Brought up in Taynuilt, Argyll, a part of the world steeped in Gaelic song and traditional music, Shaw was involved in all styles of music from an early age. Taught the accordion by his father, at 16 he won the All-Britain accordion championship. A year later, whilst still at Oban High School, returning to his love of roots music, he co-founded Capercaillie, with whom he still writes, produces and performs.
Shaw has composed for film and television His score for the film Transition (released in 2000) was British Academy of Film and Television Arts nominated for best soundtrack. In 2004 he composed "Harvest", a commission for the opening night of festival. As well as film music, he has produced and recorded on more than 50 albums for artists in all areas of music, and collaborated with musicians including as Nanci Griffith, Peter Gabriel, Ornette Coleman, Dulce Pontes and Bonnie Raitt.
He was musical director for the British Broadcasting Corporation arts show Tacsi, in which he produced collaborations with more than 200 musicians including Tommy Smith, Martyn Bennett and the British Telecom Ensemble.
He launched the independent label Vertical Records in 2000. In January 2004 he composed "Harvest", a commission for the opening night of the festival involving 100 musicians from all Celtic regions of Europe.
Also involved where some of the finest young traditional musicians from throughout Scotland from the ages of 13 to 18. "Harvest" was also performed at the 2006 Festival.
In 2006, Shaw was appointed Artistic Director of 2007.
