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Gary Innes
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Gary Innes
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Key Information

Gary Innes (born 13 December 1980) is a Scottish musician, shinty player, composer and broadcaster from Spean Bridge, Lochaber, Scotland.

He is a founding member of Scottish folk-rock band Mànran.

Music

[edit]

Innes has had a professional career playing the piano accordion since 2003, and is noted for his distinctive purple accordion.

He joined Runrig on stage at their concert Beat the Drum in Drumnadrochit on 18 August 2007 where he played to an audience of 17,500[1] and has continued to join the band on Clash of the Ash at many of their open air shows. This included joining Runrig for their farewell concerts at Stirling Castle on 17 and 18 August 2018 to over 50,000 people.

In 2010, Innes formed Mànran who aimed to become the first band since Capercaillie to enter a Scottish Gaelic song into the UK Top 40 when they released their first single, "Latha Math" on 17 January 2011. With a midweek high of no. 29 it fell short, finishing the week in 61st place, however they managed no. 1 in the UK singer/songwriter charts, no. 6 in the Scottish charts, and no. 6 in the Radio 1 indie charts.[2]

Together with Mànran and Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus, Innes created the official 2012 STV Children's Appeal charity single "Take You There" and performed it live on the show. The appeal raised two million pounds for under-privileged children in Scotland.[3]

Innes was musical director of the BBC ALBA Hogmanay show in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014.

In 2015 Innes created Scotland's first collaborative charity folk single with a piece of music he composed called "Our Heroes". This commemorated the centenary of the Battle of Festubert and included a performance on the set of bagpipes that were being played by Lance Corporal Donald Patterson when he fell in battle on 18 May 1915, 100 years to the day. All proceeds were donated to Scotland's veterans charity Erskine.[4]

Innes was awarded "Instrumentalist of the Year" at the 2017 MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards.

Shinty

[edit]

Innes started playing shinty at a young age, playing for Kilmonivaig Primary and then local side Lochaber. When their youth team folded, he moved to Fort William Shinty Club, where he developed into one of the leading players of the 2000s. He usually played at wing centre and wing forward in his formative years.

He was captain and man of the match for their famous victory in the 2005 Camanachd Cup final over local rivals Kilmallie and part of the team in the club's historic league championship in 2006.

He has also featured for fourteen years in the Composite Rules Shinty/Hurling International for Scotland. For the 2009/10 Shinty/Hurling International, Innes was named captain of the Scotland team. Ireland's All Star Tommy Walsh broke Innes's nose in the opening minutes of the 2010 International at Croke Park however Innes continued and scored 7 points for Scotland eventually beating the Irish 22-21.

He has reached iconic status in the game of shinty, an image of him playing the sport being used by Runrig on the cover of their 2007 album, Everything You See.

Innes wore his No. 9 Scotland captain's jersey on stage during Runrig's final two concerts at Stirling Castle in 2018 and then auctioned off the signed strip to raise money for youth development within the sport. The shirt sold for £4591.

In 2010 Innes was named Marine Harvest and National "Player of the Year" and for his shinty and musical talent was invited to the Queen's garden party at Holyrood.

Transworld Sport filmed a programme on Innes which was broadcast in 2010.

Innes double career as a high-profile shinty player and musician has resulted in a lot of attention. In March 2009 Innes claimed that he knew a rival team had deliberately targeted him for injury due to his musical prowess.[5]

On 15 May 2010 in a game against Premier Division strugglers GMA, Innes scored 9 goals in a 14-0 victory. Innes claimed he was denied a record 10 by the referee didn't notice the ball returning out of the goal after hitting the back stanchion. This would have given him the record for most goals scored in one single game.[6]

On 18 September 2010, Innes scored 2 out of 3 Fort's goals against Kingussie in the 103rd Camanachd Cup final at Bught Park in Inverness. The win against Kingussie put the team's name on the trophy for the 4th year running.[7] Innes's performance also claimed the Albert Smith Medal for the second time, having previously won it in 2005.[8]

Innes retired on a high at the end of the 2014 season, restoring Fort William to the Premier Division and earning his final cap for Scotland.[9] This was due to increased musical commitments.

