Pubs host traditional music sessions for Homecoming

Jul 3 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THREE pub venues in Perthshire will be hosting free traditional Scottish music ‘sessions’ as part of the Homecoming Scotland 2009 celebrations.

The Black Watch Inn in Aberfeldy, the Caledonian Bar in Crieff and McKays Bar and Restaurant in Pitlochry are some of the venues which will host traditional music sessions as part of a nationwide programme developed by Homecoming Scotland and the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland (TMSA).

As an important part of Scotland’s rich history and heritage, the 300 sessions nationwide offer informal music and social events until St Andrews Day (November 30).

VisitScotland has long recognised that traditional music is a big draw for both domestic and International visitors with research showing that 95% of those attending a traditional Scottish music session would visit future traditional music events. All respondents agreed that attending a traditional music event increased the enjoyment of their holiday with 79% stating specifically that they would recommend traditional music events.

The research found that those interviewed felt that traditional music provided a chance to engage with locals, gave a cultural insight to Scotland and offered visitors something fun and informal to do in the evening that really added to their whole Scottish experience.

Richard Pinn, regional director for VisitScotland said: “The Homecoming Sessions offer a great opportunity for visitors to Perthshire to experience and enjoy our musical culture and to engage with the locals in informal and sociable settings in venues across the country. The Sessions help give visitors more reasons to visit local venues and are a great addition to the fantastic range of events and festivals that are part of the Homecoming Scotland 2009 celebrations.”

Kay Thomson, National Director of the TMSA said: “The TMSA is delighted to organise the traditional music sessions project for Homecoming Scotland 2009. We hope that in this way, together with VisitScotland, we can give visitors to Perthshire and those who live here the opportunity to participate in Scotland’s unique culture for many years to come.”

More musicians are still being encouraged to sign up for the sessions by logging on to www.tmsa.org.uk

Traditional music sessions will be played at:

l The Black Watch Inn – July 17, August 14, September 18, October 23 and November 20.

l The Caledonian Bar, Crieff – July 28, August 25, September 29, October 27 and November 24.

l McKays Bar and Restaurant, Pitlochry – dates to be confirmed.