Congratulations to Lossie Folk Club who has / have been nominated in Club of the Year sponsored by Wills Bros Civil Engineering Ltd in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2026. Vote for Lossie Folk Club now! It’s going to be another great night at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards on Saturday 5th December in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre. Why not join us for a brilliant night of music and awards. Buy a ticket here.
We asked Brian of Lossie Folk Club the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Lossie Folk Club was born in 1974 at The Steamboat in Lossiemouth. It began as a folk singers club with occasional paid guests and a resident band called Steam Folk. It has run every Tuesday evening in various forms ever since with regular participants, occasional participants and accidental participants who always know there will be a place to share music on a Tuesday night. Its a very open, welcoming and inclusive environment that accepts many styles of music while keeping folk music at its core. Over the years it has been a great place for musicians start and develop sharing music in public. Grant Simpson of North Sea Gas was a regular in his formative years and Anna Massie used to come with here father when she was much younger also.
1985 brought the first Lossie Folk Festival and it was created with a spirit of Music of the people, by the people, for the people. There were sessions all throughout and open mic style concerts in the evenings. Free camping and no paid guests. No bands were booked but there was no shortage of great performers and audience members. It has continued in this style ever since.
At one time the Folk Club moved to The Beach Bar in Lossiemouth and was there for many years until it burned down. This plus Covid caused the only break in the continuation of the club. From the embers the club restarted again in various places before returning to The Steamboat. It started again with a small group but has since went from strength to strength. The folk festival also stopped for a few years but has now returned with a one day festival which has been a great success and is planned to grow to a two day festival next year.
Any particular career highlights?
Highlights over the years include:
The first Lossie Folk Festival was a major highlight
The return of the folk festival after fire and covid break was a highlight as was the revitalisation of the club at the Steamboat.
And the following concerts:
Hamish Imlach performing at the club.
Isla St Clair performing at the club because her mother lived in the area and could see her perform.
John Herald was an American folk and bluegrass songwriter, solo and studio musician and one-time member of The Greenbriar Boys trio. He performed at the club.
Eric Bogle performed twice. Originally he wasn't going to come but occasional folk club member and guest Martin Curtis from New Zealand persuaded him.
Award winning acoustic blues and folk artist Guy Davis.
What are your plans for the future?
The future plans are simply to continue the club as a place to encourage and share music in the folk club tradition and expand the annual festival to a second day and keep everything free and welcoming.
Lossie Folk Club Social Media
Website: https://www.facebook.com/lossiefolkclub
Facebook: @lossiefolkclub
Listen to music: http://
The 2026 MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards are on the 5th December 2026 in Paisley Arena, Lagoon Centre! You will be able to watch it live in person (buy a ticket here).
Hosted by Scottish personalities Alistair Heather and Mary Ann Kennedy, the night will welcome live performances from some of the brightest lights on the thriving trad scene today including Valtos, Gnoss, Sian, Fèis Phàislig, Spodo Komodo and BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Rachel Groves 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.