Scots Song Singing Holiday, April 2022

Come Gie’s a Sang: Singing holiday in Traditional Scots Song, Edinburgh, Scotland

Dates: new dates tbc
Tutor: Robyn Stapleton
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Cost: £1940 per person, based on two sharing

Please note: To help our business recover from the covid crisis we’ve decided not to run a singing holiday in 2022 as singing is a new addition to our programme and we have to focus on our more established activities for now.  We’d love to offer Scottish singing experiences in the future though – so if you would like to register your interest, just drop us a line. You may even have ideas where and how we can reach Scotland-loving singing enthusiasts all over the world! Any ideas and suggestions would be much appreciated. 🙂

Discover Scotland’s rich musical heritage on our new singing holiday with tutor Robyn Stapleton, one of the country’s most respected folk singers. Join in to learn a wide repertoire of traditional Scottish songs and discover the stories behind them.

The location for this holiday is right in the heart of Scotland’s Capital City of Edinburgh.  Each of the four half day workshops has a different theme, and on the last evening we’ll get together with local singers and musicians for a Sing Around in a pub. The week also includes an evening of storytelling, a guided city walk led by singer and blue badge guide Robin, and a folk music night. But the itinerary still leaves plenty free time for you to explore Edinburgh and surrounding area.

Explore your own voice and improve your vocal ability

Book your space!

The workshop

A series of four singing workshops will introduce us to the range and beauty of Scottish traditional music. Through song, we will celebrate the rich tapestry of musical traditions and native languages of Scotland. The music learned will span the themes of Love and Friendship, Land and Sea, and the Joys of Nature – from the tales of the oldest Scots ballads to the songs of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.

Increase your confidence in singing

The sessions are suitable for singers of all levels of ability and experience. There is no requirement to sight-read, as all music will be taught at a pace which allows you to learn songs by ear. We will provide both written and audio learning materials.

Your tutor

A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Robyn Stapleton is an acclaimed Scots singer, song leader and recording artist. In 2014 she was named BBC Scotland’s Young Traditional Musician of the Year, and has gone on to perform across Scotland and internationally. She is regularly invited to lead song workshops throughout Scotland and is the Musical Director of Edinburgh folk choir, Sangstream.

Be uplifted by a shared joy for singing!

Edinburgh and Surgeons Quarter

Packed with medieval tenements, the narrow wynds of the Old Town and the sweeping elegance of the Georgian New Town, there’s no question that Edinburgh deserves its reputation as one of the most stunning and enthralling cities in the world. The city also has a buzzing traditional music scene.

For the singing workshop we’ve booked the elegant Logan Turner Room at Surgeons Quarter, which belongs to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Our accommodation is at the 4-star Ten Hill Place hotel , located only around 10 minutes walk from the Royal Mile. The hotel is also owned by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and all profits from the hotel go back into training surgeons worldwide.

Itinerary

Below is the outline itinerary to give you an idea of what to expect:

Day 1
Arrival in Edinburgh
Welcome drinks and dinner
Introduction to the week

Day 2
Singing workshop (a.m.)
Lunch
Guided music-themed walking tour of Edinburgh
Free evening

Day 3
Singing workshop (a.m.)
Lunch
Free afternoon
Evening of storytelling

Day 4
Singing workshop (a.m.)
Lunch
Free afternoon
Folk music night

Day 5
Singing workshop (a.m.)
Lunch
Free afternoon
Farewell dinner and sing around session

Day 6
Departure after breakfast

We will have plenty suggestions for how to fill your free time. One of the evenings is free, but we will book a table somewhere for those who would like to join us for dinner. Nearer the time we may further enrich the itinerary with optional local events.

Cost & inclusions

Cost: £1940 per person, based on sharing a twin or double room (add £400 to have a room to yourself)

This includes:

• 4 half day singing workshop sessions led by tutor Robyn Stapleton (10 am – 1pm)
• 5 nights in 4-star accommodation in the centrally located Ten Hill Place hotel
• 5 full Scottish breakfasts
• 4 lunches
• Welcome drinks and 3-course welcome meal with wine on arrival night
• Farewell evening meal with wine on day 5
• Workshop venue hire
• Workshop materials
• Recordings of some parts of the workshop
• Storytelling event
• Guided city walking tour
• Admission to folk music night
• Pre-travel information pack (by email)
• And a member of the Wild at Art team will accompany the group to ensure everything runs smoothly throughout.

Not included: flights to and from Scotland; meals other than those listed above. Airport transfers (journey into the city centre takes around 30 minutes by tram or bus). Guests are required to take out personal travel insurance. A non-refundable deposit of £400 secures your space.

Book your space!