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Scots Language Centre Centre for the Scots Leid

The Scots Song Tradition

In this section of our website you can find an overview of the broad kirk of Scots songs and their many shapes, forms and contexts, down the centuries.


It is by no means a comprehensive representation of the whole tradition of Scots song. However, in the areas we do highlight, we aim to show the depth of the tradition and how it has given voice to Scots speakers, singers and songwriters from many walks of life and areas of the country.


The Scots song tradition is very diverse and the types of song vary widely. One thing to bear in mind is that we've tried to focus on songs which have a significant Scots language content. It may mean you don't hear your favourite Scottish folk song or singer, because that particular song or rendition is largely in English.


Mind now - the sang's the thing!