Delve
Delve returned for its fourth year and the 2026 version invited everyone to Delve into the North Isles for a weekend celebrating the rich culture of Orkney and Shetland with music, film, and spoken word.
The guest curator, acclaimed Shetland fiddle player Chris Stout was at the helm, weaving the stories and spirit of the North Isles into a unique weekend featuring exceptional artists from Orkney and Shetland in a programme rich in creativity, connection and unforgettable performances.
Delve 2026
A few words from Chris Stout, Guest Curator
It is a great honour to be joining forces with Aberdeen Performing Arts and curating ‘Delve’ 2026. As a native Shetlander who has made music his career and been so fortunate to travel the world and work with some of the most incredible artists, it is a true labour of love to be able to get underneath the skin of both my beloved Shetland Islands and our nearest and dearest friends in Orkney.
Between these unique Island groups in the North Sea, we have the most incredible and vast display of creative talent, in music, art, film, dance and theatre to name but a few…our Islands hold deep- rooted traditions which have influenced artists for hundreds of years and continue to shine a guiding light over much of the contemporary art and music which is created today.
As much as the contemporary arts scene is beautifully complex and varied, it is still important to recognise that social gathering and celebration are so important to Orkney and Shetland folk alike. Being together in these seemingly isolated islands, warming our souls during long periods of what can be harsh winter months or just celebrating the lightening of the days – showing collective appreciation for and taking in all the creative pursuits of talented individuals has been so important to me as I pieced together the programme.
What really makes the characteristics of the people from these North Isles…language, conversation, social gatherings, musical energy, exploration in creativity, landscape and how it has shaped our people…the deep thoughtful souled characters who can entertain as easily as they can sit quietly, listening intently to others. I’m proud to call these people my friends, family and fellow Islanders
I hope this weekend of culture gives you a warm embrace from the north Islands of Orkney and Shetland.
– Chris Stout
no-logo
Music from the North Isles
The Delve 2026 programme welcomed talented artists to share music from Orkney and Shetland. Including, Norman Wilmore, Corrie Dick, Chris Stout, Kris Drever, Ross Couper, Ryan Couper, Kevin Henderson, Haverin and The Chair.
no-logo
Fiddle Workshops
We couldn’t go without a couple of fiddle workshops when talking about music from the islands. Ross Couper and Anya Johnston shared their knowledge and insights into the fiddle scene by teaching some tunes from Yell and their own repertoire.
no-logo
Celebrating In All Forms
In addition to the music performances, we had a film screening of The Rugged Island with a live score from Inge Thomson & Catriona MacDonald. As well as an afternoon of words and music with Christie Williamson in conversation with Jen Stout, with additional performances from Jenny Keldie and Brian Cromarty.
no-logo
A Sunday Stramash
The weekend got wrapped up in a flurry of bows with Haverin, featuring many artists from the Delve weekend. It was a charming evening of indie folk music and a perfect way to end the celebrations of Orkney and Shetland’s rich culture.
Support Us
If you have a little extra and would like to support the work we do here at Aberdeen Performing Arts, then consider donating to us directly.
Your donation can help develop local talent, provide opportunities to those who don’t have the chance to join in or assist in producing unique performances.
