Ainsley Hamill with Sam Kelly & Toby Shaer

Ainsley Hamill (voice, harmonium) Sam Kelly (guitars, backing vocals) Toby Shaer (guitars, flute)

Mix Heather Small & Julie Fowlis and you’ve got singer songwriter Ainsley Hamill. Ainsley is one of the UK’s most distinctive and versatile singers, known for her remarkable voice, storytelling, and emotive style. Hailing from the West Coast of Scotland, Ainsley has built a career celebrated for its authenticity, merging traditional Scottish folk with a modern touch. In early 2025, Ainsley will release her much-anticipated third studio album, Fable, produced by Sam Kelly. Drawing inspiration from Scottish folklore and myth, Fable combines Gaelic, Scots and English with both traditional and original compositions and a rich tapestry of sounds. The album delves into the legends and landscapes of Scotland, with each track weaving a narrative that resonates with ancient stories and contemporary relevance. Catch Ainsley performing her new album live mixed in with some old favourites from Belle of the Ball and Not Just Ship Land, accompanied by Sam Kelly and Toby Shaer.

The Guardian Album of the Month: Not Just Ship Land
"Her voice thick with velvet and mirk ... hovering between the comforting warmth of The Breath and the whip - smart forlornness of early Adele ... Hamill has a big intriguing voice, it’s Scottishness ever-present."

"One of the best of her generation."
RnR Magazine

Ainsley’s accolades include being a BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Finalist, a Gaelic Singer of the Year nominee at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, and representing Scotland at Eurovision in Gothenburg. Her festival appearances are numerous, including a decade of performances at Celtic Connections and international stages like The Festival Interceltique de Lorient.

With roots nurtured at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Ainsley has a deep connection to Gaelic and traditional song. Formerly a member of the folk band Barluath, her songwriting featured on their albums Source and At Dawn of Day, along with several singles. She currently performs with Fourth Moon, blending Gaelic and English material and her signature step dancing.

Ainsley was featured in ‘TheList’ Hot 100 Cultural Scots 2024.