Arcadia Scotland

Famed for its lively use of the fiddle, proud tones of the bagpipes and often whimsical Gaelic lyrics, among other features, Scotland's folk music scene is something you should experience while you are here.

Scottish traditional music has origins that date back to the medieval period, though the real rise in Scottish music came after the Reformation when piping families such as the MacArthurs, MacCrimmonds and MacGregors came to prominence at the end of the 17th century.  Poets such as Allan Ramsay, Robert Burns and James Johnson as well as musicians such as Neil and Nathanial Gow and Habbie Simpson perpetuated Scottish musical traditions throughout the 18th century and into the 19th century, when a renewed interest in traditional music led to rise of more academic and political uses of music.

While traditional music in Scotland was somewhat marginalized after World War II, folk clubs and figures such as Alan Lomax, Peter Kennedy and Hamish Henderson kept folk traditions alive. By the 1960s, folk music was flourishing again in Scotland, giving way to figures and groups such as the Ewan MacColl and the Corries.

Folk music continues to be played in pubs, concert halls and a variety of venues across Scotland.  The tradition has even developed into genres such as Celtic Rock and Electric Folk, which continue to demonstrate the versatility of the instruments and those playing them.

Provided the variety and history of this rich tradition, we highly recommend that you experience some of the many musical offerings around you.  We have found a few events which might help to get you started on your exploration of Scottish folk music.

Aberdeen

Michael mcgoldrick, john doyle & john mccusker

6 march, blue lamp, 8pm

Enjoy traditional flute music by these three greats.

Dallahan

4 march, underdog, 8pm

Dallahan offers a fresh take on Celtic traditions.

Mairi Campbell

19 march, phoenix community centre, 7:30pm

Campbell is one of Scotland's most famous female singers and this show combines music, animation and movement.

Edinburgh

Café ceilidh

14 March, Scottish Storytelling centre, 2-4pm

Hosted by the Scots Music Group, this relaxed session offers the chance to enjoy and participate.

Edinburgh's festival of Ireland

17-25 march, various venues and times

So it's not exactly traditional Scottish music, but getting into the Irish music scene is also a great way to get a sense of Celtic traditions.  With a range of events on offer, it's worth checking out this festival!

Edinburgh HIghland reel & Strathspey Society - Annual concert

11 March, the Queen's hall, 7:30pm

This is the event to attend if you want to hear the Scottish fiddle at its best!

Glasgow

Nathanial gow's dance band

28 march, oran mor, 8:30pm

Calling upon the work of one of Scotland's most famous musicians, this event seeks to re-invent the 18th-century ceilidh.

laura marling

10 march, O2 Glasgow, 7pm

Laura Marling is a great example of how Scottish music has evolved. As a part of the Alt.Folk movement, her work is compelling and fresh.

tartan shortbread tour

25 march, britannia panopticon music hall, 1:30pm

A funny take of folk music, this performance combines comedy with traditional Scottish music.

St andrews

Arbroath accordian & fiddle club monthly meeting

5 march, abroath golf club, 7:30pm

Enjoy the sounds of these instruments with local company. 

Southern tenant folk union

19 march, roseangle cafe arts, 2pm

A fusion of gospel, Celtic and bluegrass music.

john montgomery string band charity concert

 17 march, byre theatre, 7:30pm

A celebrated musician from St Andrews, John Montgomery blends folk music with rock.

Stirling

siobhan miller

11 march, tolbooth, 8pm

Miller is an award-winning singer, whose second album is due out this year.

kris drever

1 march, milngavie folk club, 7:30pm

Hailing from Orkney, Kris Drever offers a fresh sound with traditional elements.