Mànran

Formed in June 2010 by six already established young instrumental and vocal luminaries, Mànran have quite literally rocketed to the top of the Scottish music scene with their powerful Folk-rock and first-class technical prowess.

Combining Gaelic and English songs (both traditional and original) with funk and reggae grooves and distinctive arrangements, they underpin and layer the richness of their sound with twinning Scottish and Irish bagpipes, driving accordion, fiddle, flute and a backline of drum and bass.

Their first full on ‘debut’ year in 2011 has seen them perform at venues and Festivals throughout Europe and Scotland, the release of their first Gaelic single ‘Latha Math’ which finished: No 1 in the UK singer/songwriter charts, No 6 in the Scottish download charts and No 6 on Radio 1 Indie charts, television and radio appearances on BBC Reporting Scotland, 5 Live, Real Radio, and The Hour Show on STV and the release of their debut self entitled album that picked up the coveted ‘Album of the Year’ title at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in December.

Their lead singer, Norrie MacIver (who has previously appeared at the Festival with Bodega) won ‘Gaelic Singer of the Year’ at the same awards whilst fiddler/piper Ewen Henderson jointly won 2 additional awards with other outfits. Joining Norrie and Ewen are Calum Stewart on wooden flute, Ross Saunders on bass, Scott Mackay on drums and last but by no means least is Gary Innes on accordion. Also a Scottish Shinty celebrity, Gary’s energy and enthusiasm levels will be remembered by the many Box Club fans that Shetland acquired after the 2009 Festival!