On 30 March 2019, Innes was named by the Camanachd Association as their first ever ambassador of The Camanachd Cup.

In June 2022, Innes returned to play for the newly formed Cruachanside.

Broadcasting

[edit]

From the start of the 2010 season, Innes wrote a weekly blog for bbc.co.uk and when he is not himself playing, he is often involved in summarising for the BBC in front of camera or from the commentary box.[10]

In 2014 BBC ALBA filmed Innes and Mànran for a one-hour documentary as the band toured across Australia, America and the UK.

On 24 September 2016 Innes took over from Robbie Shepherd as presenter of Take the Floor.[11] Since 5 April 2020 Innes has also presented a Sunday show on BBC Radio Scotland called Take the Floor - Your Requests later renamed to Your Requests with Gary Innes.

Innes alongside BBC Radio Scotland presenter Bryan Burnett co-hosted BBC Radio Scotland's 40th anniversary celebrations for radio and television from the Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom on 4 November 2018.

Personal life

[edit]

Innes was a part-time fire-fighter in the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service in Spean Bridge from 1999 to 2015 and a First Responder from 2007 to 2016.

On 8 April 2017, Innes married Hannah Matheson, niece of Karen Matheson of Capercaillie, in a marquee on the Taynuilt shinty field. They have two daughters.

Discography

[edit]
  • How's the Craic? (2005)
  • Era (2017)
  • Imminent (2019)

With Box Club

  • Box Club (2008)

With Ewan Robertson

  • Shouts (2009)

With Mànran

  • Latha Math (2011)
  • Mànran (2011)
  • The Test (2013)
  • An Dà Là - The Two Days (2017)
  • When You Go (2018)
  • ÙRAR (2021)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gary Innes

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from Grokipedia
Gary Innes is a Scottish accordionist, , former shinty captain, and broadcaster from in , , renowned for his contributions to traditional Scottish music and sports. As a , Innes has performed and composed for over 20 years, specializing in Highland accordion playing within the folk and traditional Scottish genres. He is a founding member of the award-winning supergroup and received the MG Alba Scots Trad Awards' Instrumentalist of the Year accolade in 2017 for his virtuosic performances, along with the Industry Person of the Year award in 2024. In 2020, he released his debut tunebook, The First Forty Years, compiling original compositions that reflect his deep roots in Scottish musical heritage. In shinty, Scotland's traditional stick-and-ball sport, Innes served as captain of the national team and an international player, leading Fort William to five Camanachd Cup victories, the premier competition in the sport. His athletic background has intersected with his media career, including hosting the BBC podcast The Caman Connection, which features interviews with shinty legends. In broadcasting, Innes presents Take the Floor and Your Requests on , the latter sharing listeners' dedications and Scottish music selections. He also organizes Hoolie in the Hydro, billed as the world's largest ceilidh, an annual event at the arena that showcases traditional Scottish artists and has expanded internationally, including a performance at in New York in 2025.

Early life

Childhood and upbringing

Gary Innes was born on 13 December 1980 in , a small village in the area of the . , located at the southern end of the , is a close-knit Highland community known for its scenic beauty and deep-rooted cultural traditions, including traditional Scottish music and the sport of shinty. The village hosts the Lochaber Camanachd shinty club, one of the region's prominent teams, reflecting shinty's status as a longstanding Gaelic-influenced pastime central to Highland identity. Local events, such as ceilidhs and music classes, further embed traditional music in community life, fostering an environment rich in folk heritage. Growing up in this setting, Innes was exposed to the from an early age, first picking up the instrument at eight years old. This introduction was shaped by local traditions and the musical heritage of , which played a key role in nurturing his interest in . These foundational influences in laid the groundwork for his later pursuits in music and shinty.

