Scotland resonates to the sound of music from toe-tapping fiddlers in the local pub to World-Class symphony orchestras. There is something that will appeal to almost everyone. And music is so accessible, too. Just take a short walk along Princes Street in Edinburgh or a stroll up Glasgow’s Buchanan Street to hear buskers and pipers entertaining the crowds of tourists and shoppers.
Welcome to the Ceilidh
A popular event borrowed from the Land of the Gaels is the ceilidh, pronounced: “kay-lay”. It literally means a visit, but the word has come to describe not just a gathering in a house for song and storytelling, but now any Scottish musical entertainment.
As you travel around the Highlands, you’ll find ceilidhs taking place in pubs and local halls where locals and visitors gather to sing and dance. It’s great fun and an excuse to learn traditional dances like the “Gay Gordons” or the “Dashing White Sergeant”.
As you travel around the Highlands, you’ll find ceilidhs taking place in pubs and local halls where locals and visitors gather to sing and dance. It’s great fun and an excuse to learn traditional dances like the “Gay Gordons” or the “Dashing White Sergeant”.
Scottish Folk Music and Gaelic Traditions
Scots culture also includes a strong tradition of poetry and folk music, which includes both farming songs, often called bothy ballads, and work songs relating to spinning, whaling, fishing and other trades.
If you head to the islands, you can hear traditional Gaelic singing and foot-stomping at venues such as the An Lanntair in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
If you head to the islands, you can hear traditional Gaelic singing and foot-stomping at venues such as the An Lanntair in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis.
The National Mod
The Gaelic language is as much about music as it is about speech, and each year this vibrant culture has a showcase at the National Mod.
Started in 1891, The Mod is primarily a series of competitions that draw the best performers from the Celtic Nations to compete in music, poetry, and art.
The Pipes are calling
When it comes to the sound of Scotland, nothing can beat the bagpipes. Traditionally, an Egyptian instrument, how they came to Scotland has been lost in the mists of time, although experts think they were introduced during Roman times.
As you travel around Scotland, you are almost certain to hear the sound of bagpipes as they are a popular instrument with street buskers. The pipes are often performed at more formal events, such as weddings, business events and social gatherings.
If your travels take you to Glasgow, then pay a visit to the National Piping Centre, where you can discover the history of the Great Highland Bagpipe. You can even have the opportunity to play the instrument yourself.
As you travel around Scotland, you are almost certain to hear the sound of bagpipes as they are a popular instrument with street buskers. The pipes are often performed at more formal events, such as weddings, business events and social gatherings.
If your travels take you to Glasgow, then pay a visit to the National Piping Centre, where you can discover the history of the Great Highland Bagpipe. You can even have the opportunity to play the instrument yourself.
Piping Live Festival and World Pipe Band Championships
In August each year, Pipe Bands from all over the World gather in Glasgow to celebrate the Piping Live Festival and to participate in the World Pipe Band Championships.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
In Edinburgh, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has been entertaining visitors since 1950.
This spectacular event, set against the backdrop of floodlit Edinburgh Castle, has a cast of a thousand musicians, pipers, drummers and dancers.
Highland Games in Scotland
Between May and September, a programme of Highland Games and Gatherings takes place across Scotland.
It is thought that these Games owe their origins to tests of strength and skill set by Highland chiefs as they recruited for their personal entourage.
It is thought that these Games owe their origins to tests of strength and skill set by Highland chiefs as they recruited for their personal entourage.
Today, they provide a unique mix of athletic skills, including tossing the caber (pronounced kay-ber, meaning a pole literally) and throwing the hammer, along with displays of pipe bands and Highland dancing.
Braemar Highland Gathering
The premier event is the Braemar Highland Gathering, which takes place on Royal Deeside and is, traditionally, attended by The Monarch and members of the Royal Family.
Scottish Musicians and Bands
Spanning the decades from Music Hall and Vaudeville to today's live streaming, Scotland inspired songwriters and performers.
From Alex Harvey to Harry Lauder, and from Simple Minds to Sydney Devine, they have spanned all musical styles.
We’ve compiled a list of just some of our favourites, which you can see by clicking here.
From Alex Harvey to Harry Lauder, and from Simple Minds to Sydney Devine, they have spanned all musical styles.
We’ve compiled a list of just some of our favourites, which you can see by clicking here.
Music Festivals in Scotland
Our diverse calendar of festivals and events celebrates all styles and genres. They take place all over Scotland throughout the year.
Here are some of the most popular:
Celtic Connections - January
Glasgow is the venue for one of the largest folk, roots and world music festivals in the world.
This popular event celebrates Celtic culture and music, attracting over 2,000 musicians who perform at more than 300 events across the city.
This popular event celebrates Celtic culture and music, attracting over 2,000 musicians who perform at more than 300 events across the city.
Orkney Folk Festival - May
Local and international artists come together in this celebration of traditional folk music.
