Sessions around Edinburgh
Come and join a friendly pub session!
There is an increasing number of sessions in and around Edinburgh, many of which have been started by students from the Scots Music Group or are regularly attended by current or ex SMG members. Below is a list of these that we are currently aware of.
If you are aware of any other sessions that current or ex SMG students are running, which we could add to this list, please contact the office
Monday evenings
Greenmantle Pub, West Crosscauseway
From 8.30pm
A friendly, informal group (improving beginner/intermediate level). The Greenmantle is a Shetland pub, and the owners love having traditional music in the bar!
Sandy Bells, Forrest Road (near Edinburgh University)
From 5pm
This session has plenty of fiddlers, several of whom are from SMG classes. Lots of slow tunes!
The Newliston Arms Kirkliston
Starting at 9pm. Players of all levels are welcome to come along. Started by a current SMG student, the repertoire at this session is derived mainly from the Scots Music Group tune books. The playing level is generally intermediate. For more information, contact Martin McQueen
Alternate Mondays
Sandy Bells, Forrest Road (near Edinburgh University)
From 7-9pm
This session has a regular contingent of moothie players from the Scots Music Group’s 2 moothie classes, and is led by George Current, an ex-SMG tutor.
Tuesdays – daytime
Every 3rd Tuesday during term time
Cafe Ceilidh – daytime sessions in St Colm’s Church, Dalry Road
From 1-3pm, term-time only. Details of dates are here
This session aims to provide a volunteer-run space open to all Scots Music Group musicians and singers to perform, try out tunes and songs (in groups or solo) in an informal and encouraging atmosphere. Friends and family are welcome to come along to listen
Come along and enjoy an afternoon of friendly songs and tunes!
For sessions at St Colm’s there is a small charge to cover the cost of room hire and tea/coffee
The Cafe Ceilidh session occasionally moves to the Story Telling Centre in the High Street – check details for dates and venues in our online diary
Tuesdays – evenings
Whiski Bar in the High Street. The session starts at 9pm. It’s a busy pub, so there’s limited space! Musicians and singers welcome. Playing level is advanced.
Wednesday evenings
Slow Session in Bennet’s Bar Green Room, near Tollcross
Starts around 9.15pm.
This is an inviting evening for players who are new to playing in traditional music sessions. It’s an encouraging space to come and try out playing in a session environment. During term times the session is led by Nigel Gatherer, who has been an immensely popular tutor with the Scots Music Group for many years
You can join the Slow Session discussion group here, to find out more about what is happening in this session
Diggers Session
“...better than Oasis” 
In the Athletic Arms (known as the Diggers) on Angle Park Terrace, Shandon
Usually starts around 8.30/9pm.
This session has been running since 1993. Most of the regular musicians have been Scots Music Group students somewhere in their past. It has a welcoming atmosphere, a distinctly unusual repertoire of tunes, and occasional songs.
The session is held in the back room of the pub. As the pub is very popular with Hearts fans, it is occasionally cancelled on nights when there is a big home game.
Tass Session in The Tass on the High Street, at the junction with Jeffrey Street
From around 9.15pm to exactly 11.45pm!
A couple of tables are reserved for the musicians, on the right just inside the main door.
This started as a SMG-led session, but has been independent for several years. Many regulars are current or past SMG students, and people new to the session scene are welcomed and encouraged, especially if they make themselves known. The pace is normally medium, most of the tunes are quite well-known, and there’s sometimes a song or two.
Hugely popular with the tourists in summer
Thursday evenings
The 'Tiq’ session in the Antiquary, St Stephens Street, Stockbridge
Session starts around 9.15ish, last tune at 12.15
This is a led session, often full of up tempo reels & jigs, with an appreciative audience in the bar. Many current and ex SMG students are regular members. If you play an acoustic instrument or sing whether you are a beginner, or an experienced musician, in any music genre, you’ll feel welcome at the 'tiq. Come along, play, sing, enjoy, teach, learn, and make new friends.