Dance Bands
Scottish dance bands that play for social dancing are usually led by fiddles and accordions.
The most famous dance band leader and accordionist in the world was probably Jimmy Shand, who came from Auchtermuchty in Fife. He was considered a master of the button accordion and vast audiences tuned in in the 1950s and 60s to watch him play reels, jigs and polkas on BBC Television's popular programme, The White Heather Club.
Throughout his life Jimmy composed more than 300 tunes and was very highly regarded as a musician across the world.
Jimmy died in December 2000 aged 92. One of many tributes came from broadcaster Robbie Shepherd, who said 'I place Jimmy alongside Neil Gow as the two main influences in the history of Scottish Dance Music.'
Dance bands across Scotland
Dance bands vary in playing style from region to region of Scotland. In the Western Highlands, bellows-blown pipes can also feature in the line-up.
Dance band music remains very popular across the country. Take the Floor is a long-running weekly programme on BBC Radio Scotland presented by Robbie Shepherd. It showcases a range of contemporary dance band music often in front of a live audience.
