Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 20 on 10/04/2005.

This article is 43 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.

The true sound of Scotland

Marieke Smegen finds the best places for a traditional tune

Scotland is famous for its traditional music. Wherever you go, you have a good chance of coming across some local musicians playing a tune.

The musical tradition goes back hundreds of years. At first, people gathered in their houses for so-called ceilidhs: an event with music, dance and poetry. Nowadays you are more likely to find this tradition lives on in the local pub.

Music can happen anywhere and the best sessions often take place in the most unexpected locations. However, some places in Scotland are particularly well known for their music. It is impossible to mention them all, but in this article we will try and give you some places to start.

All pubs mentioned below have music several nights a week. They are open to anyone having a tune, so if you fancy it, bring an instrument and join the fun.

EDINBURGH

Sandy Bells
25 Forrest Road,
Edinburgh,EH1 2QH
Tel: +44 (0)131 225 1156
This pub is famous for its daily traditional sessions. Musicians from all over the world head for Sandy Bells when they are in town. The pub is small, but musicians always manage to squeeze into a back corner of the bar. The late songwriter and collector Hamish Henderson was a frequent visitor to this bar. Nowadays you can find musicians from bands such as Boys of the Lough, Shooglenifty, Tannahill Weavers and Fine Friday joining the sessions. Best times to visit are daily between 9pm and 1am and Saturdays and Sundays also between 4pm and 7pm.

Royal Oak
1 Infirmary Street,
Edinburgh,EH1 1LT
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By Marieke Smegen

Section : Scottish Music

Page number : 60