Hamish Napier is a native of Strathspey in the Scottish Highlands who writes music inspired by his homeland, in a series of solo albums The River, The Railway and The Woods. He performs his own compositions in three different duos, including Scottish fiddle player Patsy Reid, Strathspey guitarist Neil Jordan or Korean-Scottish cellist Su-a Lee.

He has been a major player in Scotland’s trad music scene for over 2 decades now: from first touring as a founding member of folk quartet Back of the Moon, to joining Man’s Ruin, Jarlath Henderson Band and forming Nae Plans with Adam Sutherland. 

His tunes have been recorded by Talisk, Imar, Blazin’ Fiddles and Simon Thoumire amongst others  - check out Hamish’s new tune library of over 115 tunes here.

With a deep understanding of trad music at the heart of everything he does, Hamish draws from his experience of mainstream, jazz and classical music. His music is often interdisciplinary, incorporating landscape films, poems and stories, and often the visual artwork of long-standing collaborator Somhairle MacDonald.

He has received writing commissions ranging from private tune commissions to mark special occasions for loved ones, to large-scale pieces by organizations such as Highland Council, Cairngorms Connect and Celtic Connections.

Hamish has appeared on over 45 Scottish folk albums, most as co-arranger or co-producer. He has an ongoing successful album co-writing partnerships with Scottish fiddle player Duncan Chisholm (Wolfstone) and piper Ross Ainslie, performing in each of their live groups.

He’s a natural teacher, and has been tutoring music as long as he’s been performing. Are you interested in a music lesson? 

You can also download some of his fascinating educational resources for trad music - including his innovative approach to trad music harmony called ‘Napier’s Modes’.

Hamish is very involved in local community arts and heritage in the Cairngorms, as a co-founder of Storylands Sessions - a performance hub for poetry, stories, music, art, dance and song.