Scotland has some of the best musicians in the world, as many of our talented stars reach global fame from indie rockers to funky beats from the finest DJs.
We've had some of the most amazing historical poets and authors throughout history, like Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson, so our present day musicians are no different than these older legends.
Scotland has been home to some of the best music festivals to host our amazing talent here such as TITP, TRNSMT, Rockness, Terminal V and many more across the country.
In no particular order, here are some of the most iconic musicians to come out of Scotland.
Annie Lennox
Annie Lennox is one of Scotland's most legendary musicians as she took the 80s by storm as one half of the Eurythmics. They produced hit songs like Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’ before Lennox embarked on a solo career that has saw her win Grammys, Golden Globes and an Oscar for her music.
Paolo Nutini
Nutini is a singer songwriter from Paisley and has seen global fame with hit songs like 'Jenny Don't Be Hasty', 'Candy' and 'Pencil Full of Lead'. The singer had been on an unconfirmed hiatus since 2017, before being announced as a headliner for TRNSMT 2022 which sent fans into a frenzy.
Amy Macdonald
After being inspired by Travis as a young girl, Amy Macdonald went on to try her hand at music and hasn't looked back since. The singer songwriter has sold over 12 million records worldwide and become a household name around the world.
Simple Minds
Any fan of The Breakfast Club will know Simple Minds and their legendary hit ‘Don't You (Forget About Me)’. The band formed in Glasgow in 1977 and have gone on to sell over 60 million albums and are still touring across the world to date.
Lewis Capaldi
West Lothian local Lewis Capaldi has really taken the world by storm in the last few years since he released hit single 'Someone You Loved'. The pop icon has reached global success from his album 'Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent' as well as becoming an internet sensation with his fantastically Scottish sense of humour.
Biffy Clyro
Biffy Clyro are Scottish rock legends since they formed in Kilmarnock in 1995 when lead singer Simon Neil was only 15. Since then the band have gone on to win countless awards, producing 8 studio albums with their latest 'The Myth of the Happily Ever After' coming out at the end of next month, October 22 2021.
KT Tunstall
Tunstall was born in Edinburgh, and rose to fame after an amazing live performance in 2004 of 'Black Horse and a Cherry Tree'. Her best known song 'Suddenly I See' is a staple in movies and tv shows, featuring in the likes of 'The Devil Wears Prada', ‘Ugly Betty’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Love, Rosie’.
Calvin Harris
The Dumfries born DJ also known as Adam Richard Wiles or Love Regenerator, is one of the most popular DJs in the world. Since his debut in 2006, Calvin Harris has gone on to collaborate with some of the biggest stars like Dua Lipa, Rihanna, John Legend and Snoop Dogg.
Frightened Rabbit
Indie rock-band Frightened Rabbit formed in 2003 in Selkirk as a passion project for singer and guitarist, Scott Hutchison. The final line-up of the band consisted of Hutchison, his brother, Grant Hutchison, Billy Kennedy, Andy Monaghan and Simon Liddell. Scott unfortunately passed away in 2018, and in his memory the band started a mental health charity, Tiny Changes.
Primal Scream
Formed in Glasgow 1982, Primal Scream were a key part of the 1980s indie scene during this time. After that, the band teamed up with DJ Andrew Weatherall to introduce an element of techno to their music.
Since then the band have released 11 albums with hits like ‘Movin’ On Up’ and ‘Rocks’.
Have we missed out your favourite? Tell us in the comments below.
