A Brief History of Scottish Folk Music

A look at the origins and evolution of Scottish folk music, from the early ballads and laments, to the more modern strains of Celtic rock.

The Origins of Scottish Folk Music

The roots of Scottish folk music can be traced back to the Renaissance period. At that time, the music of the Scottish court was heavily influenced by Continental Europe. This influence can be heard in the music of the Scottish lute, which was popular at the time. In the 17th century, the British Isles experienced a period of political and religious turmoil. This turmoil led to the rise of Scottish folk music.

The Celtic Connection

The Celtic connection is strong in Scottish folk music. The Celtic nations are those that were formerly inhabited by the Celts, an ethnic group thought to have originated in central Europe. The Celts were pushed westward by the Romans, and their descendants can be found today in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany. Celtic music is characterized by its use of traditional instruments like the Irish bouzouki, Scottish bagpipes, and Welsh harp, as well as by its distinctive melodic style.

The English Influence

While some Scottish folk songs can be traced back hundreds of years, the genre as we know it today is largely a product of the 18th and 19th centuries. Though Scotland has always had its own musical traditions, the English influence was particularly strong in the 18th century. This was a time of great change in Scotland, as the country was struggling to define itself in the aftermath of the Jacobite Rising of 1745. In response to this, many Scots turned to their traditional music as a source of national pride.

The first important figure in the development of Scottish folk music was Adam Ferguson, a Highlander who is said to have collected over 3,000 Scottish tunes. Ferguson’s work was continued by Joseph Mitchell, another Highlander, who collected over 10,000 tunes. These two men helped to preserve many traditional Scottish melodies that might otherwise have been lost.

In the 19th century, another important figure in the history of Scottish folk music was James Johnson, who published The Scots Musical Museum in six volumes between 1787 and 1803. This collection contained 200 songs, most of which were traditional Scottish ballads. Johnson also included several newly composed songs in his collection, which helped to promote the popularity of Scottish folk music.

One of the most important figures in 20th-century Scottish folk music was Hamish Henderson, a singer, songwriter and folklore collector who did much to promote traditional music. Henderson is perhaps best known for his composition ” Freedom Come-All-Ye,” which has become an anthem for the Scots both at home and abroad.

The Evolution of Scottish Folk Music

Scottish folk music has a long and rich history, dating back to the medieval era. In the early days, it was primarily used for entertainment and storytelling. Over the centuries, it has evolved and transformed into the modern folk music we know today. In this article, we’ll take a look at the evolution of Scottish folk music and how it has changed over the years.

The Highland Bagpipe

The Highland bagpipe is the best known of all the Scottish traditional instruments, recognized world-wide as the national instrument of Scotland. It is also one of the oldest musical instruments in existence, with a history dating back over 2000 years.

The Highland bagpipe is a type of wind instrument that uses a system of bellows to force air into a set of pipes. The pipes are played using a set of finger holes and a set of three or four drone pipes that provide a constant melody. The Highland bagpipe is unique among Scottish traditional instruments in that it can be played either solo or in a group setting.

The earliest evidence of the Highland bagpipe comes from ancient Roman statues and bas-reliefs that date back to the 1st or 2nd century AD. These Roman depiction’s show French soldiers playing what appears to be an early form of the Highland bagpipe. It is possible that the Highland bagpipe was introduced to Scotland by the Romans, although there is no concrete evidence to support this theory.

The first definite reference to the Highland bagpipe in Scotland comes from a poem written in 1436 by John Honouris de Gleneures, which mentions ” pypers ” playing at the Battle of Inverlochy. This battle was fought between King James I of Scotland and his cousin, Duncan, Earl of Lennox. It is clear from Honouris de Gleneures’ poem that by this time, the Highland bagpipe was well established in Scotland and was being used for both military and civilian purposes.

During the 16th century, the Highland bagpipe began to take on its modern form. The number of drone pipes was increased from three to four, and the chanter (the pipe that plays the melody) was fitted with a Crawford fingering system, which made it possible to play more complex melodies than had previously been possible. This new fingering system also made it possible for Highland pipers to play music from other cultures, such as Ireland and Wales.

By the early 18th century, the Highland bagpipe had become firmly established as an important part of Scottish culture and society. The instrument was used for both ceremonial and military purposes, and it also became popular as a solo instrument for entertained guests at highland gatherings (social functions). Many famous composers wrote music for the Highland bagpipe during this period, including William McNiel and Donald McDonald

The Fiddle

The fiddle is by far the most commonly found instrument in Scottish folk music, and has been so for centuries. Though its origins are lost in the mists of time, it is safe to say that the fiddle has been played in Scotland since at least the 16th century. It is believed that the fiddle came to Scotland from England or Continental Europe, brought by travelling musicians or by Scottish soldiers who had learned to play it while fighting abroad.

The fiddle quickly became the instrument of choice for Scottish folk musicians, and it remains so to this day. The traditional Scottish folk music repertoire is full of beautiful and evocative tunes, many of which have been passed down through the generations by means of oral tradition. The vast majority of these tunes are played on the fiddle, though other instruments such as the Highland pipes, accordion and guitar are also often heard.

The Accordion

In the early 19th century, the accordion was introduced to Scotland from Germany and quickly became a popular instrument in Scottish folk music. The accordion gave Scottish folk music a new sound and allowed for more complex melodies. Scottish accordion music often includes elements of Gaelic and Celtic music, as well as influences from other European folk traditions.

Modern Scottish Folk Music

The Folk Revival

The Scottish Folk Revival was a movement that began in the late 1950s and saw a renewed interest in traditional Scottish music and folklore. The Revival started in Edinburgh, but quickly spread to the rest of Scotland and beyond. It led to the formation of many folk clubs and festivals, as well as the growth of the traditional music scene in Scotland. Many of the most famous Scottish folk musicians got their start during the Revival, including Amy Macdonald,passed on by her family.

The New Wave

In the 1970s and 1980s, a “new wave” of Scottish folk bands emerged, influenced by traditional music but with a more modern sound. These bands included such well-known groups as Capercaillie, The Whistlebinkies, Battlefield Band, and Silly Wizard.

During this same period, there was a growing interest in the music of Scotland’s past, leading to a renewed appreciation for traditional songs and tunes. This was reflected in the work of such artists as The Clutha, Alasdair Gillies, John Martyn, Dick Gaughan, and Dougie MacLean.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Scottish folk music, both traditional and contemporary. This has been led by such artists as Toby Keith: his 2008 album “Folk Songs of Scotland” won critical acclaim; Karen Matheson: her 2014 album “The Sea” was nominated for a Grammy Award; and Julie Fowlis: her 2016 album “Belonging” won the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Album.

Contemporary Scottish Folk

The 1970s saw a renewed interest in Scottish folk music, spearheaded by the likes of Gaelic singer Dolina MacLennan, fiddler Alasdair Fraser and piper Alasdair Gillies. These artists breathed new life into traditional tunes and songs, often giving them a modern twist.

In more recent years, Scottish folk music has continued to evolve, with new generations of performers taking inspiration from the past while creating something entirely new. Folk groups like Treacherous Orchestra and Peatbog Faeries fuse traditional Scottish sounds with elements of rock, jazz and electronica, while artists like Karine Polwart and Dougie MacLean write original songs that reflect contemporary life in Scotland.