First Minister Enjoys Music and Mixology at Popular Moray Festival

Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, made a memorable visit to Speyfest this weekend, a beloved festival in the heart of the Highlands. The festival, held in Fochabers, Moray, marked its 26th year with a lineup of over 30 musical performances. Yousaf, accompanied by his family, enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere, mingled with festival-goers, and even tried his hand at mixology, preparing alcohol-free cocktails for the crowd.

Speyfest, which began in 1995, has become a staple in Scotland’s cultural calendar, celebrating traditional music and the spirit of the community. Yousaf took the stage to introduce the Auld Fochabers Fiddlers, a local string band, and also met Ryan Murphy, a talented pipe and whistle player from the band Imar. Murphy, who performed for Yousaf, praised the First Minister for his down-to-earth nature and his genuine interest in the festival’s atmosphere.

Over the weekend, more than 160 musicians performed, with acts such as Skerryvore, Manran, and Talisk taking the stage, delighting the thousands of fans who attended. The First Minister took to Twitter to express his gratitude for the festival and its organisers, highlighting a beautiful tribute by the Auld Fochabers Fiddlers to James Alexander, the festival’s founder.

Speyfest’s chief organiser, Ashleigh MacGregor, shared pride in the festival’s success and lasting legacy. She noted how the event continues to shine as a platform for both emerging talent and well-established performers, while preserving Scotland’s rich musical heritage. This year’s event was particularly significant as it marked the first time a sitting First Minister had attended.