These shows host a predominance of tartan, bagpipes, highland dancing and songs of hills and heather - essentially the image many tourists have of Scotland. They follow a recipe made famous by the television series 'The White Heather Club' aired in the 1960s. If dancing is your pleasure then there are several choices from the more formal Scottish Country Dance Societies to the less formal Ceilidh Dancing. There are hundreds if not thousands of Scottish Country Dance societies throughout the world many of which have their own web-site. SCD goers tend to prefer music played to a strict tempo - bands such as the world famous Jimmy Shand, Jim Johnstone, John Ellis to name but a few.
Bands invariably comprise of two accordions, fiddle, piano, bass and drums.
These bands also perform at the vibrant ' Accordion and Fiddle Club ' scene throughout Scotland. Increasing in popularity is the ' ceilidh dance ' a version where formality goes out the window. The Scottish folk circuit is where many Scots would look for a real cultural night out. It is alive and vibrant, it is not just about traditional music. There are many contemporary song-writers as well as traditionalists.