About
Photo by Martin Venherm
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Rachel and Holli are an emerging duo on the Scottish traditional music scene. Accordionist, pianist and singer Rachel Campbell grew up in Oban, where her musical journey began at a young age through participation in Fèis Latharna. There, she studied under Michael Garvin before continuing her training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with John Somerville. Rachel graduated in 2022 with a BMus in Traditional Music.
Fiddler Holli Scott, from Dunoon, first picked up the fiddle at the age of nine through a local community workshop. Through her secondary school, she received tuition from acclaimed fiddlers Jack Smedley and Graham Mackenzie. Since then, she has immersed herself in Scotland’s traditional music scene, developing her musicianship and experience through playing at ceilidhs and sessions across the country.
The pair first met in 2016 while taking part in the Argyll Ceilidh Trail, where they quickly formed a strong musical connection. After pursuing separate career paths for several years, they recently both found themselves living in Glasgow and in 2024 they officially formed their duo, Rachel and Holli.
Drawing on their shared roots in Argyll, Rachel and Holli combine accordion, piano, fiddle and vocals to create engaging arrangements that weave together traditional and contemporary Scottish music. Their performances are characterised by rich textures, thoughtful interplay and a strong sense of connection, both with each other and with audience members.
Passionate about bringing live music to community venues, Rachel and Holli strive to create performances that feel welcoming, intimate and memorable. Their warm stage presence and natural rapport have quickly earned them recognition across the Scottish folk scene.
In July 2025, the duo released their debut single, In the Stream, and went on to win an acclaimed Danny award in the Danny Kyle Open Stage at Celtic Connections 2026. Earlier this year, they joined the team of musicians at Live Music Now Scotland, and are enjoying connecting with communities across Scotland through musical performance. They are currently touring Scotland in celebration of the release of their debut EP, Testing the Waters.
