About Scotland

The place I call home — the land that shapes the spirit of MKB Indie Radio.

Scotland isn’t where I was born — I’m proudly Irish — but it’s the place that has held me, shaped me, and become my home for the last forty‑five years. It’s a land of wild beauty, warm people, and music that feels woven into the landscape.

MKB Indie Radio was built here, in the middle of this atmosphere — the heather, the mist, the humour, the grit, the kindness. Even though my heart will always be Irish, Scotland has given me a second home, a second identity, and a deep well of inspiration.

A Land of Music and Storytelling

Scotland is a place where songs are passed down like heirlooms, stories are told with a twinkle in the eye, and tradition and modern creativity sit side by side.

Live music is part of everyday life in Scotland, especially in the Highlands where a pub session can feel as natural as the weather rolling in from the hills. Step inside a small Highland pub and you might hear fiddles, pipes, and voices rising together in a way that feels timeless. These aren’t staged performances — they’re moments shared between locals, travellers, and the land itself. The heather, the hills, the shifting skies… they all seem to echo through the tunes. In the Highlands, music isn’t just something you listen to. It’s something you feel, something you join, something you carry with you.

The Highlands: The Station’s Soul

The Highlands have become a visual heartbeat of the station — the heather, the hills, the moody skies, and of course… the Highland coos.

An Irish Heart in a Scottish Home

Being Irish in Scotland gives me a unique perspective. I see the beauty here with the eyes of someone who chose it — someone who fell in love with the people, the humour, the landscapes, and the music scene.

Meet the MKB Highland Coos

Official mascots. Unofficial troublemakers.

Morag — Head of Vibes

Keeps the station’s energy warm and slightly chaotic.

Hamish — Keeper of the Heather

Ensures the heather stays purple enough.

Wee Angus — Director of Moo‑sic

Claims he discovered half the artists.

Isla — Mistress of the Misty Aesthetic

Loves a dramatic sky and a sad indie tune.

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Bonnie — Chief of Cuteness

Her job is simple: win hearts.

Visiting Scotland

A warm guide from someone who lives here.

Glasgow — Friendly, Musical, Full of Soul

I live in Glasgow, so I’m a wee bit biased — but there’s nowhere quite like it. It’s a city with a big heart, a sharp sense of humour, and music pouring out of every corner. Glasgow isn’t polished or pretentious; it’s warm, creative, and full of life. If you want to feel the real pulse of Scotland, this is where you start.

West End cafés & Botanic Gardens — perfect for a slow wander
Kelvingrove Museum — a Glasgow classic, full of charm
Live music at King Tut’s — the beating heart of the city’s music scene

Local tip: If someone says “We’ll meet in town,” they mean the city centre — and yes, the subway really is called the Clockwork Orange.

Edinburgh — History, Beauty, and Magic

Just an hour away, Edinburgh feels like stepping into a storybook — grand, historic, and impossibly beautiful. It’s the perfect contrast to Glasgow’s down‑to‑earth charm.

Royal Mile
Edinburgh Castle
Arthur’s Seat

Local tip: Visit early in the morning before the crowds — and wear comfy shoes, those cobbles are no joke.

The Highlands — Wild, Peaceful, Unforgettable

No matter how long I’ve lived here, the Highlands still take my breath away. It’s where Scotland feels ancient, quiet, and powerful — a place everyone should experience at least once.

Glencoe
Loch Ness
North Coast 500

Local tip: Pack for all four seasons — even if you’re only going for the afternoon.

Indie Stages & Open Mics Around Here

MKB Indie Radio might be an online station, but its heart beats in real rooms — small venues, back rooms of pubs, and tiny stages where indie artists plug in, tune up, and try out new songs. These are some of the places in Glasgow, Paisley, and Gourock where that spirit lives in the wild.

Glasgow — The Beating Heart

Glasgow is where a lot of indie journeys begin — small rooms, big sounds, and crowds that actually listen. If you want to feel the live side of what you hear on the station, start here.

King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut

A legendary launchpad for bands.

Local tip: Get there early — the support acts are often brilliant.

Nice N Sleazy

Basement gigs, late nights, and a loyal crowd.

Local tip: Check listings — you’ll often stumble on something unexpected.

The Hug and Pint

A tiny stage with a huge heart.

Local tip: Every gig feels close‑up — perfect for discovering new favourites.

Broadcast

Indie bands, late nights, and a city‑centre buzz.

Local tip: Stay for the full bill — Glasgow line‑ups are strong start to finish.

Paisley — Small Town, Big Sound

The Bungalow

A brilliant grassroots venue.

Local tip: Themed nights are great for discovering new acts.

The Keg

Friendly, relaxed, and full of local talent.

