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Sandy Bells

Sandy Bell's is a bar in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is located on Forrest Road, in the Old Town area of the city. It is known locally and internationally for its live traditional music sessions.

Sandy Bell's original name was 'The Forrest Hill Buffet', later becoming 'The Forrest Hill Bar'. The later name Sandy Bell's derives from the building’s 1920s owner Mrs Bell; however, the origin of the name “Sandy” is uncertain.

Scottish Folk Revival
Sandy Bell's gained notoriety during the Scottish Folk Revival of the 1950s-1970s, when musicians playing traditional Scottish music would regularly take part in music sessions there. Musicians who frequented the bar at this time included Phil Cunningham, Barbara Dickson and Billy Connolly.

A fortnightly magazine, the Sandy Bell's Broadsheet, was published by pub regulars including Ian Green during this period; editorial meetings took place in the pub, which also served as its correspondence address.

Sandy Bell's is located close to the University of Edinburgh and was regularly visited by folklorist Hamish Henderson, who worked at the University's School of Scottish Studies. A bust of Henderson, who died in 2002, is displayed above the bar in Sandy Bell's.

During the 1970s an album entitled Sandy Bell’s Ceilidh was recorded on the premises, including performances by Aly Bain, Dick Gaughan and The McCalmans.

Award winners and nominees
Winners are listed first and marked with a blue riband.