Club News

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ABERDEEN

Chairman Scott Gordon welcomed us and a good turnout of local musicians on a very cold night. On accordion we had Frank Burnett, Keith Duncan and Lynne Mciver who all took the stage with friends during the first half. Esma Shepherd, Stanley Flett and Scott Gordon accompanied them on piano. Later we had Graham Reid on fiddle and Denis Shepherd on moothie so there were plenty of tunes to keep us going till the guests arrived.

The band were Craig Paton on accordion, Willie Johnstone on fiddle and Alan Sutherland on drums and they gave us some superb music. We had a great selection of tempos ranging from a lovely set of Scottish waltzes namely The Bluebells of Scotland, Dark Lochnagar and Rothesay Bay through to rousing reels including Mrs MacLeod of Raasay and Tam Lin - The Glasgow Reel before tea-time. After the raffle, committee member Les McIntosh paid tribute to the late Joe Gordon, our chairman Scott’s dad who sadly passed away earlier this month after a long time in hospital. Our condolences go to Sally, Scott and Susan at this sad time.

The music continued and we had a great selection of 2/4s, 4/4s, 6/8s, two steps, reels, jigs, schottisches and Gaelic waltzes to keep our feet tapping. Craig reminded the audience that he used to come to the club aged 12 while at the music school at Dyce 15 years ago. One of the tunes he played at the time was one written by his tutor John Bone for his wife called The Gypit Wifie. He played it here again and it was still as good. It was a great night and the guests ended with Robbie Shepherd MBE. It was lovely to see you again, boys, and haste ye back.

ANNAN

The February meeting took place in Newington Social Club on Sunday 16 th . Jack welcomed everyone and introduced the guest band, the Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio. Charlie was on fine form with his threerow button-box, while Derek Hamilton on keyboard and vocals and Ian Graham on drums completed the trio. They soon had the the dancers on the floor with a variety of dances

including a Lomond Waltz, Flirtation Two Step, Pride of Erin Waltz and Postie’s Jig.

With Bill Porter on drums and Iain Wilson on keyboard it was the turn of the local players: Newby Park, David Bell with Rosalind on keyboard, John Waugh and John Douglas with John Watret on vocals. Les Bathe, a new face, played some lovely tunes and we look forward to him joining us again. Willie Duff played for a Kelvingrove Two Step and an Edinburgh Mixture. It was a pleasure to welcome young Rueben John back to the club. At nine years old he recently won the polka section in the under-10 competition in Skipton. It is always good to see him and we wish him well in future competitions. William Little on whistle completed the local players.

Tea and biscuits were served and the raffle took place. William thanked everyone for bringing raffle prizes and everyone who bought tickets. The band returned playing for the dances that had been requested, Jazz Twinkle, White City Waltz, Mayfair Quickstep, Square Tango, Mayfair Quickstep and Old Time Waltz amongst them. With

Charlie’s banter and excellent entertainment, everyone had a great night.

William thanked the band and hoped to see them back soon. He thanked all the local players for their continued support and wished everyone a safe journey home.

ARBROATH

As our chairman Tony Simpson is now recovering well at home after major surgery, vice chairman Avril Abbott welcomed a full house to our March meeting starting with our AGM which took the usual form of reports etc. One member stood down and a new member was elected to the committee. Grateful thanks was given to all members who had helped out in any way at our club meetings with special mention to Albert Cull for seeing to all the electric requirements during Tony’s absence. A warm welcome was made to Erik Davidson, back with us after his illness, and we look forward to him playing again.

Without further delay the music was under way with our regulars. On accordion we had Albert Cull, Arthur Wood, Cora Wilson, Dave Fairbairn, Alan Petrie, Rhoda Legge and George Beattie and it was also nice to see visiting accordionist, Graham Wood from the Inverbervie area, back again. Fiddlers were Dave Smith, Gordon Legge, George Watt and Tom Truesdale. Piano accompaniment was provided by May Gray and Bill Ford, and on drums for most of the groups was Avril.

