Scots Folk Music: A Tradition Worth Keeping Alive

Scots folk music is a tradition that has been kept alive for centuries. It is a unique and important part of Scottish culture. This blog will explore the history and evolution of Scots folk music, as well as its contemporary relevance.

Introduction to Scots Folk Music

Scotland’s music is as renowned as its stunning natural scenery. Irish and Scottish music have influenced each other over the centuries, probably because the two countries share a land border. The Celtic harp, Scottish bagpipes and Highland flute are just some of the traditional instruments you’ll hear in Scots folk music.

The fiddle is perhaps the most popular instrument in Scots folk music. It’s used in various forms of traditional Scots music, including ballads, reels and strathspeys. Ballads are usually slow and tell a story, while reels are fast-paced and often accompanied by dancing. Strathspeys are slower than reels and have a distinctive rolling rhythm.

Folk songs often deal with everyday life, love and loss, death and religion. Many of the older ballads are about ghosts, battles or tragic romance. The Scottish ballad ‘The Wee Kirkcudbright Centipede’ is about a creature with 100 legs that terrorises the town of Kirkcudbright!

Scots Gaelic is the main language of many traditional Scottish songs, although English is also used. Some songs are written in both languages. Check out some Scots Gaelic singing groups like Na h-Òganaich or Julie Fowlis if you’re interested in hearing this beautiful language being used in folk music.

If you’re interested in experiencing Scots folk music for yourself, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Scotland hosts several major folk festivals throughout the year, including Celtic Connections and the Hebridean Celtic Festival. You can also find smaller scale events being held all over Scotland throughout the year. Why not give it a try?

The Origins of Scots Folk Music

The origins of Scots folk music can be traced back to the medieval era. At that time, Scotland was a largely rural and agricultural society, and the folk music of the time reflected that way of life. The songs were about love and loss, work and play, and they were often passed down from generation to generation.

As Scotland began to industrialize in the 18th and 19th centuries, its folk music began to change. The songs became shorter and more upbeat, reflecting the new urban lifestyle. But even as the music changed, it still retained its essential Scottish character.

Today, Scots folk music is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. More and more people are rediscovering the traditional songs and tunes of their ancestors. And with the help of modern technology, Scots folk music is being heard all over the world.

The Instruments Used in Scots Folk Music

The music of Scotland is as diverse and vibrant as its people. From the soulful sounds of the Highlands to the energetic anthems of the Glasgow, Scots music is steeped in history and bursting with life. An important part of Scottish culture, Scots folk music is a tradition that is well worth keeping alive.

The instruments used in Scots Folk Music are:
-The fiddle
-The accordion
-The bagpipes
-The Scottish smallpipes
-The Border pipes
-The flute
-The penny whistle
-The Celtic harp

The Popularity of Scots Folk Music

The popularity of Scots folk music has been on the decline in recent years, but there are still many fans of the genre who appreciate its unique sound. Scots folk music is known for its use of traditional instruments like the bagpipes, fiddle, and accordion. It also often features heavy emphasis on Gaelic lyrics and themes. This type of music has been around for centuries and has been passed down through generations of Scottish people.

The Future of Scots Folk Music

The future of Scots folk music is bright, with a new generation of musicians keeping the tradition alive. Even though the music has been through some tough times in recent years, with the decline of the Scottish music scene in general, there are still many people passionate about keeping Scots folk music alive.

There are a number of ways in which Scots folk music can be kept alive. One of the most important things is to continue to play and perform the music. This means that there must be a demand for the music, and there must be people willing to learn it and perform it. There are a number of different ways to keep the demand for Scots folk music high. One way is to make sure that there are opportunities for people to hear the music performed live. This could be through Gaelic clubs and societies, or through events such as the Scottish Highland Games. Another way to keep people interested in Scots folk music is to make sure that it is taught in schools and universities, so that young people can learn about this important part of their heritage.

Another way to keep Scots folk music alive is to promote and support traditional Scottish Instrumentation makers. These makers create traditional musical instruments such as bagpipes, fiddles and accordions which are essential for playing traditional Scottish music. Without these makers, it would be very difficult for musicians to keep the tradition alive.

Finally, another way to keep Scots folk music alive is by recording and releasing new albums of traditional Scottish tunes. This ensures that there is a fresh supply of material for people to learn and enjoy, and it also helps to raise awareness of this important part of Scotland’s musical heritage.