Initial career steps

Gary Innes joined the as an auxiliary firefighter in his hometown of , where he served for over 15 years while balancing his other pursuits. This role began his commitment to , which he maintained alongside his emerging interests in music and sport. Innes's early involvement in shinty began in the late 1980s at Kilmonivaig Primary School in , progressing to under-14 play with the local Camanachd club before transitioning to Fort William Shinty Club at the same youth level. He advanced through Fort William's youth ranks and debuted with the senior team in 2000, marking his entry into competitive matches in the early 2000s, including initial appearances in the National League and cup competitions. Innes launched his professional music career as an player in 2003, building on years of traditional Scottish music training through the Feis movement. His first notable gigs in the early 2000s included performances at local Highland events and ceilidhs, culminating in the recording and release of his debut solo album, How's the ?, in 2005, which featured original compositions and established his reputation in the folk scene.

Music career

Formation and work with Mànran

was founded in June 2010 by accordionist Gary Innes alongside fellow musicians Ewen Henderson, Norrie MacIver, and others, establishing the band as a progressive force in that fused traditional Gaelic elements with contemporary rock influences. The group's name derives from a Gaelic term meaning a melodic or sweet sound, reflecting their emphasis on emotive, high-energy performances featuring instruments like , , Highland pipes, , guitar, , and . Innes, as the primary founder and lead accordionist, played a central role in shaping the band's direction from its inception, drawing on his background in traditional music to drive their innovative approach. The band's debut album, Mànran (2011), marked their entry into the scene with a collection of 12 tracks that balanced reels and jigs with Gaelic vocals, exemplified by the "Latha Math," a upbeat written by Norrie MacIver aiming to propel Gaelic music into the charts. Other notable tracks included "Oran Na Cloiche" (a traditional-style ), "Speybay Switch" (an energetic set), and "Take You There" (a modern-leaning closer blending folk rhythms with pop sensibilities). Critics hailed the album as a "veritable box of delights," praising its sparkling dual-pipe arrangements and vibrant production that bridged ceilidh traditions with accessible rock energy. Released independently via Mànran Records, it quickly gained traction through festival appearances, setting the stage for the band's growth. Building on this foundation, The Test (2013) showcased Mànran's evolving sound across 10 tracks, incorporating more experimental structures while retaining Gaelic roots, as seen in "Dhèanainn Sùgradh" (a playful song) and the title track "The Test" (an anthemic evoking live spontaneity). The album's instrumentals like "MSR" (march-strathspey-reel medley) and "Jigs" highlighted the band's rhythmic drive, with Innes's providing melodic anchors amid driving percussion and pipes. Reviews commended its infectious vitality, positioning Mànran as a live powerhouse capable of translating stage dynamism to recordings. By 2017, An Dà Là (meaning "The Two Days," evoking themes of transformation) represented a maturation in their discography, with 12 tracks that intensified the Gaelic folk-rock fusion, including the titular Gaelic song and instrumentals like "Fiasco" and "" (the latter infusing electronic-tinged grooves into traditional forms). Tracks such as "" and "Parallels" demonstrated sophisticated layering, while "An Dà Là" itself captured emotional depth through Henderson's vocals. The album earned acclaim for its rousing confidence, born from extensive touring, and was described as an enthralling distillation of the band's live spirit. Mànran's 2021 release, Ùrar (Gaelic for "new" or "fresh"), further refined their blend of heritage and innovation across 11 tracks, opening with "Ailean" (pairing traditional lyrics with a contemporary composition by a young piper) and featuring instrumentals like "Crossroads" and "The Loop" that merged ceilidh bounce with atmospheric production. Songs such as "Foghar" and the title track "Ùrar" exemplified evolving arrangements, with Innes contributing original tunes to enhance the album's introspective yet buoyant tone. Critics noted it as a "notch more interesting" evolution, praising the tighter rhythm section and nuanced enthusiasm that elevated their sound. In 2025, released To the Wind, their sixth studio , comprising 9 tracks that continue to blend traditional Scottish folk with modern influences. The features original compositions by Innes and bandmates, including Gaelic songs like "Gaol 's Gaire" and instrumentals such as "Standing Still" and "Downpour," showcasing a transitional energy with fresh lineup contributions. Released on via Mànran Records in , digital, and vinyl formats for the first time, it received positive reviews for its dynamic vitality and touring support. Throughout their trajectory, Innes has been instrumental in compositions, penning numerous tunes integrated into Mànran's sets and albums, from early reels to later reflective pieces, often inspired by Highland traditions. The band has toured extensively in at events like Hebrides Celtic Festival and , while venturing internationally to venues in , , , and the , including Milwaukee Irish Fest, where their high-octane live shows—marked by audience participation and seamless medleys—have solidified their reputation as ambassadors of modern Scottish folk.

