In Praise of the Accordion, Scotland’s Most Unfairly Teased Instrument
As Perth's 77th festival gets under way, our columnist stands up for the box with the buttons.
The accordion, misunderstood but magnificent. Photo: Alexander Cunningham from Hawick, Scotland, “Musical trio, Beamish Museum, 6 October 2012”, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Everyone has a joke about the accordion. I have heard them all. “What’s the definition of a gentleman? Someone who can play the accordion but doesn’t.” Very good. Very clever. Now try playing one.
The accordion is the hardest-working instrument in Scotland. It is a piano, a set of bellows and a gym session all at once. It powers weddings, ceilidhs, Burns suppers and every dance in every village hall from here to Aberfeldy.
When the fiddle gets tired, the accordion keeps going. When the drummer goes to the bar, the accordion keeps going. When the bride’s uncle has fallen into the buffet, the accordion keeps going.
Today in Perth, players and fiddlers of all ages will compete at the 77th Accordion and Fiddle Festival. Go along. Listen. Tap your foot.
And the next time someone makes a joke about the accordion, ask them when they last got 200 people up for a Strip the Willow. Exactly.
The real story: Perth Accordion and Fiddle Festival
Letters to the Editor
The views expressed are those of the reader, and frankly that's on them.
-
Thank you. Finally, someone who understands. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m practising.
— Isla R., Methven, 31 October 2026 -
I live next door to the lady above. The accordion is a wonderful instrument. At a sensible hour.
— Brian M., Methven, 31 October 2026 -
The bride’s uncle at our wedding fell in the trifle. The accordion played on. Hero.
— Archie D., Aberfeldy, 31 October 2026
Write to the Editor