Arbroath stramash

The James Coutts Trio were our guest artists and they certainly had the audience encaptured with their bright uplifting sound from start to finish. They played a varied programme in both halves, ranging from beautiful slow airs to Irish jigs that completely enthralled the large audience. James was on accordion, Graham Berry on piano and Ian Adamson on drums. They completed the evening with a super stramash and a very happy audience was wished a safe journey home.

We welcome the Nicol McLaren Band on 5 th April and hope to see you all there.

BALLOCH

JANUARY The club was very busy. Our guests were The Aiden Frost Trio. With accordionist Aiden were Claire Gullen on fiddle and Shetlander Margaret Robertson on piano. The trio started with Irish jigs and a 4/4 and 6/8 march followed. Aiden then played a superb accordion solo, Retour des Hirondelles, followed by hornpipes. A fiddle solo from Claire, played to

perfection, was then followed by some Shetland reels. A couple of 2/4 pipe marches were played spot on by the trio and were followed by a Sousa march, The Washington Post, a polka and a waltz. The trio finished their first half with a rousing set of reels.

The second half commenced with a set of Irish jigs followed by a march, strathspey, 6/8 and reel, again excellently played. Next we had an Irish waltz followed by 2/4s and The Teddy Bear’s Picnic which had our audience singing along. A set of hornpipes then had the toes tapping. Next came Triste Sourire, a favourite of our local player Bill Butler. We had a couple of 6/8s before it was time for the last tunes, a set of pipe reels. The audience with rapturous applause demanded an encore and the band duly obliged with The Rambling Pitchfork. This ended an excellent evening’s entertainment. Thank you to Aiden, Claire and Margaret for a great night.

Local players on accordion were Archie Gardner, Janet Graham, Gerry Boxall, Bill Butler, Don McDonald, Stuart

McKeown, Robert Dykes, John Weaks, Wullie Scott, John Scott, Anne McLaughlin, Sheena Brennan and Campbell Brown. Moothie players were Jim O’Hare and Andrew Clacher. Drummers were Jim Gunn, Neil Macgillevry and Gerry Boxall. Our pianist was John Strachan.

Many thanks to all for the great turnout.

FEBRUARY We were a little down in numbers owing to storm Dennis. But those of us who turned up were treated to a fabulous evening’s entertainment from our guest artists Archie McAllister on fiddle and Sileas Sinclair on accordion and piano. Our guests started with a march, strathspey and reel, followed by a set of jigs. Next was a slow air with Sileas switching from piano to her new Brandoni accordion. Another march, strathspey and reel followed before a set of Gaelic waltzes with Sileas now on Vignoni accordion. We then had another set of jigs including Rory MacLeod and Simon Thoumire’s Jig. Our guests finished their first spot with a set of reels.

In the second half our guests started with a set of 2/4 pipe marches and then a set of reels. Archie played piper Gordon Duncan’s haunting The Sleeping Tune and, with Sileas’ harmonies, this was my favourite. The fourth set was a 2/4 march into reels and this was followed by a set of jigs ending with a reel. The tempo slowed down with some waltzes with Sileas back

on Brandoni accordion. They continued with a 4/4 march into reels, and the last tune of the evening was Sean Maguire’s Reel. How Archie got his fingers roon aboot this tune on his fiddle dumbfounded me. Many thanks, Archie and Sileas, for an excellent evening.

Local players on accordion were Bill Butler, Archie Alexander, John Scott, Wullie Scott, Neil MacMillan, Callum McColl, John Weaks and Màrtainn Skene. June Meikle played fiddle and Jim O’Hare moothie, and our pianists were John Strachan, Màrtainn Skene and Jim Gunn with Wullie Scott on drums. Gaelic Mod winner and radio and TV performer Norman McKinnon visited and gave us a couple of songs.

Many thanks to all who came in this terrible weather.

