For more than 35 years, Scottish group Shooglenifty have pioneered their fiery and infectious fusion of traditional Scottish folk music, beats, basslines, electronica and alt rock, creating a distinctive sound they call ‘acid croft’. Across nine studio albums, tours spanning the globe, boundary-pushing collaborations and a reputation for exhilarating live performances, they have amassed a devoted global following and become one of Scotland’s most distinctive musical exports. Following the loss of founding member Angus R. Grant in 2016, Shooglenifty reshaped its line-up with Kaela Rowan (vocals, percussion and ukulele) and Eilidh Shaw (fiddle) becoming integral to the band’s musical chemistry. The subsequent arrival of Ciarán Ryan (banjo and mandolin) and Euan McLaughlin (bass) alongside founding members James Mackintosh (drums) and Malcolm Crosbie (guitar), has helped forge a revitalised line-up that reaches a new creative peak on ‘Stamina Island,‘ the band’s pivotal tenth studio album.

‘Stamina Island’ is an exuberant celebration of endurance, longevity and joie de vivre.  Released on 18 September, the nine original tracks are alive with the band’s trademark vitality and imagination. They bring their high-energy performances to summer festivals ahead of a Scottish tour in October.

The album is preceded by the first single, ‘Dig Deep,’ released on 3 July. A gritty, funk-infused groove led by Ciarán’s distinctive banjo riff with a driving backbeat and Kaela’s infectious vocals, it delivers a powerful message about finding inner strength and resilience in challenging times.  Accompanying the single is a video directed by Ruth Barrie. Rich in colour and atmosphere, the visual concept reflects the song’s search for inner light and hope in darker times.

‘Dig Deep’ follows ‘Bairns O Gaza,’ a Bandcamp-exclusive EP unveiled earlier this spring. While known for joy and positivity, Shooglenifty felt it important to acknowledge the current global, moral and political malaise. The emotive song is written and sung by Kaela and draws on a vocal system used by pipers alongside the ancient, often haunting Celtic tradition of keening. The EP includes two remixes: one from Glasgow maverick Howie B featuring the expressive vocals of Palestinian singer Bashar Murad, and another atmospheric reimagining from prominent Scottish DJ Dolphin Boy. The emotionally charged song is dedicated to all the children affected by war around the world.

‘Stamina Island’ is released on Shoogle Records (Cat. No. SHOOGLE20260) on 18 September 2026 and is available on CD , vinyl and from all streaming and download services. ‘Dig Deep’ is released digitally on 3 July . ‘Bairn’s O’Gaza’ EP is available to listen and download now from Bandcamp

They’re also out and about across the rest of the year.

LIVE DATES

SIDMOUTH                    Sidmouth Folk Festival                                          1 August

FAVERSHAM                  A New Day Festival, Mt Ephraim Gardens   22 August

SETTLE                          Settle Victoria Hall                                                  23 August

EDINBURGH                  The Queen’s Hall, The Sound of Scotland         25 August

DURHAM                         Durham Folk Festival                                             18 September

DUNKELD                       Birnam Arts & Conference Centre                   8 October

STIRLING                       Tolbooth                                                                        9 October

MILNGAVIE                     Charlies Loft                                                               10 October

INVERNESS                    An Seỏmar                                                                  11 October

All details to be found at www.shooglenifty.com