Tiree Music Festival (TMF) has unveiled a new scheme to honour icons who have made an unforgettable mark on the festival and enriched Scotland’s musical heritage.
Skerryvore, a band native to the island who have close ties to their home festival, will be the first recipients of the esteemed TMF Icons accolade as they mark their 20th anniversary as a band.
Over the years, Skerryvore has become synonymous with the much-loved event, having played every single TMF since its inception in 2010.
The TMF Icons tribute aims to celebrate the visionary Scottish band who have embodied the festival’s spirit over the course of their career, paved the way for other, now iconic, Tiree bands such as Trail West, inspired thousands of young musicians and been global ambassadors for the island.
Stewart MacLennan, co-founder and director of Tiree Music Festival, said: “The TMF Icons scheme pays homage to artists whose passion and talent have left an indelible mark on Tiree Music Festival and Scotland’s wider cultural legacy. We could think of no better band to receive this inaugural award than our home island heroes, Skerryvore. This induction celebrates the band’s artistry, their profound influence on Scotland’s musical landscape and remarkable contribution to TMF. Their music has not only entertained, but inspired, encouraging the next generation of artists and performers whose roots lie in Scottish traditional music.”
From their early days captivating audiences on Tiree to becoming a household name in Scottish music and an anthemic back catalogue, Skerryvore’s ability to fuse traditional Scottish sounds with contemporary elements has set them apart and drawn audiences from around the world to Tiree each year.
The festival will formally induct Skerryvore as TMF Icons at this year’s festival, which takes place this weekend. At 7.30pm, tomorrow night, Tuesday 8 July, the festival will premiere a special surprise film celebrating Skerryvore on its YouTube channel.
Legends of the Sun, commissioned by Tiree Music Festival and created by filmmaker Todd Weller, takes a look at the band’s journey, from their Tiree ceilidh roots to global stages, and hears from some of the people who have witnessed their meteoric rise and appreciate their love for TMF.
Alec Dalglish, on behalf of the band, said: “We’re delighted and honoured to be the first recipients of the TMF Icons award. The festival and the island are both very close to our hearts and it’s been a pleasure to be part of this amazing wee festival from its inception. It showcases everything that is great about the Isle of Tiree and Scotland’s vibrant music scene. Thank you to all of the team at TMF for running such a fantastic event that’s always a major highlight on our calendar.”
Skerryvore will perform at Tiree Music Festival for the 13th time on Friday 11th July. One of the world’s most remote music festivals, the Inner Hebridean event is characterised by its intimate feel, friendly atmosphere, community spirit and appreciation for the island’s unique landscape.
TMF 2025 takes place on the Isle of Tiree between Friday 11 – Sunday 13 July 2025. Legends of the Sun will be available to view on TMF’s YouTube Channel at 7.30pm on Tuesday 8 July. Visit www.youtube.com/@TireeMusicFest.
