 The Scots Magazine is the world's most widely-read Scottish interest publication. First published in 1739, The Scots Magazine has evolved into a colourful, authoritative, thought-provoking monthly periodical with many thousands of readers worldwide. The following article was contributed to Foot Stompin' Celtic Music by the magazine's "Listen To This" editor Ian Neilson.
"The first issue of The Scots Magazine was the January issue, published on 9th February 1739 as a 48-page pamphlet, price sixpence monthly. It was edited and printed in Edinburgh. Throughout the 18th century it prided itself on its news service, both foreign and domestic. Through its pages the people of Scotland often obtained their first news of major events involving their country. Among such was an account of the defeat of the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
In the early years of the 19th century the influence of the magazine declined, owing largely to the livelier editorial policy of newcomers, such as Blackwood's Magazine. In 1826 The Scots Magazine ceased publication. The title does not appear to have been used again until 1888. The Scots Magazine was published from then until 1893, the printers being S. Cowan, Perth. The magazine, much the same size as at present, had apparently been published for two and a half years as The Scottish Church before reverting to The Scots Magazine. In its present form, The Scots Magazine dates from April 1924. The firm of D. C. Thomson & Co., Ltd., Dundee, took it over in April 1927, since when it has been published continuously.
The Scots Magazine is widely read at home and among Scots overseas. Many visitors to Scotland find that it appeals to them, and become subscribers. The object of the magazine today is to present a picture of Scotland as a nation. We seek to keep alive the best of our traditions and to remember the history that has made Scotland distinctive.
Reviews of Scottish music first appeared in 1977 when "Listen To This" consisted of a single column in the magazine. Each review was about 60-70 words in length, and there were four or five reviews per month.
By 1987, Listen To This was filling two pages of the magazine, and covering about 10 recordings.
Our current reviewer, Alasdair Maclean, had his first byline in 1994, since which time Listen To This has been a regular colour feature, popular with readers. In addition, occasional full-length articles by Alan McIntosh Brown on Scottish bands and musicians are published.
Alan Reid of Battlefield Band was approached by the magazine and a four-part history of the band resulted, as did a piece on other musical adventures he has had over the years. These articles were published in 2002, and in 2003 Alan wrote for us about the famous music venue, the Bein Inn in Perthshire. In October 2003, another regular contributor, Steve McGrail, contributed a lively article on the young Midlothian girls,GiveWay, adding a very contemporary feel to the magazine’s musical output. A year later, in November 2004, Steve also wrote a comprehensive article for us on Foot Stompin’s own Simon Thoumire, highlighting the organisation Hands Up For Trad. "
The Scots Magazine
D.C.Thomson & Co.Ltd.
2 Albert Square
Dundee DD1 9QJ
Scotland
Tel: +44 (0)1382 223131
For subscriptions: email : subscriptions@dcthomson.co.uk
Website: http://www.scotsmagazine.com
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