Solo recordings and performances

Gary Innes released his debut solo album, How’s the ?, in 2005 on Records, showcasing his skills through a collection of traditional Scottish and Irish tunes, including and jigs that reflect his roots in Highland folk music. The album featured collaborations with musicians such as Duncan Lyall on and on drums, emphasizing Innes's crisp, energetic playing style in an intimate pub-session vibe. In 2017, Innes followed with his second solo album, Era, launched at the Celtic Connections festival in , which blended traditional Scottish melodies with original compositions inspired by his life experiences, including tracks like "The Road to " and "The Caman Man" that highlight Irish and Highland influences. Recorded with a range of guest artists, the album marked a maturation in his solo work, incorporating more structured arrangements while retaining the lively spirit of Celtic traditions. That same year, Innes received the Instrumentalist of the Year award at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards, recognizing his virtuosic performances and contributions to the genre. Innes released his third solo album, Imminent, in February 2019 on his own GHI Records label. Comprising 11 original tracks, it draws from his diverse influences, featuring upbeat accordion-driven sets like "The Doctor's Order" and reflective pieces such as "The Alpha " and "Starlight," with guest musicians enhancing the Highland folk sound. The album highlights Innes's compositional growth, blending shinty themes and global travels into accessible, toe-tapping arrangements. Innes's solo live performances have evolved from informal sessions in his to prominent appearances and high-profile events, demonstrating his expertise in diverse settings. A standout moment came during Runrig's farewell concerts at on 17 and 18 August , where Innes provided support on , joining the band for the song "Clash of the Ash" in front of thousands of fans. This performance underscored his ability to bridge solo traditions with larger-scale contexts, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile live artist.

Notable collaborations and events

Gary Innes has frequently collaborated with prominent figures in Scottish traditional music, notably performing alongside the band on several occasions. In 2014, he joined for a performance of "Clash of the Ash" at , showcasing his skills in a shinty-themed segment. He reprised this collaboration in 2018 during 's farewell concert at , contributing to the event's closing set. Additionally, Innes participated in recording sessions for a documentary in 2023, interviewing key members Calum and Rory MacDonald. Innes organizes the annual Hoolie in the Hydro, a major celebration of Scottish music held at Glasgow's arena. The event, which began in 2022, features a diverse lineup of traditional and contemporary acts, drawing thousands of attendees each year. The 2025 edition, scheduled for December 13 and themed "The Big Yin," honors comedian with co-hosts and ; it includes performances by the Oban High School Pipe Band alongside other artists. In April 2025, Innes spearheaded Hoolie in New York at as part of NYC Tartan Week, hosted by and featuring acts such as , , , and the Oban High School Pipe Band; the event earned a nomination for Event of the Year at the 2025 MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards. Innes contributed as a guest to Fèis Phàislig's 10th anniversary concert, announced in 2025 and set for February 7, 2026, at Paisley . The event unites over 100 performers, including young learners, , a Gaelic choir, and local pipe bands, with special guests such as Josie Duncan and fellow member Ewen Henderson; it premieres a commissioned Gaelic song reflecting the organization's impact on Renfrewshire's cultural scene. Recent developments in 2024 and 2025 highlight Innes's ongoing international engagement, including announcements promoting Hoolie events and collaborations. In October 2025, he broadcast live from for Scotland's Your Requests program at 1:20 a.m. local time, sharing Scottish music dedications despite the time difference.

