Scottish trad music is on the rise

New research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.

Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 4 March 2024 16:47

Scottish trad music is on the rise - 88% believe it’s a vital part of Scottish culture and heritage.

• New VisitScotland research finds that Scottish traditional music is experiencing a resurgence.

• Over three-quarters (79%) of Scots say they feel a sense of cultural connection when listening to Scottish traditional music.

• The vast majority (88%) believe preserving it is important with 61% expressing interest in supporting efforts to promote and preserve it.

The report, which surveyed 1000 Scottish adults, explores the listening habits of the nation, finding that Scottish trad music is not only surviving, but actively thriving. Sixty-one percent of those surveyed believe the genre is gaining more popularity, and 56% of people stated that they are inclined to listen to more trad music in the future.

Furthermore, many have observed a rise in Scottish Traditional music events in the past year, highlighting a vibrant live music scene. With over 20 trad music festivals this year, including Celtic Connections, Orkney Folk Festival, Edinburgh Tradfest, Shetland Folk Festival, Stonehaven Folk Festival, Ceolas and HebCelt that have even partnered with Isle of Harris Distillery allowing up and coming artists to perform, the music landscape is flourishing.

You can also immerse yourself in the thriving spirit of trad music at various smaller venues and local bars such as MacGregor's Bar in Inverness, Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline, The Ceilidh Place in Ullapool, The Bothy Bar in Kirkwall, The Taybank in Dunkeld, each offering a unique and vibrant setting.
And it's not just about listening—trad music has been making waves in mainstream media too, with 53% of individuals saying they’ve noticed an inclusion of the genre within the media (TV, movies, commercials) and another 35% going as far as saying they’ve been exposed to more Scottish trad music than ever before.

Cultural significance and preserving tradition
Part of the enduring appeal of trad music is that it’s so deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Scotland, with 88% considering it a vital part of the nation’s culture and heritage. Another 79% say they feel a sense of cultural connection when listening, making trad music not only a cherished art form but also a way to explore the rich history of Scotland's traditions through its melodies and rhythms.

Safeguarding Scottish traditional music is crucial in upholding cultural heritage, as it fosters a sense of national identity and strengthens community bonds, with most Scots (88%) agreeing that preserving it is important. Glasgow, recognized as a UNESCO City of Music, vividly exemplifies the integral role of traditional music in preserving and promoting Scotland's rich musical heritage.
In fact, 84% of respondents argue that by preserving it we ensure that future generations have a connection to their roots and cultural identity, while an additional 82% believe that it fosters a sense of community that brings people together.

A significant 61% of Scots expressed an interest in supporting efforts to promote and preserve traditional music. Interestingly, the enthusiasm is notably higher among younger generations, with Millennials most likely to be expressing interest in such initiatives compared.

The vibrancy of live music
Live music offers a unique and authentic atmosphere, so it’s no surprise that 54% of people say they prefer listening to Scottish traditional music live.
Six in ten people (65%) say they would consider attending a live performance this year, with 49% even saying they would be open to travelling to different parts of Scotland to experience it. Live performances, including festivals like the Orkney Folk Festival, even draw in an international audience as well.

Some of the most popular trad music festivals included Edinburgh Tradfest with 42% of people planning on attending, Celtic Connections (30%) and The Reeling (17%) in Glasgow. On average, people were found to be planning on attending three live Scottish trad music performances this year.

There are abundant opportunities to enjoy trad music live, whether it's at a local bar, a festival, or an event like the Ceilidh Trail, where young musicians from across Scotland perform in various locations throughout the country. Whether a local or a visitor, everyone can immerse themselves in the vibrant and enduring heritage of Scottish traditional music.

Blair Teska, member of Scottish trad band Tuath Scot, comments:
“Scottish Trad Music has experienced a remarkable resurgence of late, captivating audiences spanning multiple generations. It’s not just a trend, it’s a cultural revival. As more artists embrace and contribute to the genre's resurgence, the cultural legacy embedded in Scottish Trad Music is being brought back to life for today's audiences.

The music scene is thriving, evident not only in chart success but also in the rising number of festivals and live music events dedicated to the genre. You can really feel the excitement for it at festivals and live performances, with a growing audience showing a keen interest. There is nothing quite like reaching out to all areas of Scotland with our music and are proud to represent the LGBTQ+ community with the richness and diversity of Scottish Trad Music.
This music acts like a time capsule, connecting our past with our present. Each note and melody serve as a vessel, preserving the stories, traditions, and spirit of Scotland's musical heritage.”

To explore more about the rich history of Scottish trad music and find live events information, please visit: www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/events/music-festivals/traditional-folk

Image credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.

Susie McCabe headlines comedy night at Eastwood Park Theatre

Scottish comedian Susie McCabe will headline a comedy show this month at Eastwood Park Theatre.

Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes

Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.

Lorraine Kelly meets the Loch Ness Monster Milker delivering Nessie Nectar across the UK

IRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.

The Grid celebrates first anniversary with launch of new running club

Fitness members celebrated one year of dedicated functional training space, The Grid, at Barrhead Foundry, with the launch of a brand new inclusive running club.

Safety and family time driving surge in adult swim lessons

Scottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.

New documentary tells the story of world record breaking Scottish brothers

A new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.

David Attenborough and Eurovision steal the spotlight at Vue venues in Scotland this month

Audiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.

The Royal Yacht Britannia Exhibition and Retail Experience are shipshape and ready to welcome visitors

2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.

Get set for Summer: East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure launches Summer Holiday Camps

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched its summer holiday programme, packed full of activities to keep the kids active and entertained during the school break.

Pavilion Festival rounds off biggest event yet with Happy Mondays and STREETrave Classical

Pavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.

Cineworld announces first ever 4DX Family Day

For one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.

Dive into a career as a Swim Teacher with new course

A new training course has been lined up for aspiring swim teachers who want to dive into a new career, learn new skills and support the next generation of swimmers.

Brand new show Something About Lennon opens UK tour this month with Scottish dates

Celebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.

Celebrate Fathers Day in Style with Dobbies Sunday Lunch and Planting Experience

This June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.

Blue Light Awards Scotland to honour emergency services heroes

Nominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.

Funding awarded to seven projects for tree planting in cities and towns across Scotland

The Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.

Rory McIlroy Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open

Newly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!

Holding Back The Years: 40 Years of Simply Red in cinemas May 15

To celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.

This May bank holiday weekend sees 3 day festival take over Ayr Beach and the sun is set to shine!

Pavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!

Fun for all the family at the 36th annual Scottish Game Fair

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.

Free Glorious Grass gardening workshop for children at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.

New Bluey collection comes to cinemas for the May Bank Holiday

Bluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.

New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.

Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!

Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden

The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.

Love Your Lawn with Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.

Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week

Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.

A festival for tiny tots is coming to Glasgow this Summer

A festival for Glasgow's littlest revellers is launching this summer, and it's set to be a treat for the whole family!

Popular Listings

Eastwood Park Theatre Rouken Glen Park East Renfrewshire HSCP Walking Groups Greenbank House and Garden Dams to Darnley Country Park Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre

Scottish trad music is on the rise

New research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.

Sponsored Links

Latest East Renfrewshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings