When it comes to gigging, Scotland definitely does it best. From intimate dive bars to sophisticated speakeasies there's no shortage of alternative spaces for you to relish in appreciation of the local music scene. Rachel Aungsoe

Oran Mor, Glasgow

Top of Byres Rd, Glasgow

0141 357 6200

The name of this converted church means "great melody of life" in Gaelic. Oran Mor really does have an enchanting ability to astonish people with its beauty, it's adorned with high archways and stained glass windows typical of a church built in the 1800s. The magnificent building slots perfectly into the top of the west end and has played host to a stunning variety of live music events in its basement venue and upstairs auditorium since 2004. Edwyn Collins, Amy Winehouse and Calvin Harris are just a handful of names that have performed along with an array of local folk and jazz acts. The venue prides itself on the support it gives to Glasgow's local music scene and was behind the Billy Kelly Song Writing Award.

Coming up: Last Night From Glasgow All Dayer 3rd November

www.oran-mor.co.uk

The Leith Depot, Edinburgh

140 Leith Walk, Edinburgh

0131 555 4738

A native treasure, the Leith Depot holds a special place in Edinburgh for young and emerging bands. The future of this beloved, independent venue is in doubt as it is plagued by the threat of closure in an on-going battle with developers. Yet, through petitions and persistence it still stands strong with another extension to its lease. More than just a music venue, this is a cultural hub where an eclectic mix of bands are given free reign to create art and music as they please. It is free of any booking fees and is valued by many as a grassroots haven that actively hosts events to help the local community and music scene through hosting plenty of charity nights and making many of their gigs available to under 18s. With a capacity of around 60 people, this small venue is undeniably the beating heart of Edinburgh's musical community.

Coming up: Ghøstwriter EP launch w/ Primes 23rd November

www.leithdepot.com

Glad Cafe, Glasgow

1006A Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow

0141 636 6119

This cozy space is easy to mistake for a regular coffee shop in the south side of Glasgow but once you enter you are taken into a quirky, bohemian vision. With local art at the core of everything they do, the not-for-profit organisation cater for the local hipster scene. Their Pan-Asian vegan menu is well respected and their back-room venue space is used for a wide variety of local events from film-screenings to art galleries to gigs. It has won a range of awards for including a Sunday Herald Scottish Culture Award for Best Performing Arts Venue in Scotland. They even have a sister project "Glad Rags Thrift Shop" adjacent to the venue which donates all profits to running "free and affordable music workshops for local people."

Coming up: State Champion 6th November

www.thegladcafe.co.uk

Church, Dundee

15 South Ward Rd, Dundee

01382 293176

It can be hard to keep up with the central belt's music scene but Church (formerly known as Buskers and Bar 15) has the right idea. Praised for its bellowing acoustics, Church is the venue of choice for most local bands in the area. The stripped back 19th century Church now serves as an opportunity for bands to showcase their talent in a city that does not have as many venues as the likes of Glasgow. With a healthy capacity of 400 it is the perfect spot for touring bands to come and see what Dundee has to offer.

Coming up: Roddy Radiation & The Skabilly Rebels 29th November

www.musicglue.com/churchdundee

The Blue Arrow, Glasgow

323 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow

Straight from the outset you can tell that this is a venue with a very classy twist. This basement jazz bar oozes exclusivity. The doorman is, of course, fitted in a full three-piece suit complete with top hat and tails and those entering are expected to have a reasonable knowledge of the music that the venue is offering. The candlelit venue is complimented with round cabaret tables and is the perfect hub for jazz enthusiasts to discover new talent. The sound travels well throughout the full space despite the venue layout resembling a long corridor.

Coming up: The Great American Songbook 9th November

www.thebluearrow.co.uk

Sneaky Pete's, Edinburgh

73 Cowgate, Edinburgh

0131 225 1757

This 100 person capacity venue is a hotbox of emerging talent. The venue hosts a range of different nights and is very much as the cultural heart of the city. Usually with live music in the evening and then a local DJ on until the early hours there's plenty opportunities for artists in this venue. The space prides itself on welcoming absolutely everyone and has made itself fully accessible for people with disabilities and actively campaign to safeguard the future of music in Edinburgh through the Music Venues Alliance. You will not find a venue in Edinburgh that displays and supports a wider variety of local talent. Prepare to be blinded by smoke machines and produce excessive amounts of sweat as the night goes on.

