Named in a Scotsman poll as the best ceilidh band in Scotland, and the inaugural winners of the Best Scottish Dance band at the first ever Trad Music Awards, Alasdair MacCuish & the Black Rose Cèilidh Band has been putting their stamp on Ceilidh music for more than 30 years. The band first came to prominence in the early nineties when the ceilidh dance scene in Glasgow was in rude health. Venues like the Riverside Club and the Renfrew Ferry were packing in audiences every weekend with young ceilidh-goers keen to strut their stuff on the dance-floor to the new breed of dance band that was emerging.  The Black Rose quickly developed a reputation for combining first class musicianship with an exciting energy and creative arrangements that made them firm favourites in Glasgow and beyond.

Tonight, Alasdair has assembled a crack crew from across Scotland;  some of the best dance band players in the country combined with a few surprise guests from the wider folk scene.

Rory Matheson is no stranger to Celtic Connections but returning to his roots, The Rory Matheson Dance Band burst onto the scene in 2025 with a fresh sound firmly rooted in the West Coast, Highland traditions of where Rory calls home.

Best known as front man with Tide Lines, Robert Robertson’s first instrument was the accordion, so he is no stranger to the ceilidh world. Tonight, Robert dusts off the box once again for a few ceilidh dances, West Highland style.

Adding a final bit of sparkle to the night are 3 of our finest instrumentalists and tunesmiths. Bringing some fiddling magic to the proceedings will be Allan Henderson and Graham MacKenzie, and concertina virtuoso and champion of our music Simon Thoumire completes the exciting line-up.

Expect to have your socks well and truly danced off, like never before!

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Celtic Connections 15 January – 1 February, 2026