Scotland’s live music scene

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One of Andy Goldsworthy's Striding Arches on Bail Hill

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Scotland’s music scene is alive and kicking, from traditional folk and bagpipe music to classical performances and gigs held across the country.

Whatever your musical taste, Scotland’s vibrant live music scene is an eclectic mix of styles and it forms an important part of the nation’s identity.

With 2012 the Year of Creative Scotland, there has never been a better time to explore the rich variety of musical events and experiences on offer. Immerse yourself in the traditional Scottish folk music, enjoy classical music or an opera performance in one of the country’s magnificent concert halls, catch a gig or attend a music festival.

As a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow holds over 100 live events of all musical styles each week.

These live events include classical concerts by the likes of the Royal Scottish National and Scottish Chamber Orchestras, and intimate gigs in King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. Experience world-class ballet and opera performances at the Theatre Royal, or a large scale arena tour at the SECC.

Venues including Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall and Usher Hall, Eden Court in Inverness, Perth Concert Hall and the Music Hall, Lemon Tree and His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen all host jam-packed programmes of music, comedy, theatre and dance events throughout the year.

Scotland’s music festival scene is also thriving. From the hugely popular T in the Park and RockNess summer events to the Celtic Connections world and folk music festival in January and the celebration of Gaelic culture in the Royal National MOD or Blas Festival, wherever you are in the country, enjoy the wonderful musical variety. Live music sessions in pubs and clubs around the country showcase the unrivaled talent among the country’s musicians.

In the Year of Creative Scotland, make sure you experience the fantastic choice of music that Scotland has on offer.

  • The band Skerryvore perform live at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut
    King Tut's Wah Wah Hut
  • People enjoying a traditional music session in the bar of Hootananny, Inverness
    A traditional music session in the bar of Hootananny, Inverness
  • A group of musicians taking part in the East Neuk Festival
    The East Neuk Festival
The crowd at the main stage at T in the Park, Balado

Contemporary music

Scotland’s exciting contemporary music scene features events and festivals across the country which attract international artists and nurture the Scottish stars of the future. Check out the great range of gigs during the Year of Creative Scotland 2012.

A pipe band marching at the World Pipe Band Championships, Glasgow Green

Traditional Scottish music

From the bagpipes to the fiddle and accordion, and Gaelic song to the clarsach, there has never been a better time to explore the country's diverse traditional music than during 2012, the Year of Creative Scotland.

A group of musicians taking part in the East Neuk Festival

Classical music

Classical music in Scotland is thriving, with wonderful concert halls and theatres offering inspiring musical performances. With this the Year of Creative Scotland 2012, there has never been a better time to experience Scotland’s classical music scene.