Christmas Music Across Scotland
Blogmas Day 9
As the nights draw in and frost creeps across the glens, there is something extra special about curling up with a good book on Scottish music at Christmas. The warmth of fiddle reels, the hum of ceilidh voices and the stories behind Scotland’s dance halls and traditions all make for a festive reading list that feels rooted in home, heritage and shared celebration. Here are five wonderful books that bring to life the soul of Scottish music, perfect for the festive season.
This biography traces the life and legacy of Martyn Bennett, an artist who transformed Scottish music. As a piper, fiddler, composer and DJ, he fused folk, classical, jazz and electronica to create a bold new sound that resonated far beyond Scotland. Reading this over Christmas, a time when tradition and innovation meet, reminds us how folk roots can be reinvented for a modern world and how music can bridge generations and cultures.
This book tells the story of Barrowland Ballroom, a legendary Glasgow music venue that has welcomed generations of musicians and fans. It captures the gigs, the backstage tales and the unique atmosphere that makes Barrowland a living landmark in Scottish music. For anyone who loves live music, nightlife or simply the idea of gathering together in song and dance, this book is a vibrant reminder of the power of shared musical experience.
A deep dive into Scotland’s musical heritage, this book explores how traditional tunes and folk music travelled through time and across the world, carried by fiddlers and folk musicians. With the festive season often comes ceilidhs, family gatherings and communal singing. Fiddles and Folk invites us to appreciate the roots of melody and dance that still echo across Scotland today.
In this thoughtful and engaging work, author and musician Gary West reflects on how Scottish traditional music remains alive and relevant. He traces links from historic bards and composers to modern folk singers and considers how music shapes identity and community in a changing world. At Christmas, a time when identity, memory and connection often come to the fore, this book offers a powerful exploration of cultural continuity and belonging.
Dance is as integral to Scottish tradition as melody. This book chronicles the evolution of Scottish dance, from Highland dances and reels to ceilidhs and country dancing, and shows how it has travelled far beyond Scotland’s borders. The festive season is made for dancing and celebration, and Heel for Heel is an invitation to enjoy rhythm, movement and community, whether tapping toes in a living room ceilidh or discovering the history behind each step.
