Meet The Band

The band was formed in 2006 and has only had one change of personnel in 20 years when Michael joined to play fiddle in 2015. These three talented musicians in the ceilidh band are all highly respected in the Scottish traditional music scene and combine together to create a special energy which works it's magic on the ceilidh dancers

Paul Chamberlain

Accordion

Paul grew up in a musical family and began learning the accordion at the age of ten. He went on to become one of the first accordionists to graduate from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with a Master of Music (Performance) with Distinction. As founder and band leader of HotScotch, Paul has guided the band since its formation in 2006. In addition to performing, he is a sought-after teacher of accordion and piano

Michael Haywood

Fiddle

Michael has been a member of HotScotch since 2014. Raised in Dumfriesshire, he developed a passion for music from an early age and went on to earn an honours degree in Folk and Traditional Music from Newcastle University. Michael was selected for the prestigious Live Music Now scheme, founded by Yehudi Menuhin, through which he has delivered hundreds of performances across the UK and internationally

Jim Walker

Drums

Born in Canada, Jim returned to his Scottish roots in 1984 and has since established an outstanding reputation as both a performer and educator. Highly regarded for his expertise in pipe band drumming, percussion and drum kit, he taught for many years at Merchiston Castle School, Fettes College, and Napier University. As a performer, Jim has enjoyed a varied and distinguished career. He spent several years touring with the acclaimed folk band Ceolbeg and has also performed alongside some of Scotland's best-known traditional musicians