A Brief History of Scottish Folk Music

A look at the origins and evolution of Scottish folk music, from its traditional roots to its more modern interpretations.

Origins of Scottish Folk Music

The origins of Scottish folk music can be traced back to the 16th century. At that time, the music of the Scottish Highlands was very different from the music of the Scottish Lowlands. The Highland music was based on the ancient Celtic traditions of Ireland and Scotland, while the Lowland music was based on the music of England and France.

Celtic music

The history of Scottish music is often intertwined with the history of Scottish Gaelic, which spread from Ireland to Scotland during the 5th century AD. For much of Scottish history, music was closely linked to dance, and dance tunes were often passed down from one generation to the next. There are many different types of Celtic music, and each region has its own unique style.

Scottish folk music is also heavily influenced by the music of the British Isles, particularly England and Wales. This is most evident in the use of the English language in Scottish songs, as well as in the popularity of Welsh-style keyboard instruments like the clàrsach (a type of harp) and the Welsh triple harp.

Scottis music has also been influenced by music from other parts of Europe, particularly France and Spain. This is most evident in the use of bagpipes, which are thought to have originated in Spain or Portugal before being brought to Scotland by way of France. Other European influences include balladry (a type of storytelling song) and lute playing.

Reel and Jig

Reel and Jig refers to a specific style of folk music that originates from Scotland. This type of music is characterized by its fast-paced tempo and its use of traditional Scottish instrumentation, such as the fiddle, bagpipes, and piano. Reel and Jig music is often danced to, and it is a popular choice for ceilidhs (traditional Scottish dances).

The Scottish Highlands

Scottish folk music has its roots in the music of the Scottish Highlands. The Highlands is a region of Scotland that is characterized by its mountainous terrain and wild, rugged landscapes. The people of the Highlands have always been a fiercely independent and hardy people, and their music reflects this. Scottish folk music is known for its emotional intensity and often tragic themes.

The Great Highland Bagpipe

The Great Highland bagpipe is a type of bagpipe native to Scotland. It is an instrument consisting of three Drone pipes and one chanter pipe, which is played with two hands. The Great Highland bagpipe is perhaps the most iconic of all Scottish instruments, and has been used in Scottish folk music for centuries.

The first record of the Great Highland bagpipe being played in Scotland dates back to the 15th century, when it was mentioned in a poem by James I of Scotland. In the centuries that followed, the Great Highland bagpipe became increasingly popular, and was used by both Scottish Highlanders and Lowlanders alike. By the early 18th century, the Great Highland bagpipe had become the national instrument of Scotland.

Today, the Great Highland bagpipe is most commonly associated with Scottish folk music, and is commonly heard at Scottish festivals and events. It is also frequently used in military contexts, such as in ceremonial parades or as a form of marching band music.

Highland Dance

Highland dance is a style of solo dancing that developed in the Scottish Highlands in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was brought to the Lowlands by Scottish soldiers returning from battle, and quickly became popular in Highland society. The most famous Highland dance is the Highland Fling, a solo dance performed by a man or woman to the sound of music. Highland dancers wear traditional Scottish dress, including the kilt, and perform choreographed dances to traditional Gaelic tunes.

Highland dancing is enjoyed by people of all ages across Scotland, and has become an integral part of Scottish culture. Many Highland dancers compete in competitions held throughout the country, and some go on to dance professionally.

The Lowlands

The Lowlands of Scotland are often thought of as being the birthplace of Scottish folk music. The first clear reference to Scottish folk music dates back to the 13th century, when a group of Scottish minstrels known as the Waiters of the Inns of Court travelled to England to perform.

The Fiddle

The fiddle is perhaps the most iconic instrument of Scottish folk music, and has been a staple of the genre for centuries. Fiddles are traditionally played with a bow, and are known for their distinctive, lively sound. The term “fiddle” can refer to either the instrument itself or the style of music played on it.

