The Clarty Cloot Ceilidh Band was formed around 1996 by a group of Scottish Borders musicians and friends. After a few flirtations with different names, including "The Random Note Band", they found themselves forever branded as the Clarty Cloot Ceilidh Band. And so the legend began...

What's in a name?

"Clarty cloot" means "dirty cloth" in the Scots tongue.

What kind of name is that for a band?

What does it say about us?!

In the Scotch mists of time, Sandy was approached to provide a band for the re-opening of the re-furbished Peebles Drill Hall. When the phone rang, Sandy was reading a book of Scottish ceilidh dances (he had already completed the Edinburgh Telephone Directory). Sandy accepted the booking and the caller asked for the name of the band.

Sandy reacted quickly. His book was opened at the page titled “A Clarty Cloot”, a dance which represents the milkmaids wringing-out the clarty cloot which is used for cleaning the cow’s udder before milking. This was explained to the caller….a banner was produced for the gig…and the rest is history.

Except…this book Sandy says he had…said he loaned it to someone…and it has never turned up since. Neither has the dance. The rest of the band just wonder….

So, if anyone has knowledge of the dance “A Clarty Cloot” and can pass this on to us with the directions and steps…and even suggest the music…we’ll be very grateful. So grateful…there’s a prize. A copy of our first CD (if we ever make one) and tickets to the next Clarty Cloot ceilidh dance!

Who's in the band?

It's a big band with a big sound! Our traditional "massed fiddle" sound has had many old timers reminiscing about the good old days, and, along with the distinctive flute/whistle combination and two guitars, means that a Clarty Cloot Ceilidh is a memorable musical experience. Added to that, we always have a dance caller to lead the dancing, so you are guaranteed a memorable dancing experience too.

Not only are there eight musicians now playing in the Clarty Cloot Band, but over the years others have given us a loan of their talents before moving on to different things, so a huge thanks to them.

Here is the current line-up:

Fiddlers to the Four

Ian - fiddle

Ian took up the fiddle in Shetland when he found himself with a lot of spare time and a borrowed fiddle. He has never returned the fiddle and, although has less spare time these days, likes nothing better than a session in the Pilot Inn (Berwick) or a gig with the Clarty Cloot.

Christina - fiddle

A whizz at that fancy classical stuff, Christina can also rollick off a guid reel or twenty and jig jigs with the best of them. No one this young should have this amount of experience. Christina is still at school and has plenty of time to decide where her future goes.

Eric - fiddle

Started playing the fiddle after rescuing an old family heirloom from behind the wardrobe (there was a fiddle beside the heirloom). Learned a Scottish reel (Far Frae Hame) and after that there was no stopping. Also plays guitar, whistle and smallpipes when not in the band.

Rachel - fiddle

With a large slice of self-taught...Rachel developed her own fiddle voice early on. Currently on the Traditional Music Degree at Newcastle University, Rachel is taking in all she needs to be a top professional player in her turn.


Wind and Airs


Martin - flute

Martin started out on the guitar but couldn't get the embouchure right. A massive repository of tunes, including a grand collection of his own compositions, Martin is at the centre of the band's repertoire.

Arthur - whistle

The Border shepherd who charmed the sheep and his dogs with his whistle playing and he frequently dings out a tune or two on the dog whistle as well. Aye, plays the D whistle, the Big D whistle and the Dog whistle.

Rhythm and Fill


Liz - guitar and mandolin

Liz's driving rhythm is what keeps the rest of the band in time. Jazz chords and lovely progressions - you fiddlers, watch this right hand! Lovely mandolin too, when asked.

Sandy - guitar and bouzouki

Addicted to the resonance and rich sounds of the acoustic guitar - would fill every gap with a jangle if he could get away with it. And he's trying to slip the bouzouki in when no one's watching! Sandy's taste in music is "Everything. But Planxty and the Bothy Band changed everything. Ossian came next. Try and find your way after that." He loves what Lori and Innes Watson are doing.


Calling the Tune


A band's caller is the key to the audience - and the band - enjoying the dancing. We have two very experienced callers who take it in turns, and one of them will be at your dance to teach the dances, organise the sets, and keep you and your guests on your feet!

They will also make sure that any requests in advance for new dances or special items for the programme can be researched and included.

Jo - dance caller

Jo has been calling dances for more years than she cares to remember. She loves teaching the dances and keeping you right when you need some help.

Kerstin - dance caller

Kerstin is a linguist and can dance in several languages - ideal if you have multi-lingual guests! She'll help you through the dances and keep you off your partners' toes. She's a singer as well.