The Best of Scottish Folk Music on YouTube
Contents
A comprehensive guide to the best Scottish folk music videos on YouTube.
Scottish Folk Music
Scottish Folk music is the traditional music of the Scottish people. It can be traced back to the medieval era and has been influenced by a number of other genres over the years. Scottish Folk music is typically very upbeat and often features traditional instruments such as the bagpipes. If you’re a fan of Folk music, then you’re sure to enjoy the selection of Scottish Folk music on YouTube.
The history of Scottish folk music
The history of Scottish folk music is a complex and diverse one. Scots music has been influenced by a number of factors, including the country’s geography and history, its Celtic roots, and its position as part of the United Kingdom.
Scots folk music can be traced back to the 12th century, when the first mention of Scottish music was made in a poem by John Duncan. In the centuries that followed, Scottish music was shaped by a number of different factors, including the Reformation, which saw the banning of many traditional songs and instruments; the Highland Clearances, which saw tens of thousands of people forcibly removed from their homes; and emigration, which led to many Scots spreading their music overseas.
Today, Scottish folk music is enjoyed by people all over the world, and there are a number of renowned Scottish folk musicians who continue to keep the tradition alive.
The popularity of Scottish folk music
Scottish folk music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with many young people taking an interest in the traditional music of their ancestors. There are now many Scottish folk bands that are making a living from playing gigs and festivals all over the world, and YouTube has played a big role in helping them to reach a wider audience.
Here are some of the best Scottish folk music videos that you can find on YouTube:
The Peatbog Faeries – “Smooke”
The Peatbog Faeries are one of the most popular Scottish folk bands around, and this video for their track “Smooke” shows why. The energy and infectious joy that they bring to their music is undeniable, and it’s sure to get your feet tapping along.
Triona Ni Dhomhnaill – “A Stor Mo Chroi”
Triona Ni Dhomhnaill is a legendary figure in the world of Irish traditional music, and this song is a beautiful example of her work. “A Stor Mo Chroi” is a gentle ballad that will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.
The Tannahill Weavers – “Loch Lomond”
The Tannahill Weavers are one of the most well-known Scottish folk bands, and their version of “Loch Lomond” is simply gorgeous. This iconic Scottish song has been covered by many artists over the years, but the Tannahill Weavers’ version is definitely one of the best.
The Best of Scottish Folk Music on YouTube
Scottish folk music has a long and rich history, and there are many great performers keeping the tradition alive today. You can find a wealth of Scottish folk music on YouTube, and we’ve compiled a list of some of the best channels for you to check out.
The top 10 Scottish folk songs on YouTube
1. “Loch Lomond” by The Proclaimers
2. “The Skye Boat Song” by Dougie MacLean
3. “The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond” by Runrig
4. “Will Ye No’ Come Back Again?” by Red Hot Chilli Pipers
5. “Wha Saw the Forty-Nine?” by Dick Gaughan
6. ” Scotland the Brave” by The Tartan Army
7. “Wild Mountain Thyme” by Glasgow Orpheus Choir
8. “The Room Where it Happens” by Hamilton the Musical (Cast)
9. “Auld Lang Syne” by Robert Burns
10. “I Belong to Glasgow” by Paolo Nutini
The top 5 Scottish folk musicians on YouTube
1. The Proclaimers
With over 100 million views on their official YouTube channel, The Proclaimers are one of Scotland’s most popular exports. The twin brothers have been making music together for over 30 years and their unique blend of folk-rock has won them fans all over the world.
2. Barbara Dickson
Barbara Dickson is a hugely successful Scottish singer and songwriter who has been performing for over 50 years. She has released dozens of albums and singles, many of which have been certified Gold or Platinum in the UK. Her YouTube channel features a selection of live performances, music videos, and interviews.
3. Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox is a Scottish singer, songwriter, and activist who first rose to fame as a member of the new wave band Eurythmics. She has since released eight solo albums, won numerous awards, and been awarded an OBE by the Queen. Lennox’s YouTube channel features live performances, music videos, and interviews.
4. Dougie MacLean
Dougie MacLean is a singer-songwriter from Perthshire, Scotland. He is best known for his song “Caledonia”, which has been covered by many artists including Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris. His YouTube channel features live performances, music videos, and interviews.
5. Eddi Reader
Eddi Reader is a Scottish singer-songwriter who first rose to fame as the lead singer of the band Fairground Attraction. She has since released eight solo albums and won numerous awards for her work in both music and television. Her YouTube channel features live performances, music videos, documents her work with UNICEF as an Ambassador, and interviews.
How to Get Started with Scottish Folk Music
If you’re looking for a way to get started with Scottish folk music, YouTube is a great place to start. You can find a wide variety of Scottish folk music on YouTube, from traditional songs to modern covers. You can also find a variety of artists to listen to, and you can even find some live performances.
Where to find Scottish folk music
The first place to start when you want to get into Scottish folk music is, of course, Scotland. Though there are Scottish folk bands and musicians all over the world, nothing beats hearing the music in its homeland. And what better way to do that than to go to one of Scotland’s many festivals?
There are all sorts of Scottish festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from food and drink to art and music. But if you’re specifically interested in Scottish folk music, then we recommend checking out some of the following festivals:
The Hebridean Celtic Festival: Held annually on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, this festival is one of the most popular folk music events in Scotland. It takes place over four days in July and features a wide range of traditional and contemporary Celtic music.
The Orkney Folk Festival: Another festival that takes place on a group of islands (in this case, Orkney), this event takes place over three days in May and celebrates Orcadian and Scandinavian culture through music, dance, song, storytelling, and more.
The Royal National Mòd: One of the most important events in Scottish Gaelic culture, this festival takes places every October in a different location around Scotland. Along with competitions in Gaelic literature, arts, and crafts, there’s also a strong focus on traditional music and song.
How to listen to Scottish folk music
If you’re new to Scottish folk music, the best way to get started is by listening to it. Thanks to the internet, there are now many ways to do this. One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways is by watching Scottish folk music videos on YouTube.
There are hundreds of great Scottish folk music videos on YouTube, from traditional songs and dances to more modern interpretations. You can find videos of live performances, tutorial videos, and even just people playing for fun in their homes.
A good place to start is by searching for “Scottish folk music” on YouTube. You can also try looking for specific artist or band names that you know you like, or check out some of the recommended channels below.
Once you’ve found some videos you like, try subscribing to the YouTube channel so you can be notified whenever new videos are added. You can also create a playlist of your favorite Scottish folk music videos so you can easily access them later.
How to learn Scottish folk music
Scottish folk music is a great way to get in touch with your heritage and learn about the culture and history of Scotland. The music is often lively and upbeat, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you’re interested in learning Scottish folk music, there are a few things you can do to get started.
1. Listen to Scottish folk music. You can find a lot of Scottish folk music on YouTube, so take some time to listen to different songs and see what you like. Remember, there are hundreds of years of history behind this music, so there’s a lot to explore.
2. Learn about the instruments used in Scottish folk music. The most common instruments are the fiddle, accordion, bagpipes, penny whistle, flute, and drums. If you’re interested in playing an instrument, try to find one that you can rent or borrow so you can get a feel for it before you commit to buying one.
3. Attend a Scottish folk music event. There are often festivals or other events that feature Scottish folk music. This is a great way to hear the music live and see how it’s played. You might even be able to find lessons at these events.
4. Join a Scottish folk band. If you’re serious about learning Scottish folk music, consider joining a band or group that plays this type of music. This will give you the opportunity to practice regularly and perform at shows or events.
