Music

Argyll & the Isles has a substantial history of traditional and folk music, language and dance; including bagpiping, fiddling and is home to many popular bands such as Skerryvore, Skipinnish and many talented soloists that showcase our rich musical heritage.

The popularity and richness of Scottish traditional music, is in evidence at the many festivals that take place throughout the year. 

Festivals

We're a musical bunch and we know how to put on a music festival. Not only are we blessed with a thriving, home-grown music scene and chart-topping superstars, there is a Scottish music festival for everyone.

Tiree Music Festival

More than a music festival. It is a true island adventure to one of the most stunning festival locations in the world. Think picture-perfect white sands. World-famous surf. Deserted roads lined with lush greenery and wild flowers. Not forgetting more sunshine than practically anywhere else in the UK. 

This is the unique location of Tiree Music Festival, or TMF as it is known by many.

Mull of Kintyre Music Festival

The Mull of Kintyre, a region brought to prominence in song by Sir Paul McCartney, has held an annual music festival organised by its local community of Campbeltown. The festival has become the region’s top cultural event, which encourages people to visit Kintyre from all parts of the globe.

Carradale Music Festival

With an exciting range of bands taking to the stage, Carradale Music Festival, is a family friendly festival held in the beautiful scenic village of Carradale on the Kintyre peninsula. 

Mull Music Festival

The Mull Music Festival is a weekend of Scottish music featuring mainly folk-rock groups, Scottish dance bands, traditional musicians and singers. It usually takes place over the last full April weekend in bar venues in Tobermory, and the events are free.

Bute Fest

A non-stop weekend of live music, family, friends and fun at beautiful Ettrick Bay on the Isle of Bute.

Jura Music Festival

The island of Jura has a wealth of musical talent, and the Jura Music Festival bringing in top class musicians every year to perform and provide invaluable inspiration for the young people of the island. 

Ceòl Cholasa 

Ceòl Cholasa is a small, intimate festival. You will be one of a maximum of only 250 people seeing these amazing bands up close.  A festival to enjoy an unspoilt jewel of the Hebrides as well as first class traditional music. It’s a festival to catch up with old friends, make lots of new ones and hang out with the artists themselves. Everyone is here for the weekend and everyone is here for a good time.

But not to forget other genres of music............

Dunoon Jazz Festival

Cowal Music Club and Dunoon Burgh Hall bring a variety of bands to Dunoon for the benefit of the local community. The events also provide visitors to the town with a vibrant programme of concerts, workshops and performances. 

Isle of Bute Jazz Festival

A well-established festival, with a strong focus on New Orleans and traditional jazz but with a sprinkling of more modern styles.

Mendelssohn on Mull

Set in the outstanding natural beauty of the Inner Hebrides, the Mendelssohn on the Mull Festival promises an extraordinary opportunity to enjoy up to ten days of artistic exploration in the idyllic and inspirational landscape so admired by Mendelssohn himself during his famous visit in 1829.

In the rarest of opportunities the link between music and nature could not be expressed in a setting more appropriate than Mull. As Mendelssohn's Hebridean overture describes, with architecture in locations as diverse as Iona Abbey and Torosay Castle, the result is artistic alchemy.