John Scott

BANFF

JANUARY Andy Coutts welcomed everyone to the first meeting of 2020 which turned out to be a cracking night with our own club players and visitors. During the evening we had Andy playing accordion and keyboard as well as singing, Robbie Watson, Brian Stanger and Derek McBain on accordion, Calum McCaskill on guitar and steel guitar, Susie Elrick on keyboard and clarinet, John Cook on washboard and Lorrraine McBain on keyboard and vocals. The music flowed with a definite Burns theme, but also included a selection of popular tunes, with the musicians providing excellent entertainment. FEBRUARY The evening kicked off with Andy, Forbes Davidson and George Rennie on accordion, Susie Elrick on keyboard, Calum McCaskill on guitar and Liam McIntosh on drums. They got off to a great start with a mixture of music and foottapping tunes.

Our guest artists the George Rennie Duo, George and Liam (14), remained on stage. Starting with a set of marches the music continued to flow with polkas, jigs and reels as well as foxtrots including the lovely tune Misty. After the break Andy, Forbes, Susie and Calum continued the entertainment before George and Liam returned. It was a delight to listen to this duo deliver an excellent programme including the tune Bel Fiore that enthralled the audience before the band finished with a set of reels. It was a great evening of top notch music concluding with the usual stramash. Janet

BIGGAR

Our February meeting on Sunday 9 th went ahead in the teeth of Storm Ciara. After 18 hours of often torrential rain the Clyde was probably as high as we’d ever seen it with several local roads closed. Undoubtedly the wind and rain affected numbers but we were delighted to welcome accordionists Davy Millar, Alan Gardiner, Andrew Gibb, Newby Park, Charlie Todd, Sheena Dickson and Jim Gold as well as a young contingent whom we are always delighted to welcome, namely Skye Ross, Luke Pendred,

Club, and to the ladies who provide the excellent half-time buffet.

Darroch Wood and Fergus Bainbridge, Biggar

Emily Gold, Daisy Arnold, Fin Hope and Calum Gardiner. On fiddle were Emma Gardiner and Tom Gold and on tin whistle Willie Little. Backing was provided on keyboard by Jim Gold, Alan Gardiner and Keith Dickson and drums were in the hands of Tom and Fin Hope, Charlie Todd and Andrew Gibb. Our guests were Darroch Wood and Friends. Darroch, a pupil of Keith Dickson, is from Keir Mill, near Penpont in Dumfries-shire, and he was accompanied by Keith on keyboard and Andrew Gibb on drums. They played a wide variety of material, occasionally venturing away from the Scottish to play pieces such as Frosini’s Bel Viso and Sous Le Ciel De Paris. Keith handed over the keyboard role on a couple of occasions to another of his pupils, Fergus Bainbridge from Thornhill, who backed Darroch in the Queen number We Are the Champions (a first at Biggar) and Sharon Shannon’s Blackbird, played by Darroch on a suitably tuned accordion. Well done to this debut band.

Thanks must go once again to our hosts, the Biggar Bowling

BLAIRGOWRIE

The recent storm probably deterred a few from venturing outside, but Scott Band welcomed our faithful regulars and some newcomers to our February meeting. Pianist Marissa Bryce and drummer Rab Stark accompanied Scott to start proceedings. Other club players (all accordion) were Mark Crawford, Gordon Reid, Liam Hope, Allan Petrie, Dave Bayne and Anne Hendry; and, after the interval, Dave Fairbairn, Fred Davidson, Peter Bruce and David Stoakes. Second accordion was shared between Scott, Gordon and Steven Carcary. The club players produced an entertaining variety of music in different styles to whet our appetite for the main event. Guests were the Steven Carcary Trio. Steven played accordion with MIDI bass, Gillian Ramsay played violin and Malcolm Ross played drums. Starting with a wellknown pair of Lindsay Ross

marches, they gave us two sessions of marvellous traditional, continental, and unusual music. As examples, we heard the jig The Braes of Elchies, Style Musette and Polish Polka. Steven also played, by special request, Sunset on the St. Lawrence. There was plenty of banter and byplay between tunes. The undoubted highlight of the second session was a terrific rendition of Czardas. A Scottish waltz sing-along and a set of jigs brought their programme to a close, with a lively set of reels as an encore.

