Traditional music

An elderly member of the Shetland Fiddlers plays in a concert in Lerwick

Traditional Scottish music isn't only about bagpipes and fiddles. Rather, it encompasses a range of styles and forms that emerged from different strands of the country's historical, geographical and social heritage.

  • Introduction

    Scotland has a proud musical tradition, interwoven with its history and culture. Start the story with an introduction to the traditions of Gaelic, folk and instrumental music.

  • Celtic folk

    From its stronghold in Ireland, the 'Celtic Folk Band' took off in Scottish traditional music in the 1906s, and never looked back.

  • Pibroch: Scots pipes

    The bagpipes ar one of the most famous icons of Scotland, and the piping tradition is still going strong in the 21st century.

  • Folk song & the club scene

    From traditional Scottish sounds to psychadelia and folk rock supergroups, the Scottish folk club network has a key place in the history of traditional music.

  • Gaelic rocking & fusions

    The story of Runrig, from being the first band to write songs in Gaelic to stadium rockers, and Capercaillie. Plus developments in the fusion of traditional with other types of music.

  • Contemporary Celts

    Traditional Scots music today, pushing the boundaries from folk rock to fiddles, swing to electronica and beyond.

  • Events and festivals

    The two types of traditional dance events - ceilidhs and country dances - and the Feisean movement.

  • Discography

    Further biographical information on the leading lights of the various traditional Scottish music scenes.


 


 
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