We’re absolutely over the moon to share that Heartland Festival has been shortlisted for ‘Festival of the Year’ at the 2025 Scottish Live Music Awards.

To be recognised in this way — just a year after our very first festival — feels completely surreal. We were thrilled to make the long list before Christmas, but to now be officially one of the final five festivals nominated for this national award is something truly special.

From the moment we launched in 2024, our goal was simple: create a music festival in the heart of Scotland that felt unique, welcoming, and full of heart. And thanks to you — our incredible audience — that dream has grown faster than we ever imagined.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to cast a vote, to every artist who stepped on stage, and to every single person who came along, shared a post, or booked a ticket for 2026. This recognition belongs to all of us.

It’s also amazing to see so many artists we’ve worked with make the shortlist too — including Nathan Evans and the Saint PHNX Band, Skerryvore, Dead Pony, Faeda, Roisin McCarney and more. And looking ahead to #HF26, we’re proud to say several shortlisted acts will be joining us in Pitlochry this June, including Katie Nicoll, Connor Byrne & The Bad Kissers, The Laurettes, and Ben Walker.

Congratulations to the other brilliant festivals shortlisted alongside us: Belladrum, MacMoray, TRNSMT, Tiree Music Festival and Edge Fest. It’s an honour to be in your company.

The awards take place on Thursday 5th March 2026 in Glasgow — we’ll share more details closer to the time.

For now, thank you once again for your support, encouragement, and belief in what we’re building together. Heartland Festival wouldn’t exist without you — and we’re so proud to be on this journey with you.

Here’s to 2026 being our biggest and best yet.

Graham, Marina & Simon
The Heartland Festival Team