Scottish musicScottish instrumental music

Scottish instrumental and vocal music is an essential part of Scottish culture and is associated with dancing and storytelling. Much of Scottish traditional music remains unchanged to this day.

Part of MusicUnderstanding music

Scottish instrumental music

The three main instruments associated with Scotland are:

  • bagpipes
  • clarsach
  • fiddle
Bagpipes, clarsach, fiddle
Image caption,
(l to r) Bagpipes, clarsach, fiddle

Other instruments have become more popular in Scottish music over the years, including:

  • accordion
  • whistles
  • bodhrán
  • flute
  • a variety of other instruments
(clockwise from top left) Accordian, bodhrán, flute, whistle
Image caption,
(clockwise from top left) Accordian, bodhran, flute, whistle