About us

Eabhal have made a significant impact on the Scottish music scene with their vibrant and energetic folk music. The band's distinctive West Coast sound and dedication to their craft have earned them a prestigious Folk Band of the Year nomination in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2022 amongst multiple other awards and nominations over the past 10 years.

Eabhal have released two albums to date, the debut This is How The Ladies Dance in 2018 and the second Aisling, which was released in 2022 and showcased an array of new arrangements and both Gaelic and English songs. The band's focus on kinship and connection to people and land, elevation, journies and language are all reflected in their music and identity. '

Although they all come from different backgrounds and places, each member was immersed in traditional music, and their collective passion for their craft is evident in every song and performance. Current members are Kaitlin Ross (Vocals), Megan MacDonald (Accordion), Nicky Kirk (Guitar), Robbie Greig (Fiddle), and Ewan Duncan (Pipes & Whistle). The band bid farewell to their former members Jamie MacDonald and Hamish Hepburn in 2021/22, with Hamish emigrating to Canada and Jamie off to explore new opportunities. However, they are thrilled to embark on a fresh chapter with Robbie and Ewan. Eabhal's achievements in their career include the successful release and tour of their second album, Aisling, which took them to stunning locations like Glenelg, Ardgour, and Tobermory.

Additionally, the band has been fortunate enough to showcase their talents at World Music Asia in Shanghai and perform at various shows in the US in 2018, prior to the pandemic. Eabhal are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead as they gear up for their next chapter. With their third album currently in progress and a fresh lineup, the band is ready to continue its journey and elevate traditional music to new heights.

Kaitlin Ross

Nicky Kirk

Megan MacDonald

Singer Kaitlin Ross was born and brought up in the Highlands in Fearn and has through her involvement in gaelic song and music has performed both nationally and internationally. Guidance and encouragement from tradition bearers such as Kenna Campbell, Kaitlin is now regnisable as one of the voices at the front of the gaelic song tradition today through her performing with not only eabhal but also Rafiki Jazz, her duo with pianist Catriona Hawksworth and her previous band Hecla among others.

Guitarist Nicky Kirk comes from rural Northumberland and found the route to traditional music through his come county's rich musical heritage. Passionate about music from different cultures, he has developed an interest in folk music from some of the countries he has visited, and often experiments with influences from Europe, India and North Africa. Outside of Eabhal Nicky plays guitar as part of trad-dub act An Dannsa Dub, and producers music with the project Ostar Sound.

Accordionist Megan MacDonald is from Lairg, a village in Sutherland towards the north of Scotland. Her diverse repertoire from Scottish and world traditions, combined with sensitive and assured playing has seen her much in demand as a tutor, band member and session musician. As well as Eabhal, Megan works with HEISK, Josie Duncan and the Dusk, and The Calum McIlroy Trio.

Ewan Duncan

Robbie Greig

Piper Ewan Duncan is from Newtonmore, in the heart of Cairngorms National Park. A fluent Gaelic speaker, his repertoire is deeply inspired by his highland roots. Ewan studied folk and traditional music at Newcastle University where he received tuition from leading bagpipers Calum MacCrimmon (Breabach) and Simon McKerrell. At Newcastle, he learnt and developed his technique on flute which he also plays with Eabhal.

Fiddler Robbie Greig is an award-winning fiddle player and sought-after freelancer from Edinburgh's culturally vibrant north side. The inaugural Niel Gow Scottish Fiddle Award winner Robbie is in high demand as a session musician, soloist and teacher. A full-time member of The Paul McKenna Band and the Irish Celtic Dance Show company, he is also in demand as a session musician, having deputised with many of Scotland's leading folk ensembles.