Local tip: Open mic nights are welcoming — great for first‑timers.

The Cave

Loud, lively, and full of character.

Local tip: Expect a rock‑leaning crowd with plenty of energy.

Gourock & The Coast — Music by the Water

The Spinnaker

Warm, cosy, and right on the waterfront.

Local tip: Sunset gigs here feel magical.

The Darroch Bar

A proper local spot with live music.

Local tip: Expect plenty of chat between songs.

Café Continental (Greenock)

Stylish, friendly, and supportive of new artists.

Local tip: Check their event nights — great for making an evening of it.

Mary’s Favourites

A Wee Note From Me

I may be Irish by birth, but Scotland has been my home for most of my life. This page is my wee love letter to the place that shaped so much of who I am today.

Folk Clubs

The following is a selection of folk clubs which take place across Scotland on a regular basis…(also check out the Organisations page for venues which hold regular sessions and activity)…

Aberdeen Folk Club

Every Wednesday, 8.00pm The Blue Lamp, 121 Gallowgate, Aberdeen, AB25 1BU

Almond Valley Folk Club

Every 3rd Friday of the month, 7pm to 9.30pm (doors open 6.45 pm) The Coffee Lounge, Strathbrock Community Centre, 189(a) West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH

Ardersier Folk Club

Every Tuesday, 7.30pm Wendy’s Cafe, The Old School, Ardersier, IV2 7SY Aviemore Folk Night