Shinty career

Club and international playing

Gary Innes joined Fort William Shinty Club at the age of 13 in 1993, after his initial youth team with disbanded. He quickly progressed through the club's ranks, establishing himself as a key wing forward during the , where his speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability made him one of the 's standout players. Innes's early exposure to shinty came during childhood at Kilmonivaig Primary School in , fostering a lifelong passion for the game. Throughout the 2000s, Innes played a pivotal role in Fort William's rise, contributing to their sustained success in the Camanachd Cup, shinty's premier knockout competition. The club reached eight consecutive finals from 2004 to 2011, securing five victories in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010, with Innes central to these campaigns through his on-field leadership and scoring prowess. A highlight came in the 2005 final against Kilmallie at An Aird, where Innes, serving as captain, scored a crucial goal in Fort William's 3-2 win (a.e.t.) and earned the Albert Smith Memorial Medal as Man of the Match for his dominant performance. Another landmark match was the 2010 Camanachd Cup final versus Kingussie at Bught Park, Inverness, where Innes netted the dramatic winning goal in the 89th minute to clinch a 3-2 victory, again receiving the Albert Smith Medal; this triumph marked Fort William's fifth title in the sequence and showcased his clutch ability under pressure. Innes also holds the distinction of scoring nine goals in a single league match against Glasgow Mid Argyll during this era, underscoring his offensive impact. On the international stage, Innes captained the national shinty team during the 2009/10 Shinty-Hurling International Series against . Under his leadership, secured a narrow 2-16 to 2-15 victory in the first leg at , , on October 30, 2010, though ultimately won the series aggregate 45-41 after prevailing 5-6 to 3-7 in the second leg at Bught Park. In the prior year's series, fell short, with defeating them 1-11 to 1-8 in the decisive match at Bught Park on October 31, 2009. These internationals highlighted Innes's tactical acumen and physical resilience, as the hybrid format demanded adaptation to hurling's rules while maintaining shinty's intensity. The physical demands of shinty in Innes's era, particularly as a forward, emphasized endurance, agility, and contact skills, with players often training twice weekly amid rural schedules that balanced the sport with full-time jobs. Innes highlighted the necessity of mastering self-protection techniques during intense close-quarters play, where opponents vied fiercely for the ball using 120cm-long camans. This era's routines focused on skill drills, fitness runs on Highland terrain, and match simulations to build stamina for 90-minute games on grass pitches, reflecting the sport's evolution toward greater professionalism while retaining its community-driven ethos.

Retirement and ambassadorship

Innes announced his retirement from competitive shinty in November 2014, at the age of 33, following Fort William's victory in the that secured their promotion to the . This decision came after a career spanning two decades with the club, having joined Fort William at age 13 following the disbandment of his initial youth team. The retirement was attributed to increasing commitments in his career, though his passion for the sport remained undiminished. In 2019, the Camanachd Association appointed Innes as the inaugural ambassador for the , the premier knockout competition in shinty. In this role, he focused on promoting the tournament's heritage and appeal, including attending finals and related events to engage fans and participants. His involvement helped highlight the sport's cultural significance, drawing on his background as a five-time winner. In June 2022, Innes made a brief return to recreational play, joining the newly formed Cruachanside club in the South Division 1 and scoring twice in his first match after an eight-year absence from competitive action. This appearance marked a nostalgic nod to his playing days without resuming full competitive involvement. Innes's post-retirement roles have enhanced shinty's visibility through media crossovers, such as his commentary on televised matches and shinty-themed compositions like the 2017 single "The Caman Man," a tribute to the sport. Additionally, he has organized music events blending Scottish folk with shinty promotion, including a 2019 showcase at Live featuring fellow musicians. These efforts have bridged his entertainment career with shinty, attracting broader audiences to the traditional Highland game.

