Accordionist

Matthew Maclennan Accordionist

Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
(5.0)Read all 6 reviews
Watch
Booking protection
Secure online payments
Free 48hr cancellations
Support available Mon-Sat
Like Matthew?
Watch & Listen
Watch
Listen

About Matthew

One of Scotland's busiest professional accordionists Anniversaries, Birthdays, Corporate, Festivals, Weddings. All events considered
Accordionist
Edinburgh
Public liability insurance of £10 million

Matthew Maclennan is a highly skilled and versatile Scottish accordionist, renowned for his technical expertise and emotive performances. As a previous All Scotland Accordion Champion, he has built a reputation as one of the leading figures in the Scottish traditional music scene. Matthew's journey with the accordion began at a young age, and his natural talent was evident early on. His dedication to mastering the instrument led him to earn top honors in the competitive arena, with his victory as the All Scotland Accordion Champion standing as a testament to his exceptional skill and musicality. Over the years, Matthew has become a sought-after performer, captivating audiences across the UK and beyond. His ability to weave intricate melodies and rhythms has earned him a place at prestigious events, festivals, and concerts throughout Scotland, England, and internationally. A key highlight of Matthew’s career has been his longstanding relationship with BBC Radio Scotland, where since 2009, he has regularly performed with his band, showcasing his prowess on the accordion and his deep connection to Scotland’s rich musical traditions. His live performances have resonated with listeners, drawing attention to his nuanced playing and the dynamic sound of his ensemble. In 2014, Matthew released his highly anticipated debut album, "Traditionally Inspired", which further solidified his reputation as a talented performer. The album is a heartfelt reflection of his passion for traditional Scottish music dance music. Whether performing in concert halls, at festivals, or on airwaves, Matthew Maclennan continues to share his love for the accordion, and his contributions to the Scottish music scene remain influential. His music is a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the enduring spirit of Scottish culture.

Matthew
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5
6 verified reviews
Satisfaction
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0
Professionalism
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0
Communication
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0
Punctuality
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0

Matthew's Reviews

From Encore customers:

AW
Alex W
19 days ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

Absolutely excellent experience, Matthew was lovely, helpful, and a brilliant musician. Would absolute book another event with him. Thanks also for his flexibility in accomodating our ad hoc ceilidh band!

Reply from Matthew
19 days ago

Hi Alex, Thank you for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to come down to Leeds to play for you. Thank you for the hospitality.

AH
Adrian H
2 years ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

Great

MH
Marlene H
2 years ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

Matthew was extremely obliging and very keen to provide exactly what my daughter wanted for her wedding dance. He and the band arrived in very good time and played beautifully and with great energy to a full dance floor all evening, giving us a great selection of dances. A wonderful end to a perfect wedding celebration!

Reply from Matthew
2 years ago

Thank you for your kind review. We all enjoyed the wedding. Thanks again for booking the band.

PM
Peter M
3 years ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

Matthew was very professional and a great addition to our wedding made the night very special

Reply from Matthew
3 years ago

Hello Peter, Thank you for your kind review. It was a lovely wedding and I am so glad that you and Julie enjoyed my contribution. All the very best.

From other customers:

AT
Anna T
4 years ago, for a Birthday party in Millerhill
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

I booked Matthew and his two colleagues for my daughter’s 21st birthday in October 2021. His booking system was fair and simple, paying a small deposit until just before the event when full payment was required. I had arranged for them to start playing around 9 pm and they arrived early to set up. The food and speeches went on for much longer than anticipated so they didn’t start playing until 11pm but they never questioned it and never complained. They played for 2 hours and were BRILLIANT! Many of my daughter’s friends had never Ceilidh danced before but the floor was full for the whole 2 hours and everyone was so complementary about the band and the music. They really made the party a success for my daughter, and I would happily book them again. I couldn’t recommend them more highly for any event you may be holding. Anna Traquair

LH
Lisa H
6 years ago, for a Wedding in Aberdeen
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

Thank you to Matthew and his band for performing at our wedding last Saturday. All our guests loved your ceilidh. Many had never been to a ceilidh before and you made the dances so easy to understand and most importantly kept it fun. It was an amazing day for us made all the more special by your band

Encore badges
10 gigs
Experienced: 10 bookings through Encore
Saved the day!
Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice
6th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 6 years

Matthew's Song list

Requests for dances and tunes include:
(Please ask if you have anything not on the list and we will learn it if necessary )
*** Dances: ***
Gay Gordons
Canadian Barn Dance
Circassion Circle
Strip the Willow
Orcadian Strip the Willow
St Bearnards Waltz
Pride of Erin Waltz
Old time Waltz
The Riverside Jig
Cumberland Square Eight
Virginia Reel
Military two Step
Boston Two Step
Highland Schottishe
Eva Three Step
The Flying Scotsman
Boston Two step
The Rosa Waltz
The Waves of Torry
The big three
Britannia two step
Boston two step
Dashing White Seargent
Eightsome Reel
Duke of Perth
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh
Foresome Reel
Reel of the 51st Division
Hamilton House
Inverness Country Dance
Waltz and Gallop
John Peel
Blue Danube Waltz
Quickstep
Foxtrot
Modern Waltz
*** Often requested songs: ***
Auld Lang Syne
My love is like a red red rose
Aye fond kiss
Ye banks and braes
Wild mountain tyme
Caledonia
Donald where's your troosers
Scotland the Brave
Flower of Scotland
Rose of Allandale
Black velvet band
Molly Malone
The Wild Rover
The Irish Rover
Sound The Pibroch
Willie McBride
Walking on the waves
Bonnie Dundee
Star of the county down
The Portree Kid
Loch Tay Boat Song
Mairi's Wedding
Ye Jacobites by name
Ae Fond Kiss
The Star O' Robbie Burns
Dark lochnagar
A Man's a man for a' that
The Bluebell Polka
The Dark Island
Mist Covered Mountains

Matthew's Prices

Last updated: 2025

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
DurationPrice
Short performance (up to 15 min)£200
Up to 1 hour£250
Up to 2 hours£350
Up to 3 hours£450
Packages
3 piece wedding ceilidh band
Accordion and Caller, Fiddle and Drums. Including access to our PA system.
£900
4 piece wedding ceilidh
Four piece ceilidh band. Accordion, Fiddle, Piano and Drums. Including dance caller
£1100
5 piece wedding ceilidh band
Five piece ceilidh band 2 accordions, fiddle, piano and drums including dance caller.
£1500
Full Scottish Wedding Dance Band
Full 6 piece scottish dance band. 2 accordions, fiddle, piano, bass and drums including dance caller.
£1800

Add-ons

DJ Package
+£250
Customer questions

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

I can be flexible with timings. Please just let me know and we can discuss the details further.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

I can provide a DJ set for your party. This can be tailored to your tastes. Please let me know your favourite genres and acts and I can make sure to include this.

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

My tunes are mostly from the traditional genre. If you have particular favourites then please just let me know and I will include them in my sets.

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes. I do not assume the venue has PA.

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

Yes. Please do not hesitate to ask for any requests that you may have. If you have a tune that is special to you then just ask and I will be happy to play this for you.
Musicianship
Genres:
Traditional Scottish folk, Ceilidh
See all genres
Instruments:
See all instruments
Event types:
Wedding, Funeral / Memorial service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Private event, Corporate event, Concert, Cruise, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, Church service
See all event types
Other skills:
Sound technician, Instrumental teaching
See all skills