The Best of Scottish Folk Music

If you’re a fan of Scottish folk music, then this is the blog for you! Here you’ll find the best of Scottish folk music, from traditional ballads to more modern tunes.

The Origins of Scottish Folk Music

Scottish folk music has been around for centuries and has been passed down from generation to generation. The music is a reflection of the culture and history of Scotland. It is a unique genre of music that is enjoyed by many people around the world. Let’s take a look at the origins of Scottish folk music.

The Celtic Connection

Celtic music is a broad umbrella term for the various musical traditions of the Celtic people. These traditions can be found in countries such as Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man. Celtic music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the fiddle, accordion, and bagpipes, as well as its distinctive melodies and harmonies.

Scottish folk music has been heavily influenced by the music of the Celtic nations, particularly Ireland. In turn, Scottish folk music has had a significant impact on the development of other musical genres, such as country and western and bluegrass.

The Influence of the Church

The Scottish church played a large role in the development of Scottish folk music. Church musicians were some of the most skilled musicians in the country, and they often used traditional folk tunes in their religious music. This helped to spread folk music throughout Scotland.

The Influence of the Jacobites

The Jacobites were a group of people who supported the Stuart monarchy in the United Kingdom, and they had a strong influence on Scottish folk music. Many of the songs that are now considered to be traditional Scottish folk songs were actually written by Jacobite sympathizers. These songs often had pro-Jacobite lyrics, and they were designed to rally support for the Stuart cause. Some of the most famous Jacobite songs include “The Skye Boat Song” and “Flower of Scotland.”

The Evolution of Scottish Folk Music

Scottish folk music has been around for centuries and has been constantly evolving. It has been influenced by many different cultures and has been adapted to various occasions. Today, Scottish folk music is still evolving and is enjoyed by many people around the world.

The Highland Bagpipes

The Highland bagpipes are a type of bagpipe native to the Scottish Highlands. They are distinguished from otherbagpipes by their unique design, which allows for a richer, fuller sound. The Highland bagpipes have a long and rich history, dating back to the 16th century.

The first record of the Highland bagpipes dates back to 1581, when they were mentioned in a poem by John skins. However, it is believed that they were used in Scotland long before this date. The Highland bagpipes first became popular in the Highlands in the early 18th century. At this time, they were used primarily for military purposes. The Highland bagpipes were used extensively in both the Jacobite uprisings of 1715 and 1745.

After the defeat of the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the use of the Highland bagpipes was outlawed by the English government. This ban remained in place for nearly 50 years. It was not until 1822 that the ban was finally lifted and the Highland bagpipes once again became popular in Scotland.

Today, the Highland bagpipes are an iconic symbol of Scotland and Scottish culture. They are used extensively in Scottish music and dance, and are also popular amongst non-Scots around the world.

The Lowland Bagpipes

The Lowland bagpipes, or “War Pipes” as they were also called, were originally developed in the low-lying regions of Scotland. They were used to lead troops into battle and to inspire fear in the enemy. The Lowland pipes had a softer, more mellow sound than the Highland pipes, and were easier to play. They were also smaller and lighter, which made them more comfortable to carry.

The Lowland bagpipes reached their peak of popularity in the early 1700s. But by the end of the century, they had all but disappeared. The Highland bagpipes, with their more powerful sound, had become the preferred instrument of Scottish musicians.

Despite their decline in popularity, the Lowland bagpipes have made a comeback in recent years. Today, they are once again being played at traditional Scottish events such as weddings and funerals. And there are even a few Scottish bands that specialize in Lowland music.

The Scottish Harp

The Scottish harp is a small, triangular harp which is unique to Scotland. It is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages, and it was used by Scottish noblemen and ladies as a fashionable instrument for entertainment. The harp’s popularity began to decline in the 1600s, when it was replaced by the more versatile clàrsach (a Gaelic word meaning “harp”). However, the Scottish harp enjoyed a resurgence in the 1700s and 1800s, when it became an important part of Scottish folk music. Today, the Scottish harp is once again a popular instrument, and it is often used in traditional Scottish music.

The Golden Age of Scottish Folk Music

Scottish Folk music has a long and rich history, dating back to the early middle ages. It was during the 18th and 19th centuries however, that Scottish Folk music truly flourished. This was a time of great social and economic change in Scotland, and the music reflected this.