Recent involvement and legacy

In 2025, the Camanachd Association introduced the Gary Innes Award for Club of the Year, recognizing excellence in youth development within shinty clubs, with Skye Shinty Academy receiving the inaugural honor on November 12. This naming reflects Innes's longstanding contributions to the 's growth, particularly among young players. Innes has continued his involvement with shinty through events such as the Lochaber Live at An Aird Shinty Pitch in Fort William in 2024, offering combined tickets with local shinty matches to promote cultural and sporting ties. In early 2025, he announced the 2025 edition of the festival, scheduled for at the same venue, signaling ongoing efforts to integrate shinty with broader Scottish events. Innes's legacy lies in his unique role as a connector between shinty, traditional music, and , elevating the sport's visibility within Scottish . As a former captain and presenter, he has used his platforms to advocate for shinty's preservation and expansion, including through charity initiatives like his single supporting women's shinty. His multifaceted career continues to inspire cross-disciplinary engagement, with 2025 announcements suggesting further involvement in shinty-related cultural projects.

Broadcasting career

Radio programs

Gary Innes has been the host of Take the Floor on since 24 September 2016, succeeding longtime presenter . The program airs on Saturday evenings and features a selection of Scottish , including live performances and requests from listeners interested in traditional ceilidh and tunes. In 2020, Innes launched a Sunday evening request show titled Your Requests with Gary Innes on 5 April, which replaced earlier formats and quickly became a staple for sharing personal messages alongside Scottish music selections. Broadcast from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., the show emphasizes dedications and audience-submitted tracks, fostering a sense of community through direct engagement. Both programs embody a lively ceilidh atmosphere, blending high-energy music sets with guest artist interviews and interactive elements such as live calls from listeners to discuss their favorite tunes or share stories. Innes's background in Scottish traditional enhances the authenticity of these broadcasts, allowing seamless transitions between performances and conversations. In October 2025, Innes extended the reach of Your Requests with Gary Innes by broadcasting live from , accommodating international time differences to connect with global audiences at 1:20 a.m. local time. This special episode highlighted the show's adaptability and ongoing popularity among the .

Live events and hosting

Gary Innes has established himself as a prominent host and organizer of large-scale live cultural events, particularly through his company An Aird Events, which he founded to promote Scottish traditional music and performance. His signature event, Hoolie in the Hydro, began as a conceptual post on in 2020 during the and has grown into an annual ceilidh attracting over 14,000 attendees at Glasgow's . Innes serves as the primary organizer, , and host, blending high-energy performances with participation to showcase contemporary and traditional Scottish acts. The 2025 edition of Hoolie in the Hydro, scheduled for December 13, features an expanded line-up including Elephant Sessions, Trail West, , and Beluga Lagoon, with pipe bands and special guest performances enhancing the festive atmosphere. Titled "The Big Yin," pays tribute to Sir on the 60th anniversary of his formation of , incorporating elements from his early career and receiving endorsement from Connolly himself. Celebrity guests such as actor join Innes as co-host, while comedian appears in the VIP segment, further elevating the production's star power and tying into Glasgow's 850th anniversary celebrations. As part of these celebrations, thousands of school pupils have been invited to attend for 50p per ticket in collaboration with , promoting access to Gaelic music and culture for young audiences. This iteration underscores Innes's skill in scaling intimate ceilidhs to arena-level spectacles, fostering a communal experience that revives traditional Scottish gatherings for modern audiences. In 2025, Innes expanded his live event portfolio internationally with Hoolie in New York, held on at as part of NYC Week. Organized by An Aird Events and featuring performances by a supergroup including Innes's band , the evening highlighted vibrant Scottish music and culture, hosted by to add theatrical flair. The event earned a for 'Event of the Year' at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in November 2025, recognizing its impact in promoting Scottish heritage abroad. Innes's hosting extends to television, where he has appeared on programs promoting music and shinty, such as Sky Sports coverage of shinty matches, Transworld Sport profiles of his dual career, and BBC Scotland's Landward, which explores rural traditions including traditional music performances. These appearances often intersect with his live event work, as seen in promotional segments for Hoolie events that preview line-ups and cultural themes. His background in BBC radio, where he has hosted shows like Take the Floor for nearly a decade, provides a foundation for his engaging on-stage presence. Through these endeavors, Innes adeptly blends broadcasting expertise with live performance, curating events that not only entertain but also preserve and innovate within Scottish cultural traditions. His role as a multifaceted host has positioned him as a key figure in revitalizing ceilidhs and traditional music on global stages.

