Traditional Scottish Music Experience

This 2.5-hour experience immerses you in Scottish traditional music through live demonstrations of bagpipes, fiddle, and Highland dancing. Held at St. Andrew's in the Square, a historic church venue, the tour includes the chance to try playing instruments yourself and includes whisky tasting. The guide shares the cultural context of these musical traditions dating back centuries. Evening sessions offer the option to add dinner, making it a complete evening out. Best for Cultural tourists and Scottish heritage seekers. This is a easy activity lasting 2.5 hours. Group size: 4-20. You meet at St. Andrew's in the Square. Key highlights: Live bagpipe performance by professional player, Fiddle demonstration with traditional Scottish music, Highland dancing performance.

Price: £25

Duration: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 4-20

Minimum age: 8+ for whisky tasting (non-alcoholic alternatives available for under 18s)

Best for: Cultural tourists and Scottish heritage seekers

Best time: Evening sessions (7-9:30pm) provide better atmosphere with dinner options; daytime sessions (2-4:30pm) are quieter

Meeting point: St. Andrew's in the Square

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Arrival Meet in St. Andrew's in the Square historic venue and settle in - The church building dates to 1739 and has hosted Scottish music events for decades.

First 20 min Introduction to Scottish music traditions and cultural history - Guide explains the origins of bagpipes, fiddle music, and Highland dance in Scotland's cultural landscape.

20-50 min Live bagpipe demonstration and performance - Professional bagpiper performs traditional reels and demonstrates pipe techniques and history.

50-80 min Fiddle demonstration and Highland dancing performance - Watch traditional Scottish fiddle music and see Highland dancers perform authentic steps and patterns.

80-130 min Hands-on instrument try-outs and whisky tasting - Try playing bagpipes or fiddle with guidance, then taste Scottish single malt whisky (or alternatives) with explanations.

130-150 min Q&A and informal conversation with performers - Chat with musicians about their training and answer questions about Scottish traditions.

The whole experience takes 2.5 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at St. Andrew's in the Square.

• Live bagpipe performance by professional player
• Fiddle demonstration with traditional Scottish music
• Highland dancing performance
• Hands-on opportunity to try bagpipes and fiddle
• Scottish whisky tasting with tasting notes explained
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible venue; seating provided throughout; enquire about mobility requirements in advance

What is included: 2.5-hour experience with live performances, Hands-on instrument try-outs, Whisky tasting (or non-alcoholic alternatives), Guide expertise on Scottish music traditions.

Not included: Dinner (available as optional add-on for evening sessions), Photographs of performers (check policy), Instrument rental after the session. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable clothing, Small notebook if you want to take notes, Phone or camera for photos, Sweater or jacket (church can be cool). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Evening sessions (7-9:30pm) provide better atmosphere with dinner options; daytime sessions (2-4:30pm) are quieter.

Tip: Includes instrument try-outs

Tip: Evening sessions with dinner option

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible venue; seating provided throughout; enquire about mobility requirements in advance.

Operator: Celtic Music Glasgow

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Glasgow Cathedral (7 min walk)
• Glasgow Necropolis (5 min walk)
• George Square (10 min walk)

This activity is run by Celtic Music Glasgow.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 48 hours before; £5 fee for cancellations 24-48 hours prior.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible venue; seating provided throughout; enquire about mobility requirements in advance.

Best time to go: Evening sessions (7-9:30pm) provide better atmosphere with dinner options; daytime sessions (2-4:30pm) are quieter.

Can children participate in the whisky tasting?

Children can attend the full experience, but non-alcoholic alternatives are provided for under 18s. Young children (under 8) can attend if parents contact the operator in advance. The hands-on instrument sessions are engaging for all ages.

Do I need any musical experience to try the instruments?

No musical experience is needed. Professional musicians provide brief guidance on how to produce basic sounds on bagpipes and fiddle. It's designed as an interactive introduction rather than a lesson.

What dinner options are available for evening sessions?

Evening sessions include optional dinner packages ranging from £20-45 per person, featuring Scottish cuisine. Meals must be ordered in advance when booking the experience. Vegetarian and dietary accommodations are available.