Grant Hutchison Launches Leith Cider Fest Edinburgh Leith 2026

Key Points

• Grant Hutchison, former drummer of Frightened Rabbit, is launching the Ubhal Cider Gathering festival in Leith, Edinburgh, on 28 March.
• The event features 15 independent cider producers from Fife to Herefordshire, with two 100-capacity tasting sessions.
• Hutchison stepped back from touring in 2018 after the death of his brother and bandmate Scott Hutchison.
• He and his wife Jayne opened a cider shop called Aeble in Anstruther, Scotland, in 2021.
• The festival aims to tackle cider’s “perception problem” and promote craft producers.
• Hutchison previously ran a wholesale cider distribution business before relocating to Fife during the pandemic.
• His music career included performances at major festivals like Glastonbury, T in the Park, and Coachella.
• The launch coincides with five years since opening Aeble and 20 years since Frightened Rabbit’s debut album Sing the Greys.
• Hutchison noted a lack of quality cider options in Glasgow during touring, inspiring his venture into cider retail.
• The couple spotted a vacant shop in Anstruther in April 2021 and decided to “take a punt” on opening Aeble.

Leith, Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 23, 2026 – Grant Hutchison, the former drummer of Scottish indie rock band Frightened Rabbit, is set to launch the Ubhal Cider Gathering, a new cider festival bringing together 15 independent producers from Fife to Herefordshire. The event, scheduled for 28 March in Leith, will host two tasting sessions limited to 100 visitors each, highlighting craft ciders amid efforts to elevate the drink’s profile.

Who is Grant Hutchison and Why This Festival?

Grant Hutchison gained prominence as the drummer for Frightened Rabbit, a band celebrated for its poignant indie rock sound. He stepped back from touring in 2018 following the tragic death of his brother and bandmate Scott Hutchison. Since then, Hutchison has pivoted to the cider industry, opening Aeble, a cider shop in the East Neuk fishing town of Anstruther, Fife, alongside his wife Jayne.

The Ubhal Cider Gathering marks a significant expansion of their passion project. As reported in coverage of the announcement, the couple have said that the festival’s goal is to tackle cider’s “perception problem” and help craft producers get the credit they deserve. This initiative comes five years after launching Aeble and 20 years after Frightened Rabbit’s debut album Sing the Greys, blending Hutchison’s musical legacy with his entrepreneurial spirit.

Hutchison is known for having played countless festivals during his music career – including Glastonbury, T in the Park, and Coachella. With this new move, the Frightened Rabbit drummer is preparing to launch his own festival with a specific focus on cider.

What Sparked Hutchison’s Cider Journey?

Speaking about the venture, Hutchison said:

“Music is precarious and I was always thinking ahead to what I’d do in my forties. I probably would have opened some sort of cider shop or bar regardless, I just didn’t realise it would happen in quite the way it did.”

This reflection underscores a deliberate career shift from the uncertainties of music to a more stable venture in beverages.

Describing how it all began, Hutchison explained:

“When we were touring, especially in places like Bristol, I’d bring cases of cider back up with me because you just couldn’t get the good stuff in Glasgow. I’d see this whole world of small producers making incredible cider and then come home and find none of it on the shelves: it was always just the usual suspects like Strongbow and Bulmers. There was such a gap there. People didn’t know what they were missing.”

Before opening Aeble, Hutchison had already established a wholesale cider distribution business supplying bars and restaurants in Scotland. However, relocating from Glasgow to Anstruther during the pandemic made servicing the central belt impractical, forcing a rethink. The Hutchisons spotted a vacant shop with a for-rent sign in April 2021 and decided to “take a punt” on their cider shop dream.

What Can Visitors Expect at the Ubhal Cider Gathering?

The festival promises an immersive experience for cider enthusiasts. It will bring together 15 independent producers spanning from Fife in Scotland to Herefordshire in England, regions renowned for their cider heritage. Two tasting sessions, each capped at 100 capacity, will allow attendees to sample a diverse range of craft ciders, far removed from mainstream brands.

This event aligns with broader efforts to spotlight “incredible cider” from small-scale makers, addressing the gap Hutchison identified in the market. Visitors can anticipate expert-led tastings, discussions on production techniques, and direct interactions with producers, fostering appreciation for artisanal methods.

When and Where is the Event Taking Place?

The Ubhal Cider Gathering is slated for 28 March in Leith, a vibrant district in Edinburgh known for its thriving food and drink scene. Leith’s waterfront location adds to the appeal, offering a fitting backdrop for a festival celebrating regional producers. The date positions it perfectly for spring celebrations, drawing locals and tourists alike.

Why Focus on Craft Cider Producers?

The Hutchisons’ endeavour stems from a mission to elevate craft cider’s status. By curating producers from Fife to Herefordshire, the festival showcases varieties that highlight unique terroirs and traditional techniques. This helps counter the dominance of mass-produced options, educating palates and supporting small businesses.

Hutchison’s background in music festivals informs the event’s structure, promising a polished experience akin to the large-scale events he once performed at. The emphasis on independent makers ensures authenticity, with every cider telling a story of innovation and heritage.

How Did the Pandemic Influence This Venture?

The couple’s move from Glasgow to Anstruther during the pandemic proved pivotal. It not only shifted their logistics but also inspired the Aeble opening. Hutchison’s prior wholesale business, which supplied Scotland’s hospitality sector, became untenable post-relocation, paving the way for retail and now this festival.

Jayne Hutchison has been a key partner throughout, sharing the vision from shop to festival. Their story reflects resilience, turning personal and professional challenges into a platform for cider advocacy.

What is Frightened Rabbit’s Legacy in This Context?

Frightened Rabbit remains a cornerstone of Hutchison’s identity. Formed in Glasgow, the band released Sing the Greys in 2006, marking 20 years in 2026. Scott Hutchison’s passing in 2018 deeply affected Grant, leading to his touring hiatus. Yet, echoes of the band’s festival prowess resonate in the Ubhal Cider Gathering’s organisation.

Fans and music lovers may see parallels between the band’s raw, emotive performances and the festival’s aim to reveal hidden gems in cider. Hutchison’s transition honours his past while forging a new path.

Broader Impact on Scotland’s Cider Scene

This festival arrives at a time when Scotland’s craft drinks sector is burgeoning. Anstruther, in Fife’s East Neuk, benefits from Aeble’s presence, drawing cider aficionados to the area. Extending to Edinburgh amplifies reach, potentially boosting tourism in Leith.

By featuring producers from as far as Herefordshire, the event bridges regional divides, promoting unity through shared craftsmanship. It challenges preconceptions, positioning cider as a sophisticated choice rivaling wine or craft beer.

Future Plans for Hutchison and Aeble?

While specifics remain forthcoming, the festival signals ambition. Hutchison’s forward-thinking mindset – planning for his forties amid music’s precarity – suggests more expansions. Aeble could evolve into a hub for events, tastings, and collaborations.

The Ubhal Cider Gathering may become an annual fixture, cementing Hutchison’s role as a cider ambassador. With his festival experience, scaling up seems feasible.

Community and Industry Reactions

Initial buzz portrays the event positively, with cider enthusiasts praising the producer lineup. Industry observers note its potential to spotlight underrepresented makers. As a neutral observer, this launch underscores diversification in post-music careers for artists, blending culture and commerce.

No negative feedback has surfaced in available reports, reflecting broad support for Hutchison’s pivot.