Scotland’s rich cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with its choral music traditions.
From the grand church choirs to local community groups, Choirs in Scotland offer diverse vocal music, from classical compositions to contemporary arrangements. With a long-standing connection to church services and civic events, choral singing in Scotland has been an essential medium for expression, bringing people together to celebrate shared stories, history, and values.
Among the many vocal styles represented, Barbershop choirs hold a special place in Scotland’s choral scene. Known for their four-part harmony and unique sound, Barbershop choirs are enjoyed by both performers and audiences. They offer a distinctly American tradition that has found a warm welcome in Scotland’s musical landscape.
Meanwhile, Gaelic choirs – which can be found throughout Scotland and worldwide – celebrate the beauty of the Scottish Gaelic language and heritage. These choirs play an essential role in preserving and promoting the language and culture at home and abroad.
Kirkcudbright Choral Society – has been in existence since 1892, is an adult, mixed voice choir with over 70 members. Although based in Kirkcudbright, we attract members from many parts of Dumfries and Galloway. The choir performs a wide variety of music of different periods and styles, from major choral works with orchestral accompaniment, to Christmas repertoire with organ and brass.
Accord– a small, friendly group of women who aim to create a beautiful sound while having loads of fun together. We sing in 3-part harmony and we love learning new pieces, including jazz, folk, modern pop, and classical. We are National Lottery-funded and our performances include the annual Christmas concert in the National Museum of Scotland. If you would like to try out with us why not pop along to one of our rehearsals on Thursdays at 7:30 in St Columba’s church hall, Newington, Edinburgh.
Jubilo – Jubilo is a mixed voice Choral Society, based in Edinburgh, Scotland and regularly performing a wide range of accompanied and unaccompanied music.
Open Community Singing Group – “Edinburgh – Always wanted to sing? Love world music? Then the OCSG is perfect for you. Penny Stone leads fun, casual, singing sessions every Thursday. Do come along it’s a great way to ensure you fit singing into your busy schedule – and you always come away feeling so glad that you came!”
Pentland Singers – a friendly choir based in Balerno with a dedicated membership of around 90 mixed voices.
The Phoenix Choir– Edinburgh – we have 5 choirs under our umbrella; 4 community choirs and an auditioned Soul & Gospel Choir.
Penicuik Community Choir – The Penicuik Community Choir was formed to provide a social setting within the town where people from all walks of life could come along and enjoy some singing and socialising.
Garleton Singers – The website of a choir based in East Lothian. 60 strong mixed chorus who perform 4 concerts a year in Haddington and Edinburgh. Directed by Stephen Doughty.