Personal life

Family and marriage

Gary Innes married Hannah Matheson, a native of Taynuilt, on 8 April 2017 in a ceremony held in a marquee on the local shinty field, attended by over 500 guests including prominent figures from the traditional music scene. The couple has two daughters: their first, Grace, born in 2019, and their second born in 2021. As of 2025, Grace is six years old and her sister is four. Innes and his family reside in the area of , where he balances his demanding public career in music, , and shinty ambassadorship with family responsibilities. His wife has described him as a , particularly noting her concerns over his ambitious projects like organizing large-scale events during uncertain times. While Innes maintains a degree of around his , he has publicly acknowledged the support from his family, crediting them as a key source of inspiration and stability amid his professional commitments, such as in interviews reflecting on fatherhood's influence on his creative work.

Other professions

Innes served as an auxiliary firefighter with the in for over 15 years until early 2015, responding to local emergencies alongside his other pursuits. He simultaneously took on the role of , providing critical emergency medical support and aid in his Highland community for nine years. These public service positions demanded rigorous training and on-call availability, which Innes balanced with his competitive shinty playing and burgeoning music career, often traveling frequently between Glasgow—where he pursued music professionally—and the Highlands. The physical and mental honed through and first response, including the risk of injuries that could impair his accordion playing, contributed to the structured approach he applied to maintaining high in shinty and music. After retiring from the fire service in 2015 due to escalating music tour and training commitments, and concluding his duties, Innes fully transitioned to a career in , allowing him to dedicate himself entirely to composition, performance, and broadcasting. His early life in further fueled this commitment to , shaping his multifaceted professional path.

Discography

Solo albums

Gary Innes released his debut solo album, How’s the Craic?, in 2005 on Skipinnish Records, marking an early exploration of fusing Scottish and Irish traditional tunes through his accordion playing. The album features instrumental sets and Gaelic songs, with key tracks including "The Wee Purple Fella," a lively reel set blending highland influences, and "Filioro," a poignant Gaelic air sung by Darren MacLean that highlights the cross-cultural dialogue. Critics praised its energetic fusion and clean production, noting the first-rate vocal contributions and rhythmic drive from collaborators like double bassist Duncan Lyall and drummer Martin O'Neill, though it remained a niche release in the Scottish folk scene without significant commercial sales data reported. In 2017, Innes released Era on his own GHI Records label, a more mature work emphasizing themes of Scottish heritage, shinty (the traditional sport), and personal reflection through self-penned compositions; the album preceded his win as Instrumentalist of the Year at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards later that year. Standout tracks include "The Caman Man," a spirited tribute to shinty with driving rhythms, and "The Road to ," an evocative strathspey evoking Highland landscapes. The album received strong critical acclaim for Innes's crisp work and sensitive collaborations with guests like fiddler Charlie Grey, described as a " of praise" to cultural roots, though sales figures were modest, aligning with the market's limited reach by 2025. Innes's third solo effort, Imminent, arrived in 2019 on GHI Records, building on his established style with a mix of original tunes and songs that reflect life transitions and musical evolution. Highlights feature "Starlight," Innes's vocal debut showcasing introspective lyrics, and "The Alpha Runrig," a nod to Scottish music icons with upbeat energy, alongside instrumentals like "MV Sheerwater" inspired by maritime themes. Reception highlighted its embellished folk roots and guest appearances, including Capercaillie's Karen Matheson on "Swan Song," positioning it as a worthy successor to Era in the traditional music circuit, with no major sales breakthroughs noted up to 2025 amid the genre's specialized audience.

