About

Tàrnach are a Scottish cèilidh band who blend traditional melodies with a modern, energetic sound. We provide a three-piece lineup of experienced professional musicians, and full cèilidh calling so that everyone can enjoy the dances. Whether you are celebrating a wedding or hosting a party, a night of cèilidh dancing courtesy of Tàrnach is the perfect way to bring people together!

We provide entertainment for all types of events across Scotland and the UK. If you're looking for cèilidh band that will get your party started, don't hesitate to get in touch!

Media

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

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!

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 cèilidh 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. He continues to enjoy playing trombone as well as piano and guitar and has more recently begun learning the accordion.

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.

Cairi Edwards - Band Administrator

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 a four hour hire of our three-piece band (including a break), dance calling, and a disco set. We have a wide repertoire of cèilidh dances, including old favourites like the Dashing White Sergeant, and less well-known options like the Pat-a-Cake Polka. 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:

6:30 - 8pm: Band arrives, set up and soundchecks
8 - 9.30pm: First dance then into cèilidh set
9.30 - 10.15pm: Break for evening buffet
10.15 - 11pm: More cèilidh dances
11pm - midnight: Disco
Last dance: Auld Lang Syne/Loch Lomond

Example programme:

6:00 - 7:30pm: Band arrives, set up and soundchecks
7:30 - 8:15pm: First cèilidh set
8:15 - 9pm: Disco and buffet break
9.00pm: Sing happy birthday and cake cutting/speeches
9:00 - 9:45pm: More cèilidh dances
9:45 - 10:15pm: Disco
10:15 - 11pm: More cèilidh dances
11pm - midnight: Disco
Last dance: Auld Lang Syne/Loch Lomond

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 4 hour set, which includes a mixture of cèilidh and disco. 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, to set up and soundcheck.

What can you do for my first dance?

For your first dance, we offer a range of options to make it truly special! You could choose to have us play any of our ceilidh dances, many couples choose a classic Waltz, or we even had one couple start with a Strip the Willow! Alternatively, we can perform a Scottish song live for you – our personal favourite was an arrangement of Wild Mountain Thyme which we played with two violins! Or if you would prefer not to have something played live you can choose any song that we can play through our PA speaker system.

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% deposit

- 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, or have any other questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us 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!