed to creating an event that is accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for the whole family.
Although Heartland continues to evolve, one thing remains unchanged, we're passionate about supporting local communities, championing Scottish music and creating a festival where everyone feels welcome.
Whether it's your first visit or you're returning for another memorable weekend, we look forward to welcoming you to Heartland.
In the
beginning.
Heartland began with Festival Owner Graham Howie's vision, a Pitlochry local who wanted to create a music festival that championed Scottish musical talent. The priority was to deliver the inaugural 2024 festival and build a team with the skills and commitment to do it.
From the outset, Heartland was designed to be welcoming and affordable for families, with free tickets for children under 13 and complimentary tickets available for carers and essential companions.
The aim has always been to grow carefully without losing Heartland’s identity or becoming over-commercialised. Families remain at the centre of the festival, while local suppliers are used wherever possible to help support tourism, hospitality and the wider local economy.
More recent
times
Since its first festival in 2024, Heartland has continued to grow while staying true to its founding values. Each year has brought a stronger lineup, more opportunities for emerging Scottish artists and an increasingly loyal community of festivalgoers.
The Discovery Stage has become an important part of Heartland, with several performers progressing to the Main Stage.
In 2027, the festival moves just 4.8 miles from Pitlochry to Ballinluig, expand to three full days and introduces on-site camping, glamping, live-in vehicle pitches and extensive parking. It marks an exciting new chapter while keeping Heartland’s Perthshire roots firmly in place.
The future
of Heartland
Heartland's future is about growing carefully while protecting the atmosphere, values and sense of community that make the festival special. Heartland will continue listening to its audience, championing Scottish musical talent and creating opportunities for emerging artists.
The new home in Ballinluig provides the space to improve the overall weekend experience while keeping the festival welcoming, family-focused and affordable. Heartland also aims to strengthen its relationships with local businesses, suppliers and partners, ensuring the festival continues to contribute positively to Perthshire.
Whatever comes next, Heartland will remain a festival where everyone feels like a VIP.