From Glastonbury to Cider Fest: A Journey of Passion and Performance

As a member of Frightened Rabbit, one of the most significant bands of their era, Grant Hutchison performed at major events such as Glastonbury, T in the Park, and Coachella.

Nevertheless, he withdrew from full-time touring in 2018.after the passing of his brother and bandmate, Scott.

Currently residing in the East Neuk of Fife, away from his hometown of Selkirk, the 41-year-old has experienced a transformation in his life, now prioritizing his roles as a husband and father.

After leaving music, Grant had spent a lot of time thinking about life beyond it, but he never imagined the solution had been slowly developing for years.

"Eventually, one realizes that a music career, unless you achieve a specific level of success or have a band of a certain size, won't last forever," he said.

While traveling, Grant fully immersed himself in the craft cider scene, enjoying the opportunity to discover and sample independent brewers.

He discovered that every time he came back home after being away for months, there was a clear need in the market.

Relocating from Glasgow to the coastal town of Anstruther during the pandemic, Grant and his wife Jaye spotted a shop available for lease in the village, which led them to "take the gamble" and launch Aeble in 2021.

Now, five years later, life remains busy, with two young daughters and their first cider festival set to take place in March - The Ubhal Cider Gathering.

"Over the past 20 years, my life has transformed significantly, from wandering around Glasgow playing drums with my brother to where I am now—having two children, a wife, and a shop in a quiet coastal town," he said.

But it is no less busy, perhaps even more so.

Although he has entered a new stage of his life, Grant's memories of his late brother Scott remain as vivid as ever.

"It's something I contemplate every day, my connection with Scott and the reality that my children will never experience that, which remains a very difficult truth to confront," he said.

Nevertheless, the former drummer has come to appreciate that he is thankful for the part his brother continues to have in his daughters' lives.

"You can spot small pieces of him in them, it's a sorrowful yet sweet feeling, but it's also wonderful to see that parts of him are there," he added.

Where I am truly fortunate compared to someone in a similar situation who wasn't part of a band is that I can introduce them to their uncle and share his music, allowing them to, in a sense, grow up alongside him.

That holds a lot of significance for me, and I recognize that it's a privilege I possess that many others don't.

Twenty years after Frightened Rabbit's first album, Sing the Greys, Grant mentioned that he has discovered contentment in what could appear to be a shift away from music — yet in numerous respects, it felt like a return.

"You realize, when you consider it, we essentially established and managed our own business, and got it to a stage where we could earn a living from it," he explained.

In a sense, I had already begun a business, managed it, and achieved success.

His enduring passion for cider also contributed.

"Cider has always been a passion; we would perform in Bristol, and I would load the bus with a few crates, so in that way, it has truly been beneficial," he said.

Now, as he and his wife Jaye get ready to host their cider festival, they aim to change views - from "a drink you had when you were 16 in the park" to a beverage that holds the same prestige as wine or whiskey.

The event begins on March 28 at Custom Lane in Leith, and the pair aspire to shift some perspectives by highlighting small, traditional artisans.

"I truly believe that once people try it and understand what it is and why it costs more, this will change their perspective and create a significant impact," Grant added.