Community

Projects, affiliated groups, and the wider SMG family taking traditional music out into Edinburgh.

Taking traditional music out into the community

SMG Projects

Our community work

Café Ceilidh

A friendly afternoon of traditional music, song, poetry and story at The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 2–4pm. Free, un-ticketed, all welcome.

Upcoming dates: Tuesday 17th March • Tuesday 5th May 2026

Big Folk Band

A 50-piece folk ensemble led by tutors Sarah Northcott and Beth Clarke. Fiddles, accordions, guitars, flutes, whistles, smallpipes, cello, double bass, percussion and more.

The band is currently full with a waiting list. Rehearsal dates 2026: 14 Feb, 14 Mar, 18 Apr, 23 May, 20 Jun.

Inspire (2010–2018)

SMG partnered with homeless and mental health charities to offer music participation. Over 8,000 attendances, with participants creating and performing their own music. Read more.

Affiliated Groups

Groups who raise funds for SMG

Ceilidh Caleerie

Grew from SMG’s Wednesday playing-for-dancing class. They play for community and charity ceilidhs with full calling and their own PA. Visit site.

Nigel’s All Stars

Members of a mixed instrument class who take tunes to day care centres, hospitals and community groups since 2010. Proceeds donated to SMG.

The Wider Family

Independent groups from SMG

Groups that began within SMG and have since become independent projects.

Sangstream

Scots Fiddle Festival

Scots Moothie Group

String Circle Workshops

Linten Adie

Edinburgh Mandolin & Guitar Orchestra

Auld Spice Ceilidh Band