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.
- The National Youth Choir of Scotland – Dedicated to providing high-level singing opportunities for Scotland’s young singers.
Aberdeen & the North East Choirs
- Aberdeen Choral Society – Performing choral music for the people of Aberdeen for over 60 years.
- Con Anima Chamber Choir – Aberdeen
- Buckie Choral Union – Buckie Choral Union was formed in 1970 following a BBC “Songs of Praise” which brought together members of local church choirs.
Dumfries & Galloway
- 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.
Central Scotland
- Rosenethe Singers – Dunblane
Edinburgh & Lothians
- 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.
- Cadenza – Edinburgh
- Calton Consort – Edinburgh
- Cappella Nova – Cappella Nova is Scotland’s leading professional vocal ensemble specialising in early and contemporary music.
- Chapter House Singers – Edinburgh
- Consort of Voices – Edinburgh
- Dunedin Consort – 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.
- The Rolling Hills Chorus – Edinburgh
- Rudsambee – Edinburgh based Cappella choir.
- St Andrew Camerata – Edinburgh
- 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.
Fife
Glasgow & West of Scotland
- Glasgow School of Art Choir – a non-auditioned ensemble primarily comprising past and present staff and students of The Glasgow School of Art.
- Cathures – An auditioned chamber choir based in Glasgow.
- Ayr Choral Union – Established in 1876, and has played a prominent part in the musical life of Ayrshire since then.
Perthshire
- The Fair City Singers – Perth
Scottish Borders
- The Eildon Singers – A mixed voice choir based in Melrose in the Scottish Borders.
Gaelic Choirs in Scotland
Gaelic Choirs in England
Gaelic Choirs in Australia
Gaelic Choirs in Canada
Gaelic Choirs in the USA
Barbershop in Scotland
- Aberdeen Chorus of Sweet Adelines – A chorus of around 80 women who sing 4 part harmony a cappella style.
- Forth Valley Chorus – Women’s Barbershop Chorus – Edinburgh
- Granite City Chorus – Aberdeen
- Vocal Zone – a quartet of women singing 4-part harmony, a cappella style, based in Aberdeen.