39 Scottish Music Facts: Learn All About Traditional Folk Music

Scotland is thought to be synonymous with the use of bagpipes!

However, traditional Scottish music is way more than just the fiddle, bagpipes, or harp! Modern Scottish songs range across a myriad of genres, which shows how well artists have been able to adapt to new musical techniques.

From folk to country to rock, Scottish musicians have created some unforgettable tunes over the years. Let's take a look at some of the most interesting Scottish music facts. This is why Scottish music culture remains relevant across the world to this day! Let's learn some facts about Scottish music now!

The History of Scottish Music

Modern and traditional Scottish music forms an integral part of Scotland. A visit to the country is enough to understand the amount of importance of folk tradition, as well as, the respect that each instrument receives.

Scottish music dates back to 2300 BCE, as confirmed by the lyre-like instrument that was excavated from the Isle of Skye.

Stone carvings from the Pictish period also prove the existence of an instrument, which looked somewhat like a modern-day harp.

It often incorporates traditional folk instruments like bagpipes and the fiddle, as well as modern instruments like the guitar and drums.

Scottish music has a long and rich history. The first Scottish musicians appeared in the Middle Ages, and over the years, the genre has evolved to include many different styles of music.

The bard culture has been a part of the history of Scotland for a long time.

The bard would essentially be the means of propagation of oral tradition in a Scottish community.

A bard would be proficient in poetry, a great musician, and would also serve as a lawyer for the community.

Even though bards eventually faded out of the country, the bard culture remained.

In the modern context, renowned authors and poets are known as bards.

For example, Robert Burns, who is also the national poet of Scotland, is referred to as 'The Bard'.

Scotland is home to some of the world's most talented musicians.

Some of these artists have achieved international fame, while others remain relatively unknown outside of Scotland.

The first Scottish musicians were monastic singers and harpists who performed religious music in churches and cathedrals.

In 1500, Scottish Renaissance composers began writing secular music on instruments like the lute and viol.

In the 18th century, Scottish folk music began to emerge.

This genre was characterized by its simple melodies and harmonies, as well as its use of traditional instruments like the bagpipe and fiddle.

Scottish folk songs often told stories about love, war, and everyday life.

Many of these songs are still popular today and have been covered by artists like Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan.

In the 19th century, Scottish country music emerged as a distinct genre.

This style was influenced by American country music, and it featured singers and bands who sang about rural life and the Scottish landscape.

In the 20th century, Scottish rock music emerged as a dominant genre.

This style was heavily influenced by British and American rock music, and it often featured electric instruments and powerful vocals.

In addition to traditional folk and country music, there is now a wide range of styles available including rock, pop, blues, and even hip hop.

Parent Genres Of Scottish Music

Scottish traditional music is important to the culture of the country because it is also a reflection of Scotland's history and all the people who have lived there!

Traditional Scottish music is referred to as folk music.

Traditional Scottish music derives its characteristics from Old Norse and Scotland languages.

The influence of Irish traditional music is also evident.

The aspects of Celtic music are still visible in traditional Scottish music.

This is one of the reasons why a careful listener might be able to spot similarities in traditional Irish and Scottish music.

What is Scottish music known for?

Even though Scottish music is sometimes characterized by a single musical instrument known as bagpipes, many other instruments play a central role in traditional music.

Scottish folk music has been around for centuries and is known for its simple melodies and harmonies.

Scottish country music is a genre that emerged in the 19th century and was heavily influenced by American country music.

Scottish rock music emerged in the 20th century and is known for its powerful vocals and electric instruments.

Scottish music festivals also play a huge part in the maintenance of traditions.

The Celtic Connections festival is held in Glasgow every single year.

It showcases the diversity of the folk music that originates in the country.

The TradFest, which takes place in Edinburg every spring, is also one of the many music festivals that take place in the country.

The HebCelt, on the other hand, acknowledges more modern and popular bands from Scotland.

The importance that music holds in Scotland is evident from the fact that UNESCO announced Glasgow to be one of the UNESCO Cities of Music!

The traditional music of Scotland is characterized by the heavy usage of small pipes, bagpipes, the fiddle, cello, border pipes, and the harp.

In addition to this, flute players are also important to the traditional music of Scotland.

Scotland is not the only place in the world that shows a special love for bagpipes.

Other places in Europe and North Africa also heavily use bagpipes in their traditional music.

Famous Scottish Musicians

There are many famous musicians from Scotland, although we will only be discussing a few!

One of the most famous Scottish bands is Runrig.

One of the most famous Scottish country artists is Dougie MacLean, who has been performing since 1970. His songs often reflect on Scottish culture and heritage.

Some of the most famous Scottish rock bands are Nazareth, Big Country, and The Proclaimers.

The theme music for a James Bond movie named 'For Your Eyes Only' was sung by a Scottish musician named Sheena Easton.