Keeping Traditional Scottish Music Alive
Keeping Traditional Scottish Music Alive
Words by Annie Barber
When you think of Scottish music what do you think of? Bagpipes, an accordion or perhaps a fiddle? Personally, I associate it with my younger years, having grown up in the Outer Hebrides where it is a key component of the community. Traditional Scottish music, or folk music, has long been an integral part of Scotland’s culture which needs to be both protected and promoted.
In Scotland, traditional music has immense cultural importance. Typically associated with Gaelic-speaking communities and Celtic culture, this genre of music dates back thousands of years, making its origins difficult to pin down. However, it is thought to have come from Pictish, Old Scots, Norse and Gaelic traditions, drawing on early influences which shaped Scotland as we know it today.
One thing is for certain, trad music holds the power to bring our communities together. Having seen the way it unites people firsthand, for example at traditional ceilidhs, I strongly believe in its ability to create harmony and unity in Scotland. Rooted in the country’s rich storytelling and traditional dancing customs, it combines some of our most interesting and celebrated practices. Scottish folklore, although not as well known as mythology originating from other cultures, is a much celebrated form of storytelling. The interconnectedness of Scotland’s traditions shows the importance which music and storytelling held in our communities in the past.
It is without a doubt that traditional music used to play a bigger part in Scotland. Despite having been trivialised and lost popularity over time, there are still many contemporary artists, bands and musicians trying to keep it alive. Mànran, Skippinish and Runrig are all well-known and celebrated traditional Scottish bands. Alternative-indie band Lucia & The Best Boys, indie-folk quintet Elephant Sessions, and indie-folk pop band Tide Lines are just some examples of acts who are trying to mesh modern and traditional influences together. This amalgamation of the old and the new is a captivating way of reconnecting younger audiences with their Scottish heritage.
Festivals such as The Reeling Festival, taking place in Glasgow’s Rouken Glen Park, and the Traditional Music & Song Association of Scotland’s Keith Festival, showcase some of Scotland’s best traditional music acts. Many local bars and pubs in Scotland’s cities and towns have regular folk music nights, which also help to keep the tradition alive.
Scotland’s rich heritage, not just its culture of traditional music, needs to be preserved in general. In an age where social media and fast fashion contributes to the rapid turnover of trends and loss of identity, reviving and promoting tradition gains increasing importance. Celebrating our culture, whether that be through dance, food, or music, is an important way to keep our traditions alive and to protect our cultural identity.
Beyond the obvious suggestions of continuing music nights dedicated to traditional music and playing it within communities, there are many other things which can be done to continue the legacy of traditional Scottish music. It is imperative to instil the importance of folk music in children from a young age; it must be part of the curriculum at both primary and secondary education levels. The government should invest more money and resources into keeping folk music alive, whether that be in the education sector, or in more contemporary settings, for example, by funding the live music scene.
The revival of Scottish traditional music starts with us. Each of us can play a part in protecting our rich cultural heritage and keeping our traditions alive. So, this weekend, get down to your local pub for their trad music night and start reconnecting with your roots.