In Howe of the Mearns school Laurencekirk Primary, startling and hilarious new songs have been written, the topics ranging from an imaginary Kirkie Gala day, to Nessie at the Battle of Stirling Brig, through songmaking workshops run by the Ceilidhmakers project. Ceilidhmakers organiser, noted Scots traditional singer Christine Kydd of Kirriemuir, explains. “During the school … Continued

NEW FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR TRADITIONAL ARTS A new fund has been launched to offer grants of up of £1,000 to organisations and individuals involved in Scottish Traditional Arts.   The fund – Tasgadh – is devolved from Creative Scotland, managed by Fèisean nan Gàidheal and available to provide support for traditional artists and organisations to … Continued

Celtic Studies National Certificate (NC) or Access to Higher Education (SWAP) This 1 year full-time course is designed for students who wish to develop knowledge and skills in Celtic culture, Celtic history and heritage, Gaelic language, the politics of the Celtic nations and traditional music and dance. On successful completion of the Celtic Studies Access … Continued

Changes Community Health Project and Superact present ‘Sea Changes’ a series of 6 FREE music, song, and story workshops with Eileen Penman and Martine Robertson. Fisherrow Centre, Musselburgh Thursdays 7 – 9pm 21st May- 18th June No musical experience needed! A creative new music project has been launched by Changes Community Health Project and national … Continued

Scots Language Radio, a project from Frieda Morrison and Steve Byrne, is a monthly podcast about Scottish Culture and Events. There are 1.5 million Scots speakers in Scotland, and the station hopes to alter a linguistic mindset which has seen Scots fade out of public speech. The new website features an archive of episodes, a … Continued

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is now recruiting for two learning and teaching programmes, offering fully funded places: MA Learning and Teaching (Gaelic Arts) and MEd Learning and Teaching in the Performing Arts. MA Learning and Teaching (Gaelic Arts) There are 6 fully funded places to offer on this programme. The MA Learning and Teaching … Continued

Taigh na Teud have several new releases to shout about, including ‘Traditional Scottish Fiddle Music of the Scottish Borders’. ‘This outstanding collection of traditional fiddle music from the Scottish Borders was recorded from the playing of Tom Hughes of Jedburgh between 1978 and 1980. The book and CD were compiled and transcribed by Peter Shepheard. Although … Continued

Scotland Sings is back in Edinburgh on Saturday 27th June 2015 for its second Sing for Water event in aid of WaterAid. On a glorious sunny day in 2011, over 200 singers from across Scotland got together and raised £13,000 for the international charity that transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation. Six songs from … Continued

Perthshire Amber Festival announces the 2015 line-up The festival base of operations in the tiny village of Butterstone in Perthshire will have its broadband buzzing and phone lines overloaded at 4pm (UK time) today when fans from all over the world compete for sought after ‘package deals’ and tickets for favourite venues.  Scotland’s “wee gem … Continued

Dancers, poets, storytellers, musicians, visual, digital or multi media artists are being invited to apply for the 2015/16 round of creative artist bursaries offered by the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS). EFDSS, which runs the national folk arts centre Cecil Sharp House in London, makes up to four awards annually to fund the … Continued