Scotland has long been a land of deep musical heritage, but in recent years, a new genre has been making waves across the country. Country and western music, once seen as an American staple, has found an enthusiastic audience in Scotland, with major stars selling out venues and western-inspired culture taking hold in unexpected ways.
A Longstanding Connection to Country Music
The bond between Scotland and country music isn’t new. In fact, it goes back centuries. Scottish and Irish immigrants who settled in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States played a crucial role in shaping what would become country music. Their folk tunes and traditional ballads laid the foundation for the genre, which evolved over time into the twangy, heartfelt sound we know today.
Despite these shared roots, the genres took very different paths. While traditional Celtic music has largely remained within folk circles, country music has grown into a global powerhouse. And now, in a twist of fate, it’s coming back to where it all began.
Big Stars, Big Crowds, Big Energy
If there’s any doubt about country music’s popularity in Scotland, the lineup at recent concerts should put it to rest.
- The Country 2 Country festival brought headline acts like Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley, and Cody Johnson to the OVO Hydro in Glasgow.
- Luke Combs, one of country’s biggest names, packed Scottish arenas on his European tour.
- Morgan Wallen and Shania Twain have both drawn massive crowds to their performances in the country.
Even for rising stars like 49 Winchester, Scotland has become a key stop. The band’s Chase Chafin noted that Scottish crowds stand out compared to other European audiences. “They’re definitely here to have fun,” he said. “Scotland and Ireland are the most receptive and everyone is having a good time.”
More Than Just Music: A Lifestyle Shift
Country music’s rise isn’t just about concerts and streaming numbers—it’s shaping Scottish culture in unexpected ways.
One clear example is nightlife. Maggie May’s, a well-known bar in Trongate, recently transformed into Maggie’s Rock ‘n’ Rodeo, embracing a full western theme. It now offers line dancing classes, mechanical bull riding, and an American-style menu inspired by Houston rodeos and Nashville dive bars.
Fashion has followed suit. Glasgow’s “Cow People,” the country’s largest western wear store, has seen a surge in demand. Kaitlyn Debiasse, the store’s owner, summed it up by saying, “Glasgow is a cowboy city. The sense of humour and the fierceness to live in your truth are all cowboy virtues.”
The Future of Country Music in Scotland
Country music’s grip on Scotland shows no signs of fading. With more artists booking tours, an ever-growing fan base, and businesses embracing the trend, it’s clear that the genre has found a permanent home in Scotland.
49 Winchester will be back in October for a headline tour, a sign that demand is only increasing. Whether it’s concerts, fashion, or nightlife, Scotland is proving that country music isn’t just an American tradition—it’s a global one, with deep roots in the Highlands and beyond.
