Born in Deep River, Canada to Scottish parents, Paul Murray was brought to Scotland at just six months old. He first lived in Corstorphine, before settling in Penicuik where he spent his formative years. His early exposure to folk music came through his family home, where the sounds of English folk luminaries like Steeleye Span, Martin Carthy and The Watersons were constant companions. He often sang their songs with his father.
Paul’s formal musical journey began at age nine. A school ear test identified his aptitude, leading to violin lessons with Miss Dagg, later a member of The Whistlebinkies. This fortuitous connection proved transformative. His teacher had a passion for Scottish fiddle traditions, enhanced by her studies with Alasdair Fraser in Skye. This meant Paul received parallel training in both classical and Scottish fiddle techniques. His deep love for traditional, and folk music, was thus fostered, leading to early performances at Penicuik Folk Club and occasional appearances with his father at Edinburgh Folk Club.
Through these years, he developed a profound appreciation for artists like the McCalmans, who had performed at his school with Murray’s fiddle group as support. He admired their musicianship and audience rapport. At seventeen, he formed his own ceilidh band and has continued performing intermittently since then.
His musical horizons expanded significantly during his time working at Coda Music on The Mound in Edinburgh from 1998 to 2002. Here he discovered music from artists such as La Bottine Souriante, Shooglenifty, and many more as a result of being able to play their CDs on the shop audio system.
Paul’s most significant contribution to Scottish traditional music lies in his longstanding commitment to nurturing new generations of musicians. His involvement with the Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin’, Fèis Rois, Edinburgh University FolkSoc, and particularly Tinto Summer School, where he has been active for 25 years, has enabled him to witness and support countless young musicians as they develop their craft. This dedication to what he poetically calls “that Carrying Stream” reflects his passion for ensuring that traditional music remains vibrant and accessible.
While Paul celebrates the increasing professionalism and excellence within the scene, he remains a passionate advocate for the inclusive, community-centred ethos of traditional music. He particularly values how the tradition welcomes participants of all abilities, from “occasionally accurate guitar strummers to top-notch fiddle players,” united by their love of music that can “make you smile, or make you weep.”
Alongside running Tinto Summer School, Paul has also been involved in radio, presenting “Fresh Folk” on Edinburgh student radio station “Fresh Air”, and Kirkcaldy community radio station K107FM. His day job is as a Chemistry/Science teacher at Kirkcaldy High School, where he supervises a weekly radio show presented by the pupils. These pupils, and “Dr. Murray” also run a “Stage Tech.” team, coordinating lights and sound for schools shows, and events.
Paul Murray’s induction into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame recognises his unwavering commitment to fostering community through traditional music. He ensures the traditions he cherishes are passed on to future generations with the same passion and inclusivity that have characterised his own musical journey.