The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) is currently undertaking a research project to identify skills gaps and training needs of practitioners working in Scotland’s music industry in 2017. The purpose of this research is to enable the SMIA to understand what the development needs of the industry are, allowing us to then take relevant actions … Continued

We are saddened to report the recent death of TMF Board member, and chair of our member, Edinburgh Folk Club, Eberhard ‘Paddy’ Bort. Just over a week ago Paddy attended the TMF quarterly board meeting, making his usual considered and valuable contribution. A week later he died suddenly, leaving a void in our lives, in … Continued

The Merlin Music Academy was founded in 2011 and is based in the very attractive Borders town of Melrose. The Academy teaches traditional folk, blues and acoustic music to all age groups and abilities. They first started teaching Fiddle, Guitar and Accordion but have now grown considerably and offer music tuition over a huge range … Continued

The late Dundee-born singer, songwriter, actor and artist Michael Marra’s entire recorded back-catalogue is being made available digitally for the first time from February 3 through Amazon and other outlets. His albums include his first release, The Midas Touch, the experience of recording which made him concentrate on the idiosyncratic style that produced songs such as … Continued

Join traditional flute and whistle player Gordon Turnbull in a relaxed and supportive setting to learn and develop traditional techniques while building up a repertoire from Scotland, Ireland and beyond. FluteFling Saturday half-day workshops are held every month at Tribe Porty in Portobello, Edinburgh. Combining elements of the popular fortnightly classes and the annual Scottish Flute Day in a … Continued

Fun Fiddle are based in Portobello, Edinburgh and are offering a range of new classes for adults starting on 19 January. All levels catered for – from beginner to advanced. Childrens classes also available.  More information here

Loch Ness fiddler & composer Adam Sutherland is releasing a new collection of contemporary Scottish folk melodies .  Entitled ‘The Errogie Collection’ it is illustrated with fantastic photographs by Somhairle MacDonald. Adam is launching the book as part of the Scot’s Fiddle Festival on Saturday 19th November with a session of tunes and stories from 11.30-12.30pm. Hamish … Continued

Are you doing something exciting, interesting or innovative?The Epic Awards recognise and reward excellence and innovation in the amateur cultural sector, and over 65,000 voluntary arts groups are eligible to enter.  A winner and runner-up is chosen from England, Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, plus a special ‘People’s Choice Award’ voted for by … Continued

Eight top young folk musicians are heading out around Scotland over the next three months. The tour is of the finalists and winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Competition (2015) and organised by the TMSA (Traditional Music & Song Association of Scotland).  The full line-up is as follows; Claire Hastings … Continued

Building on the success of the fantastic inaugural event in 2011, The Islay Sessions returns for its sixth year. Once again, the festival features some of Scotland’s finest traditional musicians playing in concerts and sessions across Islay and coming together for a grand concert in Bruichladdich Hall. Join Breabach, Talisk, The Routes Quartet, Sarah Hayes and … Continued