Lady Bird 11th December

www.sneakypetes.co.uk

The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen

5 West North Street, Aberdeen

01224 641122

This performing Arts theatre aims to celebrate and put alternative talent in the limelight. They showcase every genre of performance from modern dance to spoken word. It is ran by Aberdeen Performing Arts, a charity supporting emerging creatives and helps support the music scene in many different ways. This includes running 'Project Band' where young people get together once a week for a year to put a band together and learn skills in song writing, recording, event planning and marketing. The Lemon Tree is a perfect space for emerging talent to get a foot in the door and a great cause to support by attending gigs and events.

Coming up: She Drew The Gun 2nd November

www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/the-lemon-tree

Broadcast, Glasgow

427 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow

0141 332 7304

This coveted city centre venue is ideal for discovering new talent. The dimly lit, cozy bar upstairs is a perfect drinking spot and with £3 White Russians, delicious vegan pizzas and live music 7 nights a week, it's the perfect spot to stumble upon midweek. The venue downstairs has been graced by bands from all over and is well known around the city for being owned by one of Scotland's biggest music promoters PCL who host all-day music festival Stag and Dagger amongst many other things. The acoustics may not be the best and it can be hard to see the stage unless you prop yourself right at the front. Despite this, there is no denying that there is something special about this beloved venue that makes you want to return time and time again.

Coming up: Avalanche Party 15th November

www.broadcastglasgow.com

2. King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

272A St Vincent St, Glasgow

0141 221 5279

Famous for being the discovery site of Oasis, the venue has become a 'right of passage' for local talent and is a renowned platform for bands on the brink of success. With a capacity of only 300 it is virtually impossible to imagine that the likes of Blur, The Killers or Radiohead have been up on that stage. In fact, Brandon Flowers is such a big fan that he and the band returned to do a secret set after their headline slot at TRNSMT last year. So, if you are looking to discover the next music sensation, the likelihood is you will find them on the King Tuts' stage.

Coming up: The Vegan Leather 2nd November

www.kingtuts.co.uk

Ironworks, Inverness

122B Academy St, Inverness

0871 789 4173

Since opening in 2006 this venue has become part of the furniture in Inverness and is adored by locals. It's a preferred hotspot for both local and touring bands and has seen the likes of Kasabian, Van Morrison and Biffy Clyro take to its stage. Unfortunately this independently run venue is also facing the threat of closure over plans to build a hotel in its place, giving it a year to find new premises. The venue is currently one of the biggest in the highlands and islands with a capacity of 1000 people. It also offers a second, more intimate stage for smaller gigs.

Coming up: Primal Scream 13th December

www.ironworksvenue.com

The Venue, Dumfries

6-7 Church Place, Dumfries

01387 263623

This double storey venue prides itself on being "the only fully equipped live music venue for miles around." The Live Lounge offers live music for locals every Friday and Saturday. The venue also has a newly refurnished nightclub that is open until 3am for punters to spill into after they have boogied to their favourite band. The Live Lounge plays host to a wide range of local, emerging talent and tribute acts. It was the winner of Best Bar None Silver Award Winner 2013/14 and Gold Award Winner 2014-15.

Coming up: Sabbra Cadabra 16th November

www.thevenuedumfries.co.uk

Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow

244 Gallowgate, Glasgow

0141 552 4601

Last but definitely not least.Well respected by fans and artists, this is without a doubt the most iconic venue in Scotland and even has a book written about it (Barrowland: A Glasgow Experience by Nuala Naughton) and features in songs by Simple Minds and Amy Macdonald. Laden with nostalgia and musical history, the Barrowland Ballroom is a staple feature of the Scottish music scene. The stage has been adorned by the likes of David Bowie and The Clash and holds a special place in the hearts of pretty much every Scottish band since it was reinvented as a music venue in the 1980s. The venue was once a dance hall and the sprung floor makes jumping up and down to your favourite band all the more satisfying. Go to a gig here and it's guaranteed that you will not only be blown away by the acoustics but also by the astonishingly special atmosphere.

Coming up: Feeder 14th November

barrowland-ballroom.co.uk