Scottish folk music sessions in Edinburgh
| Town/City | Venue | Information |
| Edinburgh | The Royal Oak, 1 Infirmary St | Folk music 7 nights a week |
| Edinburgh | The Colinton Inn, Bridge Street, Colinton | From 8pm to 10pm. This is a new session which was started by a group of SMG students in late August 2008. The session is in the downstairs room. |
| Edinburgh | The Newliston Arms, Kirkliston | Monday evenings starting at 9pm. Players of all levels are welcome to come along. The repertoire is derived mainly from the Scots Music Group tune books. The playing level is generally intermediate. |
| Edinburgh | Cafe Ceilidh, St Colm’s Church, Dalry Road | From 1–3pm, term-time only. Details of dates are on the SMG website here: http://www.scotsmusic.org/diary/ This session aims to provide a volunteer-run space for musicians and singers to perform, try out tunes and songs (in groups or solo) in an informal and encouraging atmosphere. Friends and family are welcome to come along to listen. Come along and enjoy an afternoon of friendly songs and tunes! There is a charge of £1.50 to cover the cost of room hire and tea/coffee |
| Edinburgh | The Three Monkeys, High Street, Portobello | Tuesday evenings, starting from around 9pm. Small, friendly session. Repertoire is Scottish, with some Irish and other. Playing level is advanced. For more information, contact Pamela Carr. |
| Edinburgh | The Antiquary, St Stephens Street, Stockbridge | Session starts around 9.15ish, last tune at 12.15. This is a led session, often full of up tempo reels & jigs, with an appreciative audience in the bar. If you play an acoustic instrument or sing whether you are a beginner, or an experienced musician, in any music genre, you’ll feel welcome at the ‘tiq. Come along, play, sing, enjoy, teach, learn, and make new friends. |
| Edinburgh | Athletic Arms (known as the Diggers), Angle Park Terrace, Shandon | Usually starts around 9.15pm. This session has been running since 1993. It has a welcoming atmosphere, a distinctly unusual repertoire of tunes, and occasional songs. The session is held in the back room of the pub. (As the pub is very popular with Hearts fans, it is occasionally cancelled on nights when there is a big home game). |
| Edinburgh | The Tass, High Street, at the junction with Jeffrey Street | Wednesdays from around 9.15pm to exactly 11.45pm! A couple of tables are reserved for the musicians, on the right just inside the main door. This started as a SMG-led session, but has been independent for several years. Many regulars are current or past SMG students, and people new to the session scene are welcomed and encouraged, especially if they make themselves known. The pace is normally medium, most of the tunes are quite well-known, and there’s sometimes a song or two. Hugely popular with the tourists in summer. |
| Edinburgh | Sandy Bells, 25 Forrest Road | Known throughout the world. Music 7 nights a week from 9.00pm. |
| Edinburgh | The White Hart Inn, 34 Grass Market |
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 9pm-12pm. Telephone: 0131 226 2806 |
| Edinburgh | The Shore Bar, 3-4 The Shore, Leith |
Wednesday from 9.30pm to 12.00am. Telephone: 0131 553 5080. Website: www.theshore.com |
| Edinburgh | The Royal Scots Club 29/31 Abercromby Place |
1st and 3rd Sundays of the month. Telephone: 0131 554 1097. Website: www.e-s-f.fsnet.co.uk |
| Edinburgh | The Laird and Dog 5 High Street, Lasswade |
1st Saturday of the month. Telephone: 0131 663 9219. Website: www.lairdanddog.btinternet.co.uk |
| Edinburgh | The Black Swan 23/24 Sandport Place Leith |
Every Sunday from 7.30pm. Telephone: 0131 553 7692 |
