If you think of bagpipes when you think of traditional Scottish music, think again. While the bagpipes are internationally famous and instantly draw to mind lines of Scotsmen in kilts marching in formation, or a lone piper standing on a hillside playing a sad lament, there is far more to traditional Scottish music than this one instrument.
Traditional music Scottish has links with other Gaelic music, but anyone familiar with the full gamut of Celtic music will instantly tell you there are many subtle differences. Traditional Scottish music shares certain of types of form with Irish music, such as reels. So you will find yourself taken on a journey by the musicians, but one which keeps returning to the same place and while the journey may revisit in its verses many of the melodies the occurred previously, there will often be slight differences to keep your interest levels high. Your foot will be tapping along before long as you get caught up in this infectious whirlwind of sound.
You may well come across traditional Scottish music played in small, cosy and friendly pubs while travelling in Scotland. Often the sessions are informal ones where musicians simply turn up with their instruments and play along with whoever else happens to be there. You will normally find a fiddle and several guitarists sitting around a table.
There may be other instruments for example whistles or a bodrhan, a type of drum played with a bone which is popular not only in Irish music but also in traditional Scottish music. If you are fortunate there may be singer, male of female, as well. There will normally be a pause between pieces while the players catch up on their drinking, then one of the musicians will take the lead, perhaps the guitarist will play a couple of chords and the other instruments will join in one by one.
The songs will evoke times of hardship and bravery for this noble country of hardened people; while some songs will be happy and light, other songs may evoke memories of suffering such as in the Highland Clearances or during the several rebellions the Scots have organised against English dominance.
Traditional music Scottish may of course be heard at the famous Scottish dance events known as "ceilidhs". These are held up the length and breadth of the country. They may be smart, expensive affairs in the best city hotels, buy they may also be friendly local events held in a village hall.
They are also increasingly popular as an alternative to a disco or pop-band at wedding receptions. The band will normally be on a stage of some description in front of a large space where a number of people dance in formation simultaneously. Do not be alarmed or put off if you don't know the dances. There will be a "master of ceremonies" who explains the dance before the band kicks off and plays the Scottish traditional music.
The songs have exciting names like the Gay Gordons or the Strip the Willow. You will find that some of those present know the dances: many Scottish people learn them in school. These people will more than happy to demonstrate their prowess and help along those who are less familiar.
Scottish traditional music will enhance your stay in Scotland wherever you come across it. It might be in a local pub, or it might be at a major venue at the Edinburgh festival. You will find your foot tapping and you will want to know more about the music itself and the culture that gave rise to it.