Scottish fiddle music is typically very rhythmical, with a strong emphasis on dance tunes. Many famous Scottish fiddle tunes, such as “The Gael” and “Flowers of the Forest”, have been adapted for use in Highland dancing. The repertoire also includes a number of slow, melancholy airs which are particularly evocative of the Scottish landscape.

Despite its prominence in Scottish folk music, the fiddle is not indigenous to Scotland – it was introduced to the country by French and German immigrants in the 16th and 17th centuries. It quickly became popular among all social classes, and was particularly associated with the Highlands, where it was used to accompany Highland reels and strathspeys.

Today, the fiddle remains an essential part of Scottish folk music, and continues to be enjoyed by audiences worldwide.

The Accordion

The accordion is a popular instrument in Scottish folk music. It is a type of box-shaped musical instrument that is played by pressing the buttons on either side of the instrument. The accordion is a versatile instrument that can be used for a variety of genres, including traditional Scottish folk songs.

The Borders

In the early 17th century, the Lowland Scots began to spread into the Borders. This led to a flowering of Scottish folk music, which was brought to new audiences by the piper Neil McLean and the fiddler Patrick Walker. Walker, in particular, was a master of the “Border ballad”, a type of folk song that told stories of love, loss, and war.

The Border Ballad

The Border Ballad is a type of Scottish folk song that tells a story, often of a tragic nature. These songs often concern border disputes between England and Scotland, orbetween the Scottish Highlands and the Lowlands, and many were written during times of war or other conflict.

Many ballads were passed down orally from generation to generation, and onlylater committed to paper. Many of the best-known Border Ballads, such as “The Twa Sisters” and “Sir Patrick Spens”, are found in the 18th-century collection known as The Scots Musical Museum.

TheBorder Ballad has its roots in the medieval ballad, which was itself derived from French chansons de geste (songs of heroic deeds). Unlike the French ballads, however, the Border Ballads typically do not focus on great historical events or feats of heroism. Instead, they often focus on more personal themes, such as love and death.

Border Ballads are sometimes divided into two sub-categories: Jacobite ballads, which support the cause of the Stuart claimants to the throne of England; and border raiding ballads, which glorify the activities of border reivers (RAIV-uhrz), or robbers.

The Reiver

The Reiver was a traditional Scottish folk song about a man who was a thief and a murderer. The song was very popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it was often sung by farmers and other workers in the Scottish countryside. The Reiver was also the subject of many stories and plays, and he became a symbol of the Scottish people’s ability to laugh at themselves.

The 20th Century

The Folk Revival

The late 1940s and early 1950s saw the beginning of the British folk music revival, partly a reaction against current pop music and partly a continuation of older folk traditions. The Weavers, a US-based folk group who had a number-one hit with Lead Belly’s “Goodnight, Irene” in 1950, were an early influence, as were Josh White, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. In Scotland, the revival was spearheaded by enthusiasts such as Alan Lomax, Hamish Henderson, Ronnie Gilbert and Calum MacLean. ENCHFolk groups such as the Corinthian Singers and the Singer’s Club flourished in Glasgow around this time.

The Scottish Folk Scene Today

Folk music in Scotland has been enjoying something of a renaissance in recent years. A new crop of Scottish folk bands are taking traditional music and giving it a modern twist, while still staying true to the roots of the genre.

One of the most popular Scottish folk bands today is The Devil’s Excuse, who are known for their high-energy live shows. The band’s sound is a mix of traditional Scottish folk music and modern rock, and their lyrics often focus on social and political issues.

Another up-and-coming Scottish folk band is Gangs of Lothian, who are quickly gaining a reputation for their catchy tunes and clever lyrics. The band’s sound is a mix of traditional Scottish folk music and contemporary pop, and their lyrics often deal with topical issues such as love, loss, and politics.

If you’re looking for something a little different, check out Gordeanna McCulloch & The McCalmans. This band takes a more traditional approach to Scottish folk music, but their songs are still relevant to today’s world. McCulloch’s powerful voice and the band’s tight musicianship make for an unforgettable live experience.