Celtic Connections proudly presents the TMSA House of Song

Continuing the legacy of Doris Rougvie in 2027, the TMSA House of Song hosts Scott Gardiner, Amy Lord and Natalie Chalmers, bring this festival favourite to its new home for the fifth year running – the Novotel Hotel, just off Sauchiehall Street – a venue worth seeking out!

Open to singers and listeners alike, this calm and warm session is free to attend and is a partnership between Celtic Connections and the TMSA (Traditional Music & Song Association of Scotland). It’s an acoustic song session with a host where anyone can take part – like an intimate open mic - and songs in different languages are welcome.

Traditional singer Scott Gardiner has appeared at festivals across the UK and Ireland. A former Bothy Ballad Champion of Champions, Scott is particularly fond of songs from his native Angus and is heavily involved in organising the annual Kirriemuir (Kirrie) festival. 

Amy Lord specialises in Scots song and language. After graduating from the Royal Conservative of Scotland, she set up the award-nominated community singing group, the Liltin’ Lassies, tutored other singing groups and events, and taking part in the tour of 5 celebrated Scottish singers ‘A Wheen o’ Wimmin’ in late 2025.   

A fine young singer from Scotland’s northeast, Natalie Chalmers is a serial competition winner who has guested at many festivals, including Glastonbury and Cambridge. She does not just sing songs, but is also a storyteller and co-hosts the radio programme ‘Trad Time Wi’ TMSA on KCR FM.