Born into a musical Perthshire family, Aileen Carr has been performing since the early 1970s in the UK and abroad; solo and with the bands Lang Johnny More and Ceolbeg, the popular unaccompanied group Palaver and, more recently, with Barbara Dymock and Janice Reavell in the a cappella trio Choras. She is a former chair of the Traditional Music and Song Association of Scotland and was inducted into the Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2023.
Lanarkshire-born Elspeth Cowie’s singing story began with winning a school Burns prize. In the early 1970s she sang rock in Glasgow but soon returned to the tradition in Aberdeen, learning much from Lizzie Higgins. In Edinburgh, she joined the band Seannachie then formed Chantan with Christine Kydd and Corrina Hewat. Elspeth was National Organiser of the TMSA for five years, and has two solo, three band and several compilation albums to her credit.
Barbara Dymock learned songs as a child from her grandparents. She made her first foray into performing aged 19 with the newly-formed band Ceolbeg and a cappella trio Fair Game. After a long break to raise a family and pursue a medical career, she returned to sing with Rathlin, Fon a Bhord, Sinsheen, and The Barbara Dymock Band. She is currently in a duo with Chris Marra, and the trio Choras with Janice Reavell & Aileen Carr. She has 2 solo albums.
Amy Lord grew in a musical Dunblane family then studied Scots song at the-then Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama under the inspirational tutelage of some of Scotland’s best. For nearly 20 years, she has led singing groups like The Liltin Lassies, conducted workshops, taught Scots song and language in schools and performed at festivals and folk clubs.
Of Folk Revival vintage, Chris Miles has sung since childhood. A floor spot at Kirkcaldy FC in 1985 brought her to attention and she rapidly became a well-regarded trad singer, winning many silver cups in the 1980s. In 1990, she began a 20-year partnership with Gordeanna McCulloch, and in 1991, they formed Palaver with Aileen Carr and Maureen Jelks. Chris still performs, including a five-week 2022 US tour, with her guitarist partner Gearaidh Matthews.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Loud Poets invite poets to share their work at their regular open mic, taking place monthly at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
READ MOREThrough storytelling, poetry and prose, four widely published Italian Scottish women writers will describe their diverse journeys of navigating, rooting and belonging.
READ MOREActor and writer Paul Case's nightmarish solo horror theatre piece explores the intersection of class, race and sexuality during the violent beginnings of Australian history.
READ MORECome along to the home of Scottish storytelling for a drop-in session of traditional tales with storytellers Mark Borthwick and Alice Fernbank on Saturday 29th November!
READ MOREWelcome to Queer Folks’ Tales, the Scottish Storytelling Centre's hugely popular bi-monthly storytelling series where queer storytellers share stories of LGBTQ+ lives, past, present and future.
READ MOREJoin human rights organisation Amos Trust at the Scottish Storytelling Centre for a powerful night of music, dance, poetry, film and conversation that celebrates Palestinian culture and resilience.
READ MORECome with family and friends to dance Scottish dances and sing well-known songs with the Minnow Ceilidh Band on 7th December at The Scottish Storytelling Centre!
READ MOREGather round the Scottish Storytelling Centre's Christmas tree for an hour of stories, songs and live harp music on 13th December!
READ MOREJoin us at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on 16th December for a seasonal miscellany of stories, poetry, music, and readings from Yuletide and beyond!
READ MOREIt’s time to shout “Oh yes it is!” because Macastory are bringing their Panto for wee ones and big ones back to the Scottish Storytelling Centre – and you’re invited!
READ MOREHave you got what it takes to sit through the most tedious show ever and receive a certificate verifying your extraordinary willpower?
READ MOREFour of Scotland’s leading magicians come together for an evening like no other — minds will be read, laws of nature will be defied, and dad jokes will be told.
READ MOREBack by popular demand! Scotland’s favourite trickster is jingling all the way into the festive season with a brand-new magic and comedy spectacular.
READ MOREIn this exciting hands-on workshop, young people aged 12+ will explore the world of card magic — not just the techniques, but the theatre behind it.
READ MOREInsane Magic finally make their MagicFest debut, ending the year with a bang in a Christmas special packed with festive wonder, jaw-dropping illusions, and a sprinkle of fan-favourite classics!
READ MOREAfter a hugely successful 2025 Edinburgh Fringe run with five-star reviews, Jamie Leonard returns with his most exciting hour yet: Wonder Boy!
READ MOREJoin us at the Scottish Storytelling Centre for this world premiere performance of an enthralling new work, written and performed by Iddo Oberski!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Ceilidhs invites you to their regular ceilidh in the Charteris Centre with caller Ken Gourlay, ceilidh band and piper!
READ MORE
Annasach Ceilidh Band invites you to our regular ceilidh in the hidden gem of Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Counting House!
READ MORE
You are warmly invited to join us at the German Church for our Rhyme Time for Under 5s, once a month during term time!
READ MORE
Castle Chorus is a small, friendly choir open to anybody who loves singing. If you’re interested in coming along, singing some songs and meeting new people, feel free to just turn up on a Thursday!
READ MORE
Treat yourself and your loved ones to an exceptional early evening piano recital at the beautiful candlelit venue of St Giles' Cathedral!
READ MORE
Join Southside Community Choir rehearsals on a Wednesday evening at Binks Hall in the Greyfriars Charteris Centre. Suitable for everyone, just come and sing with a friendly bunch of people!
READ MORE
The Edinburgh Royal Mile Chamber Music Series returns to St Giles, Cathedral for its second season, following a widely acclaimed launch.
READ MORE
Brought to you by City Music Promotions, treat yourself and your loved ones to an exceptional evening piano recital at the beautiful venue of St Giles' Cathedral.
READ MORE