Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan Maclean ascended 3,196 feet up the mountain with an accordion, bagpipes, and guitar in tow.
In a remarkable display of determination and musical passion, three record-setting brothers held a concert at the summit of Ben Lomond, preceding a major festival event.
Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan Maclean, hailing from Edinburgh, hauled their musical instruments—an accordion, bagpipes, and a guitar—a staggering 3,196 feet up the mountain near Loch Lomond on Thursday, January 8.
The trio, who recently achieved a new world record by rowing from Peru to Australia in 139 days without stops, performed several pieces including an original song dedicated to their father. Despite their experience, the brothers acknowledged the difficulty posed by the frigid temperatures affecting their ability to play.
Ewan commented on the experience, noting, “We managed to play a few pieces at the peak, including ‘Fae Charlach,’ a piece we wrote for our dad, but the cold quickly numbed our hands making it clear we couldn’t continue for long.”
“At that moment, it was about recognizing the need to stop and save our music for later, once we had descended and warmed up,” he added.
The brothers embarked on their climb early in the morning, equipped with headlamps and trekking poles, braving the icy conditions. “We checked the weather beforehand, ensured we had suitable winter gear, and carried the right equipment,” Ewan explained.
“We also consciously chose not to consume any alcohol on the mountain, opting instead for Innis & Gunn alcohol-free beer, saving the rest for when we were back at lower altitudes,” he further mentioned.
After reaching the summit, the brothers performed a brief set in the bone-chilling cold. “We attempted a couple of songs at the summit, including ‘Fae Charlach,’ but the cold quickly affected our hands, and it was clear that we could not perform for long,” Ewan reiterated.
“It was crucial to know when to stop and save the music for later, once we were warm again,” he stated.
The adventurous siblings undertook this challenge just before this year’s Celtic Connections festival, in collaboration with Innis & Gunn, which officially starts on January 15 and runs until February 1.
Jamie Maclean shared, “Carrying our instruments across the Pacific, and now playing them on a Scottish peak during Celtic Connections feels incredibly special.”
“Facing the mountain in winter, surrounded by nothing but snow and sky, was a challenge in itself. It was a very Scottish test of endurance and reward, with music tying everything together,” he expressed.
The mountaintop performance served as a rehearsal for the brothers, who are scheduled to perform during the festival on January 21 at The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow.
The brothers will share the stage with artists like Ross Ainslie and Duncan Chisholm, who previously released a charity song supporting their trans-Pacific row. Vocalist Siobhan Miller and the Mull-based duo Sorren Maclean and Hannah Fisher will also perform alongside them.
Dougal Sharp, founder and master brewer at Innis & Gunn, commented, “Our ethos is all about quality, craftsmanship, and pushing boundaries appropriately. Producing a premium lager in Scotland means incorporating the same level of care and ambition into our cultural contributions as we do our beer.”
“Collaborating with the Maclean Brothers and Celtic Connections for a gig atop Ben Lomond was a perfect fit. It brought together top-tier Scottish music, a breathtaking landscape, and a finely brewed lager, creating a moment that could only occur here,” he concluded.
Following their ascent, the brothers celebrated with cans of Innis & Gunn Alcohol-Free Lager at the summit before descending to enjoy pints, music, and camaraderie at a local pub.
Donald Shaw, creative producer of Celtic Connections, added, “Our partnership with Innis & Gunn is founded on shared values of quality, creativity, and intentional action. Their support extends beyond mere branding, rooted deeply in genuine support for Scottish culture.”
“The Maclean Brothers embody our adventurous spirit. Just as they do, Celtic Connections tackles challenges head-on. Organizing a vast winter festival featuring over 1,200 musicians globally involves immense effort and teamwork, something these brothers understand well,” he noted.
Tickets for The Maclean Brothers and Special Guests at The Old Fruitmarket on January 21 are currently available through the Celtic Connections website.
Hi, I’m Benjamin, a member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a passion for writing and a deep interest in current affairs, I thoroughly enjoy bringing you the latest news and trends that affect our daily lives.
