BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2026, Rachel Groves is a lever harpist and composer hailing from Banchory, Aberdeenshire.
Rooted in Scottish traditional music, she draws on inspiration from jazz, global folk and classical traditions as vehicles to explore the rich textural and rhythmic possibilities of the instrument. She has recently moved to Glasgow, where she enjoys playing in the city's vibrant session scene.
A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Rachel is curious about expanding the lever harp’s role as a contemporary and collaborative voice within traditional music.
Following on from being awarded the BBC Young Trad title at Celtic Connections this year, Rachel will present a new set of original and traditional music at several festivals this summer, alongside musicians and friends from Glasgow's music scene.
She will be joined at HebCelt by contemporary trad cellist Juliette Lemoine and bodhrán player / percussionist Gregor Black, both innovative players on their instruments who weave their traditional roots with improvisation, jazz and classical influences.