Edinburgh's viral TikTok sensation Calum Bowie has been spotted on the Royal Mile serenading locals and tourists passing by.
With more than 6.7million likes on TikTok and over 10million views on his most popular video, the 21-year-old has been spotted on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile singing to and about the city he loves.
Calum posted videos of his fan interactions on the app at the end of September. From Scottish clansmen in full costume to fan interactions to nearly crashing a wedding, Calum said he has loved playing for the public.
READ MORE - Edinburgh climate activists 'hit 60 SUVs' in plush neighbourhood overnight
“When I was playing on the Royal Mile, I had just told someone ‘you know, I swear these bagpipes get louder every time,’ but then I looked over and there’s a whole wedding party with bagpipes marching up the hill. I stopped playing to let them pass but it was funny timing,” he said.
In a different Royal Mile busking video, another street performer dressed like a Scottish warrior appears in the video to ask about Calum’s camera set-up. In yet another video from the Royal Mile, some of Calum’s TikTok followers recognised the performer and stopped to say hello.
“I think busking sort of bridges the gap between social media and gigs. I really like playing music in front of people, and everyone I’ve met in Edinburgh has been so friendly and supportive,” said Calum.
“When I was busking on the Royal Mile, there were a few people that recognised me from TikTok. It took me a while to compute that they actually recognised me, and it was a very humbling experience.”
Calum reached TikTok fame in February when one of his videos hit more than 10million views on the platform.
He is well-known for hanging out of his flat window overlooking central Edinburgh and serenading passersby. Although Calum’s “window busking” began during and as a result of lockdown, he has kept up with TikTok demand since.
“One of my favourite Edinburgh interactions is also one of my biggest videos. I was singing a cover song by the Kooks outside of my window and this Irish guy asked if I was a busker.”
In the video, the man on the street below Calum’s window shouts: “Do you take Euros? £20 won’t fly as effectively as a Euro.”
Although Calum tried to tell the man not to worry about money, the man on the street was soon chucking a Euro up to Calum from the street.
“He was trying to throw a Euro into my window, and he was telling me to sing the song again.” Eventually, the coin soared through the window and Calum was able to play on.
“I love Edinburgh. I really have a soft spot for this city and the people here. I love the friendly interactions you see each day; everyone is so welcoming,” Calum said.
Calum moved to Edinburgh from Banchory in Aberdeenshire four years ago for university, and loved it so much he decided to stay after his degree. Now, he says he is fortunate to make music his full time job.
Although Calum sings covers, he mostly performs original music. He’s gained a following as both a TikTok performer and a busker, but now he’s planning to do more gigs around the country.
He will be playing his biggest show to date in Edinburgh’s La Belle Angele on 25 November.
READ NEXT: Angry Midlothian mob gathers outside home wanting 'notorious sex offender' moved
Edinburgh greengrocers staying open seven days per week to combat rising prices
Emergency legislation on rent freeze to be debated
King Charles arrives in Edinburgh by helicopter after Fife trip with Queen Consort
One of Edinburgh's longest running independent food shops put up for sale
