Traitors star Stephen Libby set to take up Hoolie in the Hydro hosting duties

Traitors star Stephen Libby is set to take on hosting duties at this year’s Hoolie in the Hydro. He will appear alongside fellow Hebridean star Julie Fowlis.

Stephen, from the Isle of Lewis, will be swapping the Round Table for the OVO Hydro as he prepares to co-host Scotland’s biggest night of traditional music on Saturday 12 December 2026.

Stephen said: “It’s a huge honour to be co- hosting Hoolie in the Hydro – Local Hero this year. I have always felt incredibly proud of where I am from, and traditional music is such an important part of life in the Western Isles and across Scotland. I can’t wait to celebrate that in December and to share the stage with some of our country’s finest musicians.”

This year’s theme takes inspiration from the 1983 film of the same name, with performers celebrating Scottish legends, both on stage and in communities across the country.

Trad music fans can expect to see favourites such as Mànran, Beluga Lagoon, The Chair, Blazin’ Fiddles, Donnie Munro, Dougie MacLean, Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis and Ruairidh Gray, and more on stage across the night, will be Capercaille founding member Donald Shaw, the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, Gaelic singer Kathleen MacInnes, the Scottish Police and Community Choir, and fiddle player Aly Bain, who this year celebrates his 80th birthday.

Long-standing Hoolie in the Hydro host Julie Fowlis said: “I’m really excited to be taking part in the Hoolie again this year – it’s fast becoming an annual tradition to head to Glasgow in December to celebrate the finest of Scottish music with the best crowd! I also love the Hydro – the arena is epic, and we are looking forward to welcoming some fantastic musicians and singers to the stage. This year honouring Local Heroes adds an extra sentimental element to the evening which will be magical.”

Hoolie is also rolling out the red carpet for even more of Scotland’s finest to be part of the occasion. Record-breaking rowers The MacLean Brothers and charity fundraiser Craig Ferguson are among the inspirational Scots set to join the festivities.

And organisers are also now on the hunt for everyday local heroes from across Scotland that make a difference in their community to be part of the night.

From volunteering and charity work to supporting young people, championing local culture, sport or music, or simply going above and beyond for others, Hoolie in the Hydro - Local Hero wants to hear who is making a difference and deserves a night out.

Public nominations are open from Monday 7 September – Sunday 4 October at www.anairdevents.com/nominateyourlocalhero

Hoolie in the Hydro organiser, broadcaster and musician Gary Innes, said: “Hoolie in the Hydro – Local Hero is all about celebrating traditional music and the musicians who have helped shape Scotland’s now vast musical landscape. This year, I’m over the moon that we’re also going to celebrate the incredible characters, personalities and people who make our wee country so special. The unsung heroes of Scotland are just as important, and communities across the country now have the chance to nominate their very own local hero.

“It will also be fantastic to have Stephen Libby and Julie Fowlis at the helm. Julie, or ‘Hoolie Fowlis’ as I like to call her, has become an integral part of the event, while Stephen has shown himself to be a terrific character and ambassador for Scotland, and indeed for traditional music, since winning The Traitors. The countdown is well and truly on for this special night.”