scottish music and dancing in Edinburgh

If you're looking for traditional Scottish folk music, there are several really good venues in Edinburgh. The best one is Sandy Bell's, on Forrest Road. Others include the Royal Oak pub on Infirmary Street, and the White Hart in the Grassmarket. The Edinburgh Folk Club has weekly concerts in the Pleasance Theatre, and you can find live sessions just about every night. Ask at Sandy Bell's, and they can let you know where the action is.

However, if you're looking for ceilidh band type music, with traditional Scottish country dancing (Dashing White Sergeant, Strip the Willow, Gay Gordons, etc.), your best bet may be some of the pubs along the Royal Mile.

Whatever you're looking for in Scottish music, Edinburgh is definitely the place to be. Enjoy!

Thanks so much for your recommendations. Looking forward to our visit.

Are these venues mainly targeting tourists?

Wondering if it’s like temple bar in Dublin. I walked through to see what it was like and left!

Hi, Ginger,

Sandy Bell's is definitely not for tourists. They play there for their own pleasure. But you may find tourists there. Check out the Royal Oak, White Hart, and Digger's Arms (Athletic Arms). The Edinburgh Folk Club has a regular series of concerts, but you may find that the performer who is scheduled while you're there is an American blues singer. But you won't find any C&W like you'll find in Killarney! They take their traditional music seriously at Sandy Bell's!

I should ask, though, what's your definition of traditional Scottish music? Everyone has his or her own idea of what traditional Scottish music should be. Personally, I go for the acoustic stuff - performers who use instruments like guitar, fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki, bodhran, tenor banjo, etc. I really enjoy some of the Gaelic singers, like Arthur Cormack, Mary Ann Kennedy, Karen Matheson, any of the Mackenzie sisters, etc.; and some of the groups like Battlefield Band, Tannahill Weavers, Old Blind Dogs, Skippinish, Manran, Emily Smith Band, and Runrig. I'm tired of Dougie Maclean (sorry, Dougie), as almost all of his recent songs sound alike. But that's just me. If Dick Gaughan is playing anywhere, go see him. He is a living legend.

Anyway, you should be able to find what you're looking for in Edinburgh. And if you have time in Glasgow, the Star Folk Club often has events, as well as St. Andrews in the Square.

Best of luck to you, and enjoy the music!

We asked our hotel concierge and he gave me a hard look, smiles, and told me just to go to Sandy Bell's. We walked in, the place seemed like an ordinary bar, filled with locals. There were a few musicians milling about down at one end. I ordered a beer and some pub grub food, we grabbed a tiny table next to where the musicians were fussing with their gear. Then they started playing - wow!!! It was AMAZING!!! Really incredible folk music, excellent in every way, and we were less than a meter from those playing. They were really good! We spent a couple hours there until my wife was giving me the evil eye (I could have stayed all night but knew better - she's not much of a fan and she had indulged me so I didn't want to exceed her limit). Bands came and went, I think there were three different acts while we were there, with short breaks between sets.

For me, it was the highlight of our trip (with lots of competition - those fist-sized scallops we had in Orkney were pretty awesome, too - it was an incredible trip with many highlights). I want to go back if only for the music.

Don't miss Sandy Bell's!