Scottish trad music experiencing ‘remarkable’ resurgence, research finds

A NEW report by Visitscotland has revealed the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music.

The research found that over a third of Scots (34%) have started listening to it more often in the past year with another 35% going as far as saying they’ve been exposed to more Scottish trad music than ever.

The report, which surveyed 1,000 Scottish adults, explored the listening habits of the nation, finding that Scottish trad music is not only surviving, but “actively thriving”.

Sixty-one per cent of those surveyed believe the genre is gaining more popularity, and 56% of people stated that they are inclined to listen to more trad music in the future.

Meanwhile, 53% of individuals said they have noticed an inclusion of the genre within the media (TV, movies, commercials).

Eighty-eight per cent also considered it a vital part of the nation’s culture and heritage, while 84% argued that by preserving it we ensure that future generations have a connection to their roots and cultural identity.

Commenting on the report, Blair Teska, member of Scottish trad band Tuath Scot, said: “Scottish trad music has experienced a remarkable resurgence of late, captivating audiences spanning multiple generations. It’s not just a trend, it’s a cultural revival.

“As more artists embrace and contribute to the genre’s resurgence, the cultural legacy embedded in Scottish trad music is being brought back to life.

“The music scene is thriving, evident not only in chart success but also in the rising number of festivals and live music events dedicated to the genre.

“There is nothing quite like reaching out to all areas of Scotland with our music and we are proud to represent the LGBTQ+ community with the richness and diversity of Scottish trad music.”