May Day, known as Beltane in Gaelic, marks the beginning of summer in the Scottish Calendar. Yet some still argue that the Scots are a pessimistic nation… Whatever the weather, traditionally life moved outdoors on 1 May after the long dark days of winter and TRACS is marking the celebration this year in traditional and … Continued

This guest article has been penned by Traditional Dance Forum of Scotland board member and accordionist, Bernie Hewitt. As the title suggests Bernie advocates participation in traditional dance with an emphasis on fun, friendship and fitness.  I have been playing the accordion for ceilidh dancing for longer than I care to remember, and have many … Continued

It’s fitting that Scotland’s national Centre for storytelling is honouring one of its most memorable enthusiasts, providing an opportunity to enjoy his stories told live, as well as a workshop to empower you to tell these fantastic tales. A three-fold exhibition of visual art, poetry and folk music brings to life the legacy of storyteller Duncan … Continued

✨ Help Musicians Scotland Info Session & Roundtable ✨ Mon 4th Feb, 3-5pm Summerhall Cafe, Edinburgh   Help Musicians Scotland is touring all of the 15 regions in Scotland. Firstly, they are doing a brief introduction to their service and how you can access it. Next, in the format of a roundtable, they would love … Continued

There’s tales afoot in North West Scotland, where there’s a thriving community enjoying connecting with place through the stories its landscape holds. Ahead of his involvement in a new documentary, which is set to explore communication and traditions in the Highlands past and present, Greg Dawson Allen (Griogair MacAillean) gives us a taste of traditions … Continued

Since 2013 the Fochabers Fiddle Week has been providing students aged 9 – 17 the opportunity to work with and learn from some of Scotland’s top fiddle players! Fochabers Fiddle Week 2019 is delighted to welcome Ewen Henderson as this years guest tutor. Joining Ewen as ever are Mhairi Marwick and Jack Smedley, two musicians … Continued

It’s that time of the year, when Scots and Scots-at-heart gather to celebrate one of the country’s lyrical sensations and national treasure, Robert Burns. Born on a stormy night in Alloway on the 25th of January 1759, the 18th Century poet continues to touch people with his timeless prose, illustrating topics such as injustice, hypocrisy … Continued

Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for dance, is offering two inclusive dance training sessions for dance artists and schools teachers. These sessions have been designed to provide learners with the skills, knowledge and attributes to provide and have an insight into creative movement sessions for groups with diverse abilities. This will be delivered by Indepen-dance, … Continued

Wednesday, 30th January | 1:00 – 3:00pm St Mungo Museum of Religious Life & Art, 2 Castle Street, G4 0RH Glasgow   An engagement event to expand and encourage new artistic voices within the Gaelic arts sector hosted by The Work Room and Glasgow Life. Dance artists and practitioners with an interest in Gaelic culture are invited … Continued

This post is taken from Simon McKerrell’s website: The Woodilee Collection of Traditional Music is my combined collection of 73 traditional tunes I have composed for bagpipes, Uilleann pipes, banjo, whistle, fiddle accordion and other instruments. The tunes stretch as far back as the 1990s for me personally, and I have only included the melodies … Continued