I am a professional musician, and have been involved in the performing, teaching, collecting and publishing of Scottish traditional music for thirty years. In 2017 I was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. I feel I inspire people around the world with an infectious (ahem) way of transmitting music.

As well as informing people of my teaching activities, this website provides resources for the learning of traditional music, with tunes in various formats, tutorials, articles and downloads. Visiting my on-line store introduces you to the growing catalogue of my books, while the forum allows discussion of music with like-minded enthusiasts.

I'm doing a number of online sessions, many of which are free and open to everyone. I also have slots for one-to-one lessons, or private group sessions. Further details on the NGOLMS page.

Hot off the press is the first of a new series of books of music and song from various locals. The introductory volume is all about Edinburgh, her places, her history, her characters. In the book you'll find the story of Daft Jamie, one of Burke & Hare's final victims; Colonel Robert A Smith, the young Edinburgh man who fought in the American Civil War; the dandy of Princes Street; the lassies o' the Canongate, the Lads o' Leith, and the Loyal Edinburgh Spearmen.

Waifs & Strays of Edinburgh Melody & Song