About

We are Tàrnach, a contemporary Scottish cèilidh band who provide entertainment for weddings, parties, and other events throughout Scotland and the UK!

Our three-piece lineup of fiddle, piano, and drumkit provides the perfect music for cèilidh dancing by blending traditional melodies with a modern, energetic sound. Our members are professional musicians who have experience performing in a wide variety of venues and settings, so you can count on us to bring your event to life!

In addition to supplying live cèilidh music, the band also provide full dance calling. This means that everyone in attendance is able to participate in the cèilidh dancing, regardless of experience.

We believe that a night of entertainment courtesy of Tàrnach is the perfect way to bring people together. But don't just take our word for it - you can read testimonials from those who have booked Tàrnach here.

Interested in hiring us for your event? If you're looking for cèilidh band that will get your party started, don't hesitate to get in touch!

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Media

Want to see more? We regularly post clips and pictures on our social media channels - check them out via the links below!

Testimonials

We pride ourselves on providing a great service to all of our clients. This applies both to the entertainment we provide on the night and throughout the booking process. Read what our clients have to say about us!

Such a fantastic band that provided the perfect wedding entertainment and got everyone up dancing!

- Kathryn Bradnam, April 2026

These guys did an absolutely incredible job at our wedding! I would highly highly recommend!!

- Bekah Otoo, September 2025

We would like to thank Tàrnach for being an excellent cèilidh band and playing great cèilidh music at our wedding reception. They rose to the challenge of talking our English guests through the dances and were great fun and managed to get everyone dancing without total carnage. The band were very interactive and fun and made the evening really special. It was a small wedding reception and the band judged very well when we needed a wee rest from cèilidh dancing and played a couple of quieter tracks. We would highly recommend the band both for their music and for the atmosphere they bring to the room.

- Susan Harvey, August 2025

We had so much fun with the guests at our wedding! Had nothing but compliments about the band since from all over the place.

- Hazel Smith, July 2025

Brilliant band. Played for our wedding cèilidh and all our guests enjoyed themselves and commented on the excellent choice of music and range of dances. Thanks!

- Penni Crosthwaite, April 2025

Fantastic band we had them for our anniversary celebration. Talented musicians who make you want to dance again and again. Ashley was so easy to deal with and really listened to what we needed. Great for any party, wedding, celebration.

- Laire Ruce, August 2024

Services

Our cèilidh package is perfect for all kinds of events: weddings, parties, charity evenings, corporate events or student nights. A typical cèilidh package includes an evening hire of our three-piece band, who will provide cèilidh music, dance calling, and a disco set. We also supply our own PA system.

We have a wide repertoire of cèilidh dances, including old favourites (like the Dashing White Sergeant, the Canadian Barndance, the Strip the Willow), and less well-known options (like the Pat-a-Cake Polka, the Britannia Two-Step, the Riverside Jig). To ensure that everyone has a chance to get up and dance, we perform a mixture of fast, slow, couples, and group dances.

We are always happy to tailor your cèilidh to suit your specific event, however here are a few examples:

Example programme:

6.30pm - 8pm: Band arrives, set up and soundchecks
8pm - 9.30pm: First dance then into cèilidh set
9.30pm - 10.15pm: Break for evening buffet
10.15pm - 11pm: More cèilidh dances
11pm - midnight: Disco
Last dance: Auld Lang Syne/Loch Lomond

Example programme:

6.00pm - 7.30pm: Band arrives, set up and soundchecks
7.30pm - 8.30pm: First cèilidh set
8.30pm - 9.15pm: Disco and buffet break
9.15pm: Sing happy birthday and cake cutting/speeches
9.30pm - 10.15pm: Second cèilidh set
10.15pm - 11pm: Disco
Last dance: Auld Lang Syne/Loch Lomond

Meet the Band

Our lineup consists of three musicians with a wealth of professional experience and a passion for traditional music. Find out a bit more about each of our members below!

