Pitlochry, a vibrant gem nestled within the stunning landscapes of Perthshire, is buzzing with anticipation following the exhilarating announcement that the celebrated Scottish folk-rock band, Peat & Diesel, will headline the Sunday night of the Heartland Festival in 2026. This eagerly awaited news has ignited enthusiasm among music aficionados and local residents alike, cementing the festival’s status as a major cultural highlight for the Perth and Kinross community. The prospect of such an iconic act gracing a local stage promises a weekend filled with exceptional music and a truly memorable atmosphere in Highland Perthshire.
The Stornoway-based trio has garnered a fervent following through their distinctive fusion of traditional Scottish tunes, heartfelt yet often humorous storytelling, and an unmistakable high-energy rock delivery. Their performances are renowned for their raw authenticity and the ability to transform any venue into a joyous ceilidh, drawing crowds with their infectious energy and universally relatable narratives of island life. Their phenomenal success is evident in their recent sell-out show at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena, where they performed to an ecstatic audience of 4,500 fans, showcasing their remarkable ascent to global popularity within the folk music scene.
For local music enthusiasts, Peat & Diesel are far from strangers to the Perthshire stage. Their powerful closing performance at the esteemed Crieff Highland Gathering just this past August left an indelible mark, demonstrating their strong connection to the region’s vibrant cultural tapestry. Their return to Pitlochry next year is therefore a much-anticipated event, promising to rekindle that special local connection and deliver another electrifying showcase of their unique musical prowess.
Fans attending the festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, can look forward to a captivating blend of both classic fan favourites and fresh compositions from their forthcoming third studio album, which is currently in the final stages of development. This thoughtful mix ensures that long-time followers will be treated to the songs they know and love, while also offering a tantalizing glimpse into the band’s evolving sound and new creative directions. The performance is expected to be a highlight, fusing traditional sounds with contemporary flair.
Graham Howie, the festival promoter, conveyed his immense satisfaction with securing Peat & Diesel, acknowledging the overwhelming public demand that preceded the announcement. “Almost everyone has requested Peat & Diesel to come and play at the Heartland Festival and we are very confident this announcement will be well received. They are very much in demand and we’re delighted to have them join us for what is shaping up to be an amazing weekend of live music,” he enthusiastically commented. His statement underscores the organisers’ commitment to delivering a lineup that genuinely resonates with the audience and contributes to an unforgettable festival experience.
Peat & Diesel are indeed joining an already stellar cast of musicians slated to perform at the Pitlochry Heartland Festival. The opening Friday evening will feature an exclusive ‘An Evening With’ event, highlighting the talents of emerging artists Billy Reekie and Cammy Barnes, with the much-anticipated headliner for that night still under wraps. Throughout the weekend, attendees can immerse themselves in performances by a diverse range of acclaimed acts including the indie-rock veterans Starsailor, the powerful traditional Scottish band Torridon, singer-songwriter Ben Walker, the soulful Sandi Thom, the energetic The Laurettes, and punk legends The Skids. This carefully curated lineup ensures a broad appeal, catering to varied musical tastes from across the spectrum.
The Heartland Festival has firmly established itself as a significant annual event in Pitlochry, consistently drawing impressive numbers. This year alone, more than 8,000 individuals flocked to the Pitlochry Recreation Ground over two days, enjoying performances by popular artists such as Kyle Falconer and Skerryvore. Beyond the entertainment, the festival provides a substantial economic boost to the local businesses in Pitlochry and throughout the wider Perth and Kinross area, attracting tourists and promoting a vibrant community spirit. Adding to its broad appeal, tickets for the festival are currently available for purchase via the official Heartland Festival website, with a particularly family-friendly policy: children under the age of 13 are granted free entry. This commitment to accessibility ensures that the magic of live music and community celebration can be enjoyed by everyone, reinforcing the festival’s role as an inclusive and cherished event in the region’s calendar.
The Stornoway-based trio has garnered a fervent following through their distinctive fusion of traditional Scottish tunes, heartfelt yet often humorous storytelling, and an unmistakable high-energy rock delivery. Their performances are renowned for their raw authenticity and the ability to transform any venue into a joyous ceilidh, drawing crowds with their infectious energy and universally relatable narratives of island life. Their phenomenal success is evident in their recent sell-out show at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena, where they performed to an ecstatic audience of 4,500 fans, showcasing their remarkable ascent to global popularity within the folk music scene.
For local music enthusiasts, Peat & Diesel are far from strangers to the Perthshire stage. Their powerful closing performance at the esteemed Crieff Highland Gathering just this past August left an indelible mark, demonstrating their strong connection to the region’s vibrant cultural tapestry. Their return to Pitlochry next year is therefore a much-anticipated event, promising to rekindle that special local connection and deliver another electrifying showcase of their unique musical prowess.
Fans attending the festival on Sunday, June 28, 2026, can look forward to a captivating blend of both classic fan favourites and fresh compositions from their forthcoming third studio album, which is currently in the final stages of development. This thoughtful mix ensures that long-time followers will be treated to the songs they know and love, while also offering a tantalizing glimpse into the band’s evolving sound and new creative directions. The performance is expected to be a highlight, fusing traditional sounds with contemporary flair.
Graham Howie, the festival promoter, conveyed his immense satisfaction with securing Peat & Diesel, acknowledging the overwhelming public demand that preceded the announcement. “Almost everyone has requested Peat & Diesel to come and play at the Heartland Festival and we are very confident this announcement will be well received. They are very much in demand and we’re delighted to have them join us for what is shaping up to be an amazing weekend of live music,” he enthusiastically commented. His statement underscores the organisers’ commitment to delivering a lineup that genuinely resonates with the audience and contributes to an unforgettable festival experience.
Peat & Diesel are indeed joining an already stellar cast of musicians slated to perform at the Pitlochry Heartland Festival. The opening Friday evening will feature an exclusive ‘An Evening With’ event, highlighting the talents of emerging artists Billy Reekie and Cammy Barnes, with the much-anticipated headliner for that night still under wraps. Throughout the weekend, attendees can immerse themselves in performances by a diverse range of acclaimed acts including the indie-rock veterans Starsailor, the powerful traditional Scottish band Torridon, singer-songwriter Ben Walker, the soulful Sandi Thom, the energetic The Laurettes, and punk legends The Skids. This carefully curated lineup ensures a broad appeal, catering to varied musical tastes from across the spectrum.
The Heartland Festival has firmly established itself as a significant annual event in Pitlochry, consistently drawing impressive numbers. This year alone, more than 8,000 individuals flocked to the Pitlochry Recreation Ground over two days, enjoying performances by popular artists such as Kyle Falconer and Skerryvore. Beyond the entertainment, the festival provides a substantial economic boost to the local businesses in Pitlochry and throughout the wider Perth and Kinross area, attracting tourists and promoting a vibrant community spirit. Adding to its broad appeal, tickets for the festival are currently available for purchase via the official Heartland Festival website, with a particularly family-friendly policy: children under the age of 13 are granted free entry. This commitment to accessibility ensures that the magic of live music and community celebration can be enjoyed by everyone, reinforcing the festival’s role as an inclusive and cherished event in the region’s calendar.