In Dunkeld (north of Edinburgh) visit the Taybank Hotel and Pub. Formerly owned by Dougie McLean, it is now under new ownership. When I visited last summer the pub had a piano, guitar and fiddle in one corner. I spent an pleasant there evening playing fiddle. Many sessions and concerts, but don't know how it's changed under the new management. Dunkeld is a beautiful little town.

In Edinburgh, stop by On The Mound, a coffee and tea cafe off the Royal Mile on N. Bank St. Also started by Dougie MacLean, "it aims to bring music, coffee and interesting snacks together in a relaxed and comfortable setting in the historic 'old town' of Edinburgh. We extend a special welcome to musicians of all styles to come, meet and play in our acoustic music cafe', where there is a lovely piano and a violin for visiting players." I also spent some time there playing their house fiddle (a remarkably nice instrument, by the way).

For some pictures of my Scotland trip last summer click HERE.

Cheers, S. in Seattle