2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 7.30 – 10pm

St. John’s Hall – Inverdruie – Rothiemurchus – Aviemore, PH22 1QL

Donation £5.00 Suggested

Phone Number: 07593371798

Speedwell Bar (Mennies Bar) Session

Every Tuesday from 9.30pm

165-167 Perth Road, Dundee DD2 1AS

Folk Clubs
The following is a selection of folk clubs which take place across Scotland on a regular basis…(also check out the Organisations page for venues which hold regular sessions and activity)…
Aberdeen Folk Club
Every Wednesday, 8.00pm The Blue Lamp, 121 Gallowgate, Aberdeen, AB25 1BU
Almond Valley Folk Club
Every 3rd Friday of the month, 7pm to 9.30pm (doors open 6.45 pm) The Coffee Lounge, Strathbrock Community Centre, 189(a) West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH
Ardersier Folk Club
Every Tuesday, 7.30pm Wendy’s Cafe, The Old School, Ardersier, IV2 7SY Aviemore Folk Night
2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 7.30 – 10pm
St. John’s Hall – Inverdruie – Rothiemurchus – Aviemore, PH22 1QL
Donation £5.00 Suggested
Phone Number: 07593371798
Ayr Phoenix Folk Club
Every 1st Tuesday of the month except January and August, 7.30pm Ex-Services Club, 15 Academy St, Ayr, KA7 1HF
Captain’s Bar
Open sessions every day, from 3pm South College Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9AA
Clydesdale Accordion & Fiddle Club
Every 3rd Sunday of the month, 2pm St Mary’s Club Rooms, 70 Bannatyne St., Lanark, ML11 7JS
Craigie Folk Club
Four concerts per year, usually the 1st Saturday of the month. Check website for details. Craigie Village Hall, Craigie by Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, KA1 5LY
Crail Folk Club
Every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month Community Hall, St Andrews Road, Crail, KY10 3UH
Crieff Folk Club
Usually every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month Strathearn Arts, 2 Comrie Rd, Crieff, PH7 4AX
Cruden Bay Folk Club
Last Friday of the month Kilmarnock Arms Hotel, Bridge St, Cruden Bay, Peterhead AB42 0HD
Dalry Folk Club
Every last Friday of the month January–May and September–November, 7.15pm 14 New Street, Dalry, Ayrshire, KA24 5AG
Dunblane Folk Club
Nearly every Saturday, 7pm Lesser Hall, Victoria Halls, Striling Road, Dunblane, FK15 9EX
Dunfermline Folk Club
Every Wednesday, 8pm. Guest nights, sessions (last Wednesday of the month). Visit the website for further information. The Glen Tavern, Pittencrief Street, Dunfermline, KY12 8AN
Edinburgh Folk Club
Every Wednesday, 8pm (except July, August & Christmas) Ukrainian Community Centre, 14 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5AB
The Ensign Ewart Open Session
Open session every Sunday night 521–523 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PE
Falkirk Folk Club
Most Thursdays, 7.30pm—see website for details. Various venues in and around Falkirk.
The Fisherman’s Tavern Session
Every Thursday, 8pm The Fisherman’s Tavern, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 2AD
Folk at the Salmon Bothy
Every 3rd Friday of the month, doors open at 7.00pm for 7.30pm start The Salmon Bothy, Links Road, Portsoy, Banff, AB45 2SS
Friends of Wighton Heritage Centre
Check Friends of Wighton on Facebook or the website for up-to-date details of concerts, classes and events. Wighton Heritage Centre, Central Library, Dundee, DD1 1DB
Fyvie Folk Club
Every second and third Friday of the month, 8pm The Royal British Legion, Main St, Turriff AB53 8QB Phone Number: 01358 761374
Glasgow Ballad Workshop
Exact schedule TBC, 1pm Sundays Rhoderick Dhu pub, 21-23 Waterloo St, Glasgow, G2 6BZ
Glenfarg Folk Club
Every Monday, doors open at 7.30pm for 8pm start Gateside Memorial Hall, Gateside, Fife, KY14 7SY
Irvine Folk Club
Every other Wednesday, 8pm Vineburgh Community Centre, Quarry Rd, Irvine, KA12 0PS
Kelso Folk & Live Music Club
Every Thursday and Friday, 8pm The Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso, Scottish Borders, TD5 7HL
Kirkcaldy Acoustic Music Club
Every Thursday, 7.30pm The Polish Ex-Servicemens Club, Kirkcaldy, KY2 5TA
Linlithgow Folk Festival Association
Currently not running
Leith Folk Club
Usually the third Tuesday of the month – but check for details including other Tuesday night events Heart Of Newhaven (former Victoria Primary School), 4-6 Main Street, Newhaven, Edinburgh EH6 4HY
Lossie Folk Club
A long established club that meets every week on a Tuesday evening from 8.30pm til midnight. Runs a Folk Festival in August each year. The Steamboat Inn, Lossiemouth, IV31 6NT (NB: occasional nights at other local venues)
Nairn Trad Sessions
Every Wednesday, 7.30pm Nairn Community & Arts Centre, King St, Nairn, IV12 4BQ
National Association of Accordion & Fiddle Clubs (NAAFC)
National Accordion & Fiddle Clubs meet in various locations in Scotland and North of England. Open to the public and players alike. For more information on locations and dates see club diaries on website.
Nitten Folk Club
Every Thursday, 8.30pm Function Hall, The Dean Tavern, Newtongrange, EH22 4NA
Queensferry Music Society
Every 2nd Sunday of the month, 6pm The Stag Head Hotel or the Priory Church, South Queensferry
Rolling Hills Folk Club
Every 3rd Friday of the month, 8pm Smith Memorial Hall, Abbotsford Road, Darnick, TD6 9AH
Sangstream Folk Choir
Most Thursdays Various locations, Edinburgh
Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Club
Every 2nd Thursday of the month, 7.30pm Shetland Hotel, Holmsgarth Rd, Lerwick, ZE1 0PW
Stirling Folk Club
Every Monday, 7.30pm (except December & January) Stirling Rugby Club, Causewayhead Road, Stirling, FK9 5AP
Stonehaven Folk Club
Every Friday, 8.30pm (check the website for exceptions and full programme) Stonehaven Community Education Centre, Bath Street, Stonehaven, AB39 2DH
Stonehouse Folk Club
Every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month (September to June) St Nina’s Church Hall, Vicars Road, Stonehouse, ML9 3EB
Storylands Sessions Themed Open Mic. Nights
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, Early Show 5pm, Late Show (with special guest) 8pm Ptarmigan Dome, Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, Kincraig, PH21 1NU
Stranraer Folk Club
Every Wednesday evening, 8pm Stranraer FC Fitba’ Bar, 9–15 N. Strand St, Stranraer, DG9 7LD
Session at Stravaigin
Session every 2nd Tuesday of the month, 8pm 28 Gibson St, Glasgow, G12 8NX
Speedwell Bar (Mennies Bar) Session
Every Tuesday from 9.30pm
165-167 Perth Road, Dundee DD2 1AS
Tarves Folk Club
Last Friday of the month, 8.00 for 8.30pm start
Aberdeen Arms Hotel, Tarves, Aberdeenshire, AB41 7GX Phone Number: 01358 761374
Tin Hut Folk Club
Last Thursday of the month Gartly Community Hall, Huntly, AB54 4PX
TMSA Aberdeen Branch Monthly Session
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month, 8pm The Sportsman’s Club, 11 Queen’s Rd, Aberdeen, AB15 4YL
Ugie Folk Club
1st Friday of every month, 8.30pm Longside Football Social Club, Station Rd, Longside, AB42 4GR
The Wee Folk Club at the Royal Oak
Every Sunday, 8pm Downstairs, The Royal Oak, Infirmary St, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT
The World’s Room Singers’ Club
Every 2nd/3rd Monday of the month Waverley Bar, St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TA