Mànran albums

Mànran, the Scottish Celtic folk-rock band co-founded by Gary Innes in 2010, has built a discography centered on high-energy Gaelic songs and instrumentals, with Innes providing throughout and contributing compositions to highlight the band's dynamic sound. The band's debut single, "Latha Math," released in 2011, introduced their energetic folk-rock style blending traditional Scottish elements with contemporary drive, peaking at number 61 on the UK Singles Chart. This track, meaning "good day" in Gaelic, featured Innes's lively lines supporting upbeat vocals and rhythms, setting the tone for 's mission to popularize Gaelic music. The self-titled debut album Mànran, also from 2011, expanded on this foundation with 10 tracks of vigorous folk-rock, including "Latha Math" and sets of reels and airs that showcased Innes's accordion as a core melodic force alongside pipes and fiddle. Recorded in the Scottish Highlands, the album captured the band's raw live energy, emphasizing original material rooted in Celtic traditions. In 2013, The Test marked Mànran's sophomore effort, delivering 11 tracks of intensified rock-infused folk with Innes's accordion driving intricate arrangements in songs like "Take You There" and instrumental medleys. The album supported the band's growing international profile, including European and North American tours, where Innes's performances highlighted the instrument's versatility in bridging traditional and modern sounds. The Two Days (An Dà Là), released in 2017, explored themes of change and renewal through nine original tracks, with Innes contributing accordion features that added emotional depth to Gaelic vocals and pipe-led anthems. Drawing from the band's extensive touring—over 30 countries by this point—the album balanced power and introspection, fueling further global performances. Mànran's 2021 album Ùrar, meaning "fresh" or "flourishing" in Gaelic, innovated with balanced vocal-instrumental compositions in English and Gaelic, where Innes co-wrote tunes like "Crossroads" and "The Loop," using to weave uplifting, modern arrangements over traditional foundations. Reviewers praised its evolution, noting the fresh songwriting and production that maintained the band's high-energy ethos. The band's latest release, To the Wind in 2025, continues this trajectory with nine tracks influenced by global tours, featuring Innes's and compositional input on instrumentals like "Gaol 's Gaire" and songs reflecting transition and resilience. No re-releases or major updates to prior albums have occurred since 2023.

Contributions to other works

Gary Innes has made notable contributions as a guest musician on live recordings and select tracks by other artists, particularly within Scottish traditional and genres, as well as collaborative . With the group Box Club, Innes contributed to their self-titled debut Box Club, released in 2008, which features a mix of traditional and original tunes performed by a collective of Scottish musicians including John Somerville and Hamish Napier. In 2009, Innes collaborated with guitarist Ewan Robertson on the duo Shouts, blending and guitar in instrumental sets and songs drawing from Scottish and Irish traditions, with tracks like "I Can't Sing Tonight I've Left My Teeth At Home!" and "Beeswing / Leslie's New Kitchen." On 's 2008 live DVD Year of the Flood, recorded during their 2007 performance at , Innes provided accordion accompaniment for the track "Clash of the Ash," enhancing the band's energetic shinty-themed anthem with his distinctive style. In 2018, Innes joined for their farewell concerts at on August 17 and 18, performing before over 50,000 attendees as part of "The Last Dance" events. His work on "Clash of the Ash" during these shows was captured in the full Runrig: The Last Dance, which aired on in April 2021 and featured additional Scottish guests like and . More recently, Innes appeared as a featured on the self-titled debut album by electronic folk fusion band Valtos. He contributed to the track "," a high-energy piece blending traditional pipes with modern beats, co-written by band members Allan Macdonald and Euan McLaughlin. Innes has also composed and produced material for various projects, though specific credits beyond his primary band work remain limited in public discographies up to 2025. His involvement in live events like the Hoolie in the Hydro series, which he organizes, often includes impromptu collaborations with artists such as and Elephant Sessions, but no dedicated live albums from these have been released as of November 2025.

References

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