Congratulations to Ewan Galloway Scottish Dance Band who has been nominated in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2025. Vote now! It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 6th December in Aberdeen Music Hall. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Ewan of Ewan Galloway Scottish Dance Band the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
I started playing the accordion at the age of fourteen and a half under the tuition of John Leslie, after being inspired by David Patrick of Innerwick. At sixteen, I formed my first band, and we’ve been developing ever since. Now, twenty years later, with a wealth of experience and musicianship from our talented members, the Band has taken Scottish music to great heights. Our members have travelled extensively, performing in Holland, Argentina, Australia, Hungary and many other countries, proudly keeping our great Scottish musical tradition alive across the world. Over the years, we’ve released a number of CDs and performed at an impressive range of events — from Accordion and Fiddle Clubs, Country Dances, Ceilidhs, and Old Tyme dances to major festivals, including a memorable appearance on BBC Countryfile, where the presenters joined us for an Eightsome Reel. We specialise in live Scottish dance music, from ceilidhs and weddings to formal Scottish Country Dances and music festivals. Over time, we’ve built a reputation for our lively performances, engaging style, and deep respect for Scotland’s musical heritage. Above all, we love playing tunes that people can relate to, keeping Scottish music alive, relevant and fun, whether we’re performing at home in Edinburgh or on the other side of the world.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
I’ve been interested in music from a very young age, especially after dancing at high school ceilidhs, which first introduced me to the joy and energy of Scottish traditional music. Seeing David Patrick perform on the accordion was the moment that truly inspired me, I was completely hooked, and before long my first accordion was bought. From that point on, I knew Scottish music would be a lifelong passion. Playing Scottish music gives everyone such a great lift; when you see dancers smiling and enjoying themselves, it makes for a truly special night. There’s a feeling in this music that just gets inside you. Keeping our Scottish music alive and at the forefront for future generations is something I feel deeply about. Scottish traditional dance music is at the heart of who we are, it’s a living tradition that connects people across generations and continents. Being involved in Scottish music allows us to share that joy not only with local audiences but also with people abroad who have embraced Scottish country dancing and ceilidh culture. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how these tunes bring people together and how the tradition continues to grow through collaboration, education, and performance.
Any particular career highlights?
Over the past twenty years, the band has enjoyed many memorable highlights. We’ve had the honour of performing twice at the Royal Highland Show, and on the second occasion were incredibly fortunate to play for the BBC Countryfile team, with Matt Baker calling the dances. Later that same day, we took part in a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest Eightsome Reel ever danced in an open field — an unforgettable experience. I was also delighted to be invited to perform on one of the Golden Ticket trains for the opening of the new Borders Railway Line from Edinburgh to Galashiels, entertaining passengers with a taste of traditional Scottish music. The band has featured several times on BBC Radio Scotland’s “Take the Floor”, which has been both a privilege and a pleasure. Internationally, we’ve travelled to the Netherlands, Hungary, Germany, Argentina, and Australia, performing for RSCDS international weekends, Scottish Country Dance clubs, and major festivals, proudly spreading the joy of Scottish dance music across the world. This year, we were thrilled to be invited to play for the RSCDS Summer School in St Andrews, meeting dancers and musicians from many countries.
Another standout experience was performing at the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival, where we had an absolute ball playing for packed halls of dancers and listeners. Beyond live performances, I’ve also had the opportunity to play on cruise ships, sharing our music with visitors discovering Scotland for the first time.
During the pandemic, I launched “The Stagger Inn”, a virtual pub hosting live-streamed sessions that reached audiences worldwide — a project that reminded us how music can connect people even in isolation. But above all, the greatest highlight will always be seeing dancers and listeners leave at the end of a night with smiles on their faces, having shared in the joy, rhythm, and community spirit that Scottish music brings.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, our focus is on continuing to promote Scottish traditional music both at home and internationally. We’re planning to record new material that blends well-loved dance tunes with fresh arrangements, while always staying true to our roots. The band is developing even stronger links with Scottish Country Dance branches overseas, and we’re especially looking forward to visiting New Zealand at the end of this year to share our music with enthusiastic dancers from around the world. We’re passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians and dancers to carry our tradition forward.
My main focus is ensuring that Scottish dance music continues to thrive and remain visible — not only for our band but for every musician working within this wonderful circuit. We have several exciting trips and performances planned and look forward to them.
I also continue to work hard in promoting our online radio station RadioGH, broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week, bringing listeners the very best of Scottish dance music. Working alongside presenters from across the UK, we’ve built an exciting and ever-growing programme schedule that continues to reach new audiences. In addition, another new CD specifically for Scottish Country Dancing is currently in production, and shortly after that we plan to release another album for our loyal listeners — the faithful supporters who make what we do so rewarding. Above all, our goal remains simple: to keep people dancing, smiling, and celebrating Scottish music wherever we go.
Ewan Galloway Scottish Dance Band Social Media
Website: https://ewangalloway.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ewangallowaymusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ewangallowaymusic/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ewangalloway?si=vxDZq3j8cifZyy30
TikTok:
The 2025 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 6th December 2025 in Aberdeen Music Hall! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here). Watch it live in the UK at 9pm (GMT) on BBC ALBA and and around the world here. Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night in the Granite City will also welcome live performances from some of the brightest lights on the thriving trad scene today including beloved singer Hannah Rarity, UK folk legends The Poozies, trad pop band Mec Lir and BBC Radio scotland Young Traditional Musician and Scots Performer o the Year Ellie Beaton and many more!
If you would like to support Hands Up for Trad in their work with Scottish trad music and musicians why not become a friend of Hands Up for Trad. In addition to our high profile events like the Scots Trad Music Awards, we also deliver a less well known, education programme for young people from 8yrs right through to young adults at the start of their careers. Read more here.