Scottish 2026 Bursary Scheme

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

We’re delighted to announce that applications are now open for the Sessions & Sail 2026 Scottish Bursary Scheme.

We’re offering six fully-funded places on our 2026 Scottish season voyages, aimed at folk musicians who might not usually be able to access an experience like this. The bursary covers food, accommodation and expert music tuition, giving successful applicants the chance to join one of our unique sailing and music voyages completely free of charge. We’re particularly keen to hear from musicians aged 18–25, though musicians of all ages are welcome to apply. 

If you have any questions, feel free to DM us on social media or email bursary@sessionsandsail.com.

Deadline: Applications close 8 February 2026
Notification: Successful applicants will be notified by the end of February 2026

 

Voyage options:

- Celtic Fringe 2026: Barra to Orkney | May 17 - 23, 2026

- Celtic Fringe 2026: Orkney to Shetland | May 24 - 30, 2026

- Simmer Dim B 2026: Shetland | June 21 - 27, 2026

- Skaldic Fringe 2026: Shetland to Mallaig | June 28 - 4, 2026

- Hebrides 2026: Barra to Oban | Aug 02 - 08, 2026

Good luck — and please share this opportunity with anyone who might benefit!

Bursary Scheme 2025 - Report

Sessions and Sail Bursary Scheme Australia 2026

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

4 fully funded bursary placements have been awarded for our Australia 2026 voyage.  We look forward to having them aboard the legendary Søren Larsen in February!

Congratulations to the recipients:

- George Teasdell

- Margot Roberts

- Meg McClintock

- Nikita Stevenson 

Sessions and Sail Bursary Scheme 2025

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

7 fully funded bursary placements were awarded for our 2025 Scottish season. A massive thank you to our bursary donors for making these opportunities possible!

 Congratulations to the recipients:

Firth of Clyde 2025 – Elsa Galbraith and Ryan Worrell

Songwriting 2025 – Shirley Barr

Solstice A 2025 – Henry Hyndman

Solstice B 2025 – Caroline Sharp and Emma Montgomery

Bluegrass 2025 – Beni Basten

Sessions and Sail Bursary Scheme 2024

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

On 14th March 2024, we announced the return of the Sessions and Sail Bursary Scheme.

We were delighted to award three fully funded places, supporting participants who might not otherwise have been able to join us. 

Congratulations to our 2024 recipients:

Solstice B 2024 Freya Taylor

South Mull and Lorne 2024 Cameron Clark and Martha Spence

 

 

Sessions and Sail Bursary Scheme 2023

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

2023 marked the launch of our very first Bursary Scheme and we were thrilled to be able to offer two fully sponsored places on our summer voyages.

Congratulations to our 2023 recipients:

Orkney 2023 – Daniel Castro 

Solstice 2023 –  Elinor Roderick