The 14th Big Burns Supper programme has launched with a total reworking of the entire festival format for the 2026 edition of the winter festival. The continuation of the Northern Lights Dumfries programme, which includes 14 sound and light installations as part of a free town-wide trail co-created with a range of different partners, will […]
News
Patsy Reid Brings Simon Thoumire’s Compositions to Life on “I Am Disposed To Mirth”
A stunning new album showcases the fiddle music of Simon Thoumire in what may be one of the finest fiddle performances of all time When a master fiddler meets masterful compositions, something magical happens. Patsy Reid’s new album “I Am Disposed To Mirth” is exactly that kind of magic – a breathtaking interpretation of Simon […]
Memorial concert for Charlie Allan
A special concert will be held on 21 November at Inverurie’s Acorn Centre to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Charlie Allan, the much-loved North East farmer, writer, musician, and athlete whose influence touched many over decades. Charlie Allan, who died in 2023, was known for his deep connection to rural life, his gift […]
Bridge Over Little Stream by Rhona Smith
Bridge over Little Stream was first commissioned in 2017 after Rhona Smith performed her piece ‘Shetland Journey’ at the Distil showcase. Hands Up for Trad approached her and suggested she work on a duet with Su-a Lee (cello). Hands Up for Trad asked Rhona to compose a piece with the idea of Su-a and Rhona […]
A decade of cultural impact to be celebrated at landmark anniversary concert
Fèis Phàislig, Renfrewshire’s celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people. The showcase event will take place at the iconic Paisley Town Hall on Saturday 7th February 2026, bringing together over 100 performers from the organisation’s past […]
Distil Rehearsal Room 2025: Opening Up the Creative Composition Process
On Monday 6th October 2025, the Scottish Music Centre in Glasgow hosted the Distil Rehearsal Room, a unique professional development opportunity for early career traditional musicians to hear their new compositions performed by acclaimed ensemble Mr McFall’s Chamber. Five talented composers – Laura Penman, Bede Paterson, Rhona Smith, Sophie Rocks and Miguel Girão – presented […]
BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2026 Finalists Announced
Six exceptional musicians selected for prestigious Celtic Connections final Following an outstanding semi-finals weekend at BBC Pacific Quay in Glasgow, we’re thrilled to announce the six finalists for the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2026. All twelve semi-finalists delivered exceptional performances throughout the weekend, showcasing the remarkable depth of talent within Scotland’s traditional […]
Curtain comes down on Royal National Mòd in Lochaber as Glasgow gets set to host in 2026
The curtain has come down on the 133-year-old Royal National Mòd today in Lochaber, marking the end of nine days of world-class Gaelic cultural celebration and competition. Thousands of people, including 1,900 competitors and hundreds of performers and exhibitors, transformed Fort William into a thriving hotspot of Gaelic language. With estimated attendances of around 10,000 – an […]
The Cadence of a Song The Life of Margaret Fay Shaw Fiona J. Mackenzie
The American-born folklorist and musician Margaret Fay Shaw’s passion for the Hebrides led her to the island of South Uist in 1929. There she met Pèigi and Màiri MacRae, and her search for the ‘pristine’ version of Gaelic songs began. It would be a lifelong passion. In 1938, Margaret moved to Canna, as the wife […]
New Harp Shop Opens in Scotland: The Saltire Harp Centre
Scotland has a new home for harp music with the official opening of the Saltire Harp Centre, founded and run by acclaimed harpist Ailie Robertson and her husband. Located in the heart of Argyll, the Saltire Harp Centre is more than just a shop — it’s a welcoming destination where harp enthusiasts can try, play, and purchase harps from some […]