- The TMSA was established in 1966 to promote, present and preserve the traditional music and song heritage of Scotland.

- It is the oldest (by nearly 20 years) individual membership organisation associated with traditional music and song and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2006. There are currently >1000 members.

- It was the first organisation to run major traditional music festivals as we know them today, starting at Blairgowrie and then moving to Kinross, followed by Kirriemuir and Auchtermuchty.

- TMSA festivals booked artistes such as Flora MacNeill and John 'Hoddon' MacDonald long before Gaelic music was universally appreciated.

Source singers such as Jimmy McBeath, Davy Stewart, Jeannie Robertson, Willie Scott and Lizzie Higgins (pictured left) were regularly booked by TMSA Festivals. Indeed, a young Aly Bain was invited to perform long before the full-scale appreciation of Shetland fiddle playing. Aly is a patron of the TMSA.

- It is a strong advocate and promoter of our native traditions in music and song and possessing a huge knowledge reservoir, is a point of contact for any external bodies seeking advice and information.

- The organisation actively promotes Scottish traditional music by running festivals, ceilidhs, concerts, workshops, tours and competitions, and helps create an environment in which old and new interpretations of traditional music and song can flourish.

- It could be argued that without the TMSA, Scottish traditional music and song would not have progressed to the stage it is now at.

Some Examples of Past Projects & Activities

• Young Champions Tour (1990s)
• The 90’s Collection – Book, Tape and CD
• The Working Year – Tape of songs
• Huge ceilidh dances at Perth City Halls
• Long-term association with SAC initiated

- The TMSA exists for traditional music and song.

- There are material benefits in joining the organisation.

- However, by joining and knowing that you are contributing to the survival, stability and advancement of our national cultural life, and meeting like-minded individuals in the process, brings great satisfaction in itself.

- We have so much to achieve. Please join us in our efforts.

Discounts on music and musicians products, insurance

The TMSA also offers an improved quarterly newsletter with features and competitions, discounts on TMSA events and an annual calendar of traditional music events.

You also get the chance to meet and communicate with others who share your interest in Scottish traditional music.

Download a TMSA Membership Application form in Adobe PDF format, or submit an application online - click here.

Make a donation to TMSA via the workwithus.org web site. Click the image or link below to make a donation today:

Click here to make a donation

Under the Government’s Gift Aid scheme, the TMSA can reclaim tax on donations by UK taxpayers. This means that, if you pay tax in the UK, your gift to us (and your subscriptions) can increase by nearly a third – at no extra cost to you.

For example: If you give £10, the Inland Revenue will add £2.82, giving a total of £12.82

Click here to download/print a Gift Aid form in pdf. Format.