Based in Stromness, there are some 35 events and countless informal gatherings over the four days of the event.
Based in Stromness, there are some 35 events and countless informal gatherings over the four days of the event.
TRNSMT - July
Glasgow is the venue for Scotland’s largest outdoor music festival, which attracts some of the greatest bands in the World as headline acts including Radiohead, Snow Patrol and Biffy Clyro.
This three-day event, which has taken over from T in the Park, takes place at Glasgow Green in the heart of the UNESCO-designated City of Music.
This three-day event, which has taken over from T in the Park, takes place at Glasgow Green in the heart of the UNESCO-designated City of Music.
Edinburgh International Festival - August
For three weeks each year, Edinburgh becomes home to the World’s greatest performing arts festival.
Established in 1947, the festival offers World-class opera, dance, classical music and theatre.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival, and Edinburgh International Book Festival complement the events taking place within the International Festival.
Established in 1947, the festival offers World-class opera, dance, classical music and theatre.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Book Festival, and Edinburgh International Book Festival complement the events taking place within the International Festival.
Callander Jazz and Blues Festival - October
Scotland’s largest rural jazz and blues festival takes place in the heart of the scenic Trossachs.
This long-weekend event features over 50 performances of live jazz, boogie, swing, and soul before enthusiastic fans.
This long-weekend event features over 50 performances of live jazz, boogie, swing, and soul before enthusiastic fans.
Classical Music
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra is one of the UK’s great orchestras.
Founded in 1891, it is based in Glasgow but performs at venues throughout Scotland and beyond.
Each winter, the orchestra mounts a season of concerts which have featured many soloists, including Grammy-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti.
Founded in 1891, it is based in Glasgow but performs at venues throughout Scotland and beyond.
Each winter, the orchestra mounts a season of concerts which have featured many soloists, including Grammy-winning violinist Nicola Benedetti.
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra is Scotland’s national broadcasting orchestra, which performs live at its home at Glasgow City Halls and in venues throughout Scotland and abroad.
Many concerts are recorded for BBC Radio, and the orchestra has featured in the famous “Last Night of the Proms” celebrations.
Many concerts are recorded for BBC Radio, and the orchestra has featured in the famous “Last Night of the Proms” celebrations.
Live Music Venues in Scotland
From arenas and football stadiums to local pubs, you are never far from a live music venue and a great gig.
Glasgow has been designated Scotland’s UNESCO City of Music.
Music Venues in Glasgow
In this cosmopolitan city, you’ll find iconic venues like The Barrowlands and King Tuts that have helped launch some of the biggest bands in the World.
Rock and Pop’s A-listers can often be seen at the 12,000 seater Hydro Arena or at Hampden, Scotland’s National Stadium.
Rock and Pop’s A-listers can often be seen at the 12,000 seater Hydro Arena or at Hampden, Scotland’s National Stadium.
Music Venues Outside Glasgow
Outside Glasgow, the esplanades at Edinburgh and Stirling Castles have been converted for pop concerts featuring notable performers such as Tom Jones, Bob Dylan, REM and Westlife.
In Inverness, the Caledonian Football Stadium has hosted performances by Elton John and Rod Stewart, while Fat Sam’s in Dundee and the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen offer a varied programme of events and a more intimate atmosphere.
In Inverness, the Caledonian Football Stadium has hosted performances by Elton John and Rod Stewart, while Fat Sam’s in Dundee and the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen offer a varied programme of events and a more intimate atmosphere.
FAQs About Scottish Music and Festivals
What is a ceilidh in Scotland?
A ceilidh is a traditional Scottish social gathering featuring music, dancing, storytelling and singing. Ceilidhs are commonly held in pubs, village halls and community venues across Scotland.
How do you pronounce ceilidh?
Ceilidh is pronounced “kay-lay”.
What traditional dances are performed at a ceilidh?
Popular ceilidh dances include the Gay Gordons and the Dashing White Sergeant.
Where can you hear traditional Gaelic music in Scotland?
Traditional Gaelic singing and folk music can often be heard in the Scottish islands, including venues such as An Lanntair in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
What is the National Mod?
The National Mod is an annual celebration of Gaelic culture featuring competitions in music, poetry and art.
Where can you learn about Scottish bagpipes?
Visitors can learn about the history of the Great Highland Bagpipe at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow.
What are the Highland Games?
The Highland Games are traditional Scottish gatherings featuring athletic competitions such as tossing the caber, Highland dancing and pipe band performances.
What is the biggest music festival in Glasgow?
TRNSMT is Scotland’s largest outdoor music festival and takes place annually at Glasgow Green.
What is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo?
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a world-famous performance featuring pipers, drummers, dancers and musicians held at Edinburgh Castle.
What are some famous live music venues in Scotland?
Popular Scottish music venues include The Barrowlands, King Tuts, the Hydro Arena, Hampden Stadium, Fat Sam’s in Dundee and the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen.