🎶 BEATS • LOOPS • GROOVES • HARP 🎶 Ready to discover what else your harp can do? Ignite Arts is running a two-day creative workshop for teenage harpists in Edinburgh this September, exploring contemporary approaches to harp playing with two of Scotland’s most exciting young harpists, Dara Dubh and Malachy Arnold — plus a Saltire Harp Centre harp […]
Newsletter
Inverness Castle provides new stage for tradition during this September’s Blas Festival
Blas Festival has revealed the full line-up for Còmhraidhean aig a’ Chaisteal (Castle Conversations), a new series of intimate events that will see Inverness Castle become a place for sharing the stories behind Scotland’s traditional music. The three events, as part of the 9-day Highland festival, will invite audiences to look beyond the performances, delving into the personal […]
Rare posters from first Mòds restored to former glory
A set of remarkable artefacts which tell the story of the beginnings of the Royal National Mòd and a significant moment in the history of Scottish Gaelic culture, are being returned to public view next month following an important restoration project. Two original posters dating back to the 1890s marking the first ever editions of the Royal National […]
Simon Thoumire Presents a Retrospective Concert at the Edinburgh International Festival
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]