Folk
music in Scotland is the culture of the native population preserving
through music and song their relationship with the environment and
each other. For over 8,000 years the land mass of Scotland has been
populated by communities that have managed to preserve traditions
by adhering to a system of transmitting cultural sentiment and styles
orally. In folk music are retained the old stories of tribal ideas
that link the present with the past for future generations.
Echo's of history can be heard in tunes
played in pubs and social gatherings. Arguably the most popular
folk song of all time is 'Auld Lang Syne,' a tune sang in
celebration globally at New Year as a tribute to the experience
the past has given, and also a respectful welcome to an unknown
future. Though attributed to the poet Robert Burns in the late 18th
century the song was modeled on earlier versions that had been around
for many years. Another Burns song 'Scots Wha Hae' was according
to legend put to 'Hey Tuttie Tattie', a tune believed sung
by Robert the Bruce's 'common army' at the battle of Bannockburn
in 1314. One can only speculate how long the tune may have existed
prior to the 14th century.
In the 21st century Scotland's ancient
heritage of folk music continues to be celebrated. Since the early
90's a renaissance has taken place in Scottish folk culture as young
musicians taking the mantle of their forebears have formed into
an array of energetic groups that combine old folk instruments and
tunes with modern world influences. Many of the modern festivals
would not be complete without these vibrant 'ceilidh' bands setting
hearts and feet beating to a blend of what's great about the past
with the good of today. Scotland's folk music is a unique inheritance
that has inspired many luminaries from Bruce to Beethoven, Bob Dylan,
John Martyn and many modern stars. It is the immortal soul of Scotland
heard at; ceilidh's, festivals, concert halls, pubs, recordings
or wherever in the world the Scottish spirit gathers. Enjoy.