The Scottish Enlightenment

The early to mid-eighteenth century is often referred to as the Scottish Enlightenment. This was a period when Scotland led Europe in thinking on topics such as philosophy, science and medicine. It was also a time when Scottish music began to develop its own distinct character.

One of the most important figures of the Scottish Enlightenment was the philosopher and historian David Hume. Hume was a great admirer of Scottish music, and he wrote extensively on the subject. In his essay Of National Characters, Hume praised the “pleasing air and simplicity” of Scottish music, and he suggested that it had a beneficial effect on the national character:

“There is something cheerful, manly and vigorous in Scottish music, which gives it such an adaptation to the genius of their countrymen … I know nothing that gives so great an idea of liberty as these tunes do.”

Hume’s contemporary Adam Smith also had a high opinion of Scottish music. In his Theory of Moral Sentiments, Smith praised the “vivacity and airiness” of Scottish tunes, and he suggested that they had a positive impact on the national character:

“As they are all sounds which express joy and pleasure, they are all consequently agreeable … The Scots have always been famous for their sprightliness and vivacity.”

The praises of Hume and Smith helped to create a favorable climate for the development of Scottish music in the eighteenth century. This was a time when many new musical genres were created, including Highland bagpiping, fiddle music, and Aberdeen Waltzes. It was also a time when some of Scotland’s most important folk songs were first collected and published.

The Napoleonic Wars

The Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) had a profound effect on Scottish folk music. The increase in contact with the continent and with other cultures, as a result of the conflict, meant that influences began to filter into Scottish music. Musicians were also exposed to new styles of music, including military bands. The playing of the Highland bagpipes began to spread to the Lowlands and the Borders during this period, and there was also a significant increase in piping competitions.

The Highland Clearances

The Highland Clearances were a series of evictions of tenant farmers in the Scottish Highlands during the 18th and 19th centuries. The landlords sought to increase their profits by putting more land into sheep pasture. This required the removal of the tenant farmers, many of whom were subsistence crofters who had lived on their small farms for generations. The clearances resulted in widespread emigration, violence, and, in some cases, starvation.

The displaced tenants often found themselves living in crowded cities or in new settlements in North America and Australia. Many of them brought their music with them, and the folk music of Scotland was greatly influenced by the music of these immigrants. The Highland Clearances are thus one reason why Scottish folk music is so rich and varied.

The Modern Scottish Folk Scene

The Folk Revival

In recent years there has been a renaissance of sorts in Scottish folk music. A number of innovative and talented young musicians have emerged, breathing new life into the genre.

The folk revival began in the late 1950s and early 1960s, with artists such as Ewan MacColl and Hamish Imlach helping to spearhead the movement. The British folk-rock boom of the 1970s also had a significant impact on the Scottish scene, with bands like Stealers Wheel and Fairport Convention incorporating traditional elements into their sound.

In the 1990s and 2000s, organizations such as the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland (TMSA) did much to promote traditional music, while festivals like Celtic Connections helped to raise its profile.

Today, there is a thriving Scottish folk scene, with many excellent musicians working in a variety of styles. Here are just a few of the best…

The New Scottish Folk Scene

In recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for Scottish folk music. A new generation of musicians are keeping the traditions alive while also putting their own spin on things. Here are some of the best Scottish folk bands that you should check out.

The Capital Letters are a five-piece band from Edinburgh. They take traditional Scottish tunes and give them a fresh, modern twist. Their debut album, released in 2016, was nominated for “Album of the Year” at the Scots Trad Music Awards.

The Shee Big Band is an all-female ensemble from Glasgow. Their sound is a mix of traditional Scottish music and jazz. They have released two albums, and their latest, “Auld Reekie Blues”, was nominated for “Folk Album of the Year” at the 2017 BBC Folk Awards.

elephant sessions are a six-piece band from Inverness. Their sound is a mixture of traditional Scottish music and electronic dance music. They have released two albums and have won multiple awards, including “Best Live Act” at the 2017 Scots Trad Music Awards.

Theursed are a four-piece band from Aberdeen. Their sound is a mix of traditional Scottish music and indie rock. They have released one album, “First Light”, which was nominated for “Best Debut Album” at the 2017 Scots Trad Music Awards.