Ten Places to Experience Live Music on Scotland's West Coast
Scotland is a musical powerhouse, consistently punching above its weight culturally with a conveyor belt of innovative artists taking to the charts and bringing their voices to the world. There's clearly something on the water in a country that produces so many incredible artists of all stripes and genres, and many would point to our love of live music as the incubator of these talents. But where can you get in on the action and hear some of the best acts Scotland has to offer? We've compiled a guide to the best places to experience live music across the breadth of CalMac's west coast network.
Skye Live, Skye
An institution of a festival, Skye Live has cemented itself as one of the most exciting events in the UK, never mind the Hebrides. With a heady combination of lively trad bands and high energy DJs, the festival aims to showcase contemporary island culture at its most exciting. Kicking off with a special opening gig on Thursday, the festival is then braced for two nights of ground-breaking music over two specially curated stages. Conveniently located in Skye's largest town of Portree, the festival takes place on Am meal - known locally as The Lump - a hill with picturesque views across the island and beyond. Truly one of the most awe-inspiring sites for a festival in the world.
Castlebay Bar, Barra
On the sleepy Isle of Barra, in the main settlement of Castlebay, lies a genuine destination for live Scottish music. The inauspicious surroundings of the Castlebay Bar hide a venue that epitomises the joy and community spirit of the trad scene. Drawing crowds of locals and visitors, this utilitarian pub provides the backdrop for weekly live sessions featuring well-known names and brilliant new acts. Known for its raucous atmosphere and outbreaks of spontaneous dancing, the bar is the epicentre for community life on the island. If local legends The Vatersay Boys are scheduled to play then do yourself a favour and get in early - the pub gets rammed for gigs by this much loved group.
HebCelt, Lewis
HebCelt - or the Hebridean Celtic Festival to give its full title - has been an award-winning fixture of Scotland's cultural calendar since 1996. Located at Lews Castle Green in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, the festival site is walking distance from the town centre (and the CalMac port). Drawing big names like James, Texas and Van Morrison to the Outer Hebrides for four days of music and fun - it's as much a destination for international visitors as for locals who turn out in their thousands. Beneath the touring acts there is a Gaelic heartbeat to the festival, prioritising traditional music and culture and programming it side-by-side with more contemporary fare.
The Royal National Mòd
When it comes to Gaelic culture, the Mòd is the ultimate convergence of all things Celtic and a yearly celebration of Scotland's indigenous language. Changing location every year, this moveable feast of music, poetry, arts and sport captures the imagination and brings together a growing Gaelic community to commemorate long-held traditions. Primarily taking the form of competitions for various performances, the winners are awarded medals and the opportunity to perform at the winners' cèilidhs held every evening. Unfolding over eight full days, there is plenty of chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of the Gaelic language and better understand its history and current resurgence in wider Scottish life.
Ceòlas, South Uist
Beginning life as an annual music and dance school, Ceòlas has grown from its humble roots to become an organisation at the centre of Gaelic culture. Located on the beautiful and wild Island of South Uist, Ceòlas is a local institution that brings art to the community in several ways. Hosting touring acts, facilitating writers' workshops for emerging talent and even broadcasting their own radio station are just some of the strings to this diverse organisation's bow. At the heart of it all is a commitment to Gaelic culture and the local area that can be found in their resident venue - Cnoc Soilleir. A purpose-built performance hall that also features creative breakout spaces and a recording studio to inspire the next generation of trad musicians. A powerhouse of creativity in South Uist.
Lost Map Records, Eigg
On the Isle of Eigg, one of the 'small isles' accessed by CalMac, there's a strange and esoteric record label of musical troublemaking and aural delights. Curated by Johnny Lynch aka Pictish Trail, Lost Map records is a label with a unique community focus. Owned and operated from Eigg, it releases music from an eclectic mix of artists unbound by genre. But sometimes the music comes to Eigg rather than depart it via Howlin' Fling, an occasional festival showcasing experimental artists from the label as well as a rotating cast of talented friends. As much a celebration of community and independent spirit as a voyage into sound, this is a micro festival beloved by the most hip of music aficionados. A beautifully chaotic brew of creativity and the stunning landscape of Eigg - a win-win in our book.
Corran Halls, Oban
A short walk from the main CalMac port in the charming town of Oban, the Corran Halls has been a meeting place for arts and culture in the community since the 60s. Hosting a range of fantastic events including touring bands, big name stand-up comedians and a yearly panto; the halls act as a hub for all things artistic on the coast. A regular venue for the Royal National Mòd, the halls is also a centre for Gaelic culture showcasing legendary performers from the trad world. Check out their listings and catch a show before catching a ferry to the islands.
Tiree Music Festival, Tiree
For all thing Folk take a trip to Tiree with CalMac. The Tiree Music festival is a showcase of brilliant musicianship and the joy of traditional music. With a fixed cap of 2,000 attendees, the festival aims to keep an intimate vibe that allows the audience to fully connect with the artists and experience the joy of seeing their favourites acts up close. Billed as a true island festival, organisers recommend taking time to explore Tiree and take in the exquisite sights as well as singing your heart out down the front. Three stages and one of the most ravishing festival locations imaginable make a visit to the 'Hawaii of the North' one to tick off the bucket list.
An Tobar, Mull
Sister venue of the mighty Mull Theatre, An Tobar is a vibrant arts centre in the heart of Tobermory. Formerly a Victorian school building, it has been repurposed into a flexible performance space capable of hosting theatre, music, poetry and much more. Supplemented by an award-winning community café, the space is a focal point for creative expression in a town well-known for its artistic leanings. With a sweeping view over Tobermory bay (including the CalMac port), it's worth a trip up the hill just to take in the sights from this cultured vista.
Pubs!
And finally, probably the best place to find live music across the islands of Scotland is: the pubs! All over the country there are regular folk sessions, impromptu jams and local gigs. Live music is part of the fabric of Scotland's culture and can be found on a small scale in pubs and saloons spread across the nation. The spirit, the artistry, the character - finding yourself immersed in a traditional 'sesh' can be the highlight of any trip to the west coast. Check community listings, or better still, ask a local where you can find some live music nearby. There's nothing quite like a pint beside an open fire while the Fiddles and Accordions belt out mesmerising tunes. Go in with an open mind and leave with a full heart.
As this list attests, Scotland's live music scene is in rude health all over the islands but planning your perfect trip to see your favourite acts takes some logistical know-how. Thankfully, getting there is made all that much easier by CalMac. Our services stretch out across the west coast and can whisk you to any number of festivals and gigs within a matter of hours. Whether its big-name or boutique, trust CalMac to get you there and let the music flow.