Folk to the fore: A guide to Scotland’s traditional music festivals

THIS summer there is a swathe of traditional music on offer at festivals across the length and breadth of Scotland.

Whether it be old-time folk music, ceilidhs, roots-rock or a good blast of The Proclaimers, there is guaranteed to be something on offer that reflects our dynamic musical and cultural history.

The Orkney Folk Festival celebrates 30 years this summer, so it should be a big one. The festival’s success is built on attracting acts from around the world whilst keeping a place free on the stage for local Orkney acts as well as a barn-storming ceilidh.

This year they continue that tradition with what looks like another great line-up including the legendary Eddi Reader. Reader, formerly of Fairground Attraction, will perform with her band at two concerts during the festival.

Other international stars include Edwina Hayes, who has previously toured with Van Morrison and has been described as “the sweetest voice in England”.

• The Orkney Folk Festival runs from 31 May to 3 June.

Other dates for your diary include not one, but two festival appearances by the mighty Proclaimers. They’ll play the Big Tent Festival in Fife and the Hebridean Celtic Festival both, in July.

The Big Tent Festival takes place on the beautiful landscape of the Falkland Estate and features a range of top Scottish acts, including Karine Polwart, one of Scotland’s top female singer songwriters whose debut album won the best album award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, and Sunday headliners Salsa Celtica, who fuse Scottish and Irish traditional music with red hot salsa to create a unique sound that will warm you up even if the usual Scottish weather makes an appearance.

• The Big Tent Festival runs on the weekend of the 21 and 22 July.

The Outer Hebrides, and the setting in the grounds of Lews Castle – overlooking Stornoway harbour – combine to play a big part in the success of the the Hebridean Celtic Festival.

Musically, the festival is wide ranging, with well known acts like The Waterboys and Kassidy on the bill as well as The Proclaimers. But at its heart is the traditional music of Scotland.

• The Hebridean Celtic Festival runs from 11 July to 14 July.

Mull of Kintyre Music Festival takes place in Campbeltown on the peninsula of Kintyre.

This year the festival, with a nod to Sir Paul McCartney’s hit of the same name, have the Bootleg Beatles as one of their headline acts.

It should be a fun time with a great line-up of Scottish and international acts, plus open mic sessions and music workshops all across the area.

• Mull of Kintyre Music Festival runs from 16 - 19 August.