Ashley Edwards - Piano/Caller

Originally from Edinburgh, Ashley grew up playing trombone and taking part in many brass band competitions. He taught himself piano from a young age and following that guitar.

Ashley is a graduate of the University of Aberdeen where he studied as a first study trombonist. Ashley also has a particular passion for conducting and led the Aberdeen University Concert Band during his time at university. Ashley graduated with a Bachelor of Music with Education degree and now he teaches music.

Ian Christie - Percussion/Caller

Ian graduated from the University of Aberdeen in June 2018, specialising in percussion performance. After graduating Ian completed a masters in percussion performance in Las Vegas, USA before returning to Scotland in 2020.

Ian now works with Fife council, teaching percussion and drum kit to primary and secondary pupils, as well as teaching privately. Professionally, Ian is a session musician and has experience playing in a variety of different musical settings including: orchestras, brass bands, theatre pits and cèilidh bands.

Ross Clark - Fiddle

Ross is a dynamic fiddle player hailing from Inverness. Introduced to traditional music at an early age, he draws inspiration from his Highland roots as well as from the traditions of Ireland and Cape Breton.

Since 2018 he has been immersed in the vibrant music scene of Glasgow, where he plays regularly at cèilidhs and sessions.

Ashley Edwards - Piano/Caller

Originally from Edinburgh, Ashley grew up playing trombone and taking part in many brass band competitions. He taught himself piano from a young age and following that guitar.

Ashley is a graduate of the University of Aberdeen where he studied as a first study trombonist. Ashley also has a particular passion for conducting and led the Aberdeen University Concert Band during his time at university. Ashley graduated with a Bachelor of Music with Education degree and now he teaches music.

FAQs

Should I have a cèilidh?

Absolutely! A cèilidh is a great way to get friends and family up on the dance floor and enjoying themselves. Don't worry if your guests have never been to a ceilidh before, we call out every dance and can even demonstrate if needed. We will also provided a DJ set in our breaks, so you will be getting the best of both.

How much do you cost?

Every gig is unique. Once you get in touch and provide us with a few details, we will send you a quote for your event.

How long do you play for?

We usually provided a 5 hour set, which includes a mixture of cèilidh dancing, disco, and breaks. However every event is unique and we can tailor this to suit your needs.

What time will you arrive, and how long does set up take?

We will arrive approximately 90 mins before we are scheduled to play. In general, we require access to the venue 1 hour 15 minutes before we start playing in order to set up and soundcheck. After we play, we also require about 1 hour in order to pack up all of our equipment.

What can you do for my first dance?

We find that most couples have picked out a special song that they wish to be played through our PA speaker system for their first dance. However, we can also provide live traditional music if you prefer - our repertoire includes a number of beautiful Scottish waltzes which are ideal for first dances. If you are interested in this option, simply discuss it with us during the booking process!

What happens if a band member is unwell and unable to attend my event?

If a band member becomes unwell, we will strive to do our best to provide the same high quality service that you booked. We have a number of backup musicians that can step in should this happen.

How do I pay?

We accept bank transfer, cheque or cash.

What happens if I have to cancel my booking?

In the unfortunate event that you need to cancel your event, please get in touch with us as soon as possible. Our cancelation policy is:

- Any time over 4 weeks - 20% of fee

- Less than 4 weeks before event - 50% of fee

- Less than 2 weeks before event - 100% of fee

What happens in your disco set?

We provide a disco set during our break and then often to finish off the evening. How much disco can be decided by the client. We always ask our clients for a list of songs that they would like to hear on the night, and then we use this list to tailor the disco to suit their tastes.

Enquire

If you would like to enquire about hiring Tàrnach for your event please do not hesitate to get in touch with our band administrator Cairi! She will be able to answer any questions you might have about Tàrnach or cèilidhs in general.

You can contact Cairi via email at TarnachCeilidhBand@gmail.com, through our social media channels, or by filling out the contact form below. We look forward to hearing from you!