We’re delighted to share some special news from our own Creative Director — this August, Simon Thoumire will present a retrospective concert as part of the Edinburgh International Festival, marking twenty years of his work as a composer. Taking place at The Hub, Edinburgh, on Monday 24 August at 8pm, the concert looks back across two […]
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Foot Stompin’ Free Scottish Music Podcast No 261
Hi there, welcome back to the latest Foot Stompin’ Podcast! We have some brilliant music this month – new and not so new – even a track that I noticed I first played in 2022 – doesn’t seem that long ago! Thanks again for you support and listening. If you would like to support the […]
Announcing the Distil Meet-Up Series 2026/2027 – Tom Bancroft 24th September
For over twenty years, Hands Up for Trad’s Distil project has been pioneering creative development for traditional musicians across Scotland. Through residential workshops, mentoring, and collaboration with leading ensembles like Mr McFall’s Chamber, Distil has empowered hundreds of musicians to develop compositional confidence and improvisational skills, creating new works that bridge traditional and contemporary music. […]
Edinburgh Songwriter Kim Edgar Performs Songs of Unity!
After thirteen years of extensive touring as a member of the awarding-winning band, CARA, local pianist and singer/songwriter Kim Edgar performs her critically acclaimed original songs, as well as some of her favourite songs of unity from other songwriters in Stockbridge Parish Church at 7 pm on Saturday 29th August 2026. “An inspired empathy…her gentle personality […]
Memorable night of music to mark 250 years of Fochabers
A memorable night of music is set to mark 250 years since the Moray village of Fochabers was founded later this month, as local and national stars take to the stage at Gordon Castle on Saturday 29 August. Brought together by beloved Celtic festival Speyfest, Fochabers Village Association and Gordon Castle Estate, the special concert will welcome acclaimed traditional musicians Gary Innes, Ewen […]
Scots language champions to be celebrated as national awards return to Dundee
People across Scotland are being invited to celebrate those championing the Scots leid as nominations for the Scots Language Awards 2026 are open. Returning to Dundee’s Discovery Point on Saturday 19 September, the awards recognise the people, organisations and communities that are working to ensure one of Scotland’s indigenous languages continues to flourish in everyday life. Now in their eighth […]
Spirit of Scottish film Local Hero to come alive at Hoolie in the Hydro
Mark Knopfler bestowed with special honour as legendary line up is revealed Scotland’s biggest night of traditional music, Hoolie in the Hydro, will return to the OVO Hydro on Saturday 12 December 2026, and will this year take its inspiration from one of Scotland’s most iconic films, as it welcomes another legendary line up. Inspired by the […]
Ian McCalman (ancient) and Ellen (younger) stagger 21k for the Alzheimer’s Society
A message from the wonderful Ian McCalman (of the legendary McCalman’s). What a stupid way to celebrate an 80th birthday. Hello to our neighbours, friends, relatives and that person we met on the road, old “what’s his name”. I’m Ian McCalman, ex musician (almost semi-famous last century) and I’ll be 80, just, when I run […]
Fergusson’s Auld Reikie returns to Portobello
After selling out in 2024, Fergusson’s Auld Reikie is back for another airing — a celebration of the genius of 18th century Edinburgh poet Robert Fergusson, brought to life through poetry, music and song. Sunday 20 September, 3pm–5pm (doors 2.30pm) Portobello Town Hall, Edinburgh Robert Fergusson’s verse captured the teeming life of Edinburgh’s closes, tenements and taverns in […]
Blas Festival celebrates Sian’s 10th anniversary with two special concerts featuring Iain Morrison
This September, Blas Festival will celebrate a decade of one of Gaelic music’s most distinctive vocal groups as Sian returns to the festival where it all began. Marking their 10th anniversary in 2026, Sian will perform two special concerts alongside acclaimed Lewis singer-songwriter Iain Morrison, appearing in Kyle on Thursday 11th September before bringing the curtain down on this year’s Blas Festival with […]