Paddy Bort Fund

Edinburgh Folk Club has been running continuously since 1973.  We have heard, seen, and supported many talented and wonderful acts, and shared them with our dedicated membership and plenty of visitors too!

Now in these very difficult times, the club wants (and needs) to do more to support the hundreds of traditional musicians and affiliated professionals (pertaining to Scotland) that are in dire financial straights.  These are amongst the people who have been unable for various reasons to secure government aid except in some cases Universal Credit. 

The Paddy Bort Fund was created by the club in 2017 and named for the previous Chair, a widely respected man in his field, who had died unexpectedly that February. The general idea of the fund being to bring modest but vital financial support to performers who have lost their income through no fault of their own.  It has now become the focus of the Edinburgh Folk Club's activities, disbursing  money to help as many performers and professionals as possible.

This money is not being used to buy equipment or the like - many of the over 60 people we have helped so far have used it to pay rent, bills, and to buy food - essentials.  Some of these people have produced and shared quality music over many years, while others are just trying to start out in the industry.  Without this financial help, we (anyone who enjoys culture, music, creativity) stand to loose many great folk performers.

If you are able to give even just a small amount, it will be part of an accumulating effort to see our traditional culture survive through this hard time - many, many thanks.