Our thanks are due to everyone who contributed in any way to a great evening.

Gordon Reid

CAMPSIE

FEBRUARY We had another great night’s entertainment, courtesy of Lindsay Weir and her band, and it was a very busy night with regard to our own local artists. Our own little band of Campsie Players got the evening off to a rousing start with Morag Robertson leading accordionists John Gray, Alistair Lawrie and

Alison Smith and the Buss Pass Boys, Campsie

Bill Collins, with Billy Hutton and myself on the back line. Our local artists on accordion were Geoff Burton, Janet Graham, Bill Collins, Helen Lane, John Elliot, Archie Marshall, John Geddes, Seamus O’Sullivan, Ian Buchanan, David Oswald, Donnie Macdonald, John Burns and John Weeks. Morag Robertson, Ian Graham and Seamus O’Sullivan played second accordion. Andrew Clacher played some tunes on mouth-organ. Playing piano were John Strachan, Margaret Burton, Alan Kitchen and myself. Playing drums were Ian Buchanan, Gerry Boxall, Ian Graham, Stuart Oswald, Billy Hutton and Max Ketchin. Morag Robertson and John Gray stood down and others played only one selection. Thanks to you all. Our guests were the Lindsay Weir SDB. With her were Colin Garvin, her husband, playing piano, and drummer Alan Irvine. The band’s performance was impressive with Lindsay “playing her socks off” as one lady said. The whole band played exceptionally well, and the entertainment value was high. It was a treat to have the band back again. MARCH The Campsie Players with Morag Robertson leading Bill Collins and Alistair Lawrie, all playing accordion, began. Billy Hutton played drums and I played piano. Our local accordionists were John Gray, Bill Collins, John Morgan, Helen Lane, Morag Robertson, Archie Marshall, Alistair Lawrie, Iain Buchanan, John Geddes, Robert Dykes and John Weaks. John Morgan, Iain Buchanan and Morag Robertson all played second accordion when asked. Geoff Burton stood down, but will be top of the list next month. Thank you, Geoff! We had two mouth organ players: Andrew Clacher and Malcolm Gisbey. Malcolm has been a regular

for a long time but had kept his mouth organ playing under wraps until now. Drummers were Gerry Boxall, Billy Hutton and Iain Buchanan. Pianists were John Strachan and myself. Our guest artists were The Occasionals. Freeland Barbour also suggested another name: Alison Smith and the Bus Pass Boys! With Freeland were Alison Smith (fiddle), Malcolm Jones (guitar and accordion) and Kevin McLeod (electric banjo). They played a lovely varied programme which, along with the very different sound produced by the band, the audience thoroughly enjoyed. It was a great sound and a great evening’s entertainment from guests and local artistes alike. Thanks, everyone.

Thanks also go to Alice Clacher for the goodies - too tempting, but tasty! And we hope to see everyone in April when we have the Leonard Brown Duo as our guests.

Sylvia Lockhart

CANDERSIDE

There was reason to be cheerful this month at Canderside as we celebrated our first anniversary.

Karyn McCulloch and Keith Lauder in Castle Douglas

It was exactly a year ago to the night we opened our doors for the first time. Hip, hip, hooray! Before the evening’s proceedings got under way there was a short speech by chairman Hugh thanking everyone for their support over the past year, followed by a cake being presented to the committee to mark the occasion. Guest artists were the Derek Edmond Scottish Dance Band. Derek on lead accordion was supported by Matthew Maclennan on piano, Keith Lauder on drums and Alasdair MacLeod on 2 nd box. The band produced a pleasing traditional sound with a good lift to their tunes while still maintaining a steady tempo. The Derek Edmond SDB is a relatively new band, formed in 2018, and I’m confident that we are going to hear a lot more of this band in the future.

With 21 players it was going to be a challenge for all of them to have a tune. Fortunately Charlie Todd and Alex Linton came to the rescue by offering to stand down, allowing more time for the guest artists’ second spot.

Floor players (in no particular order) were: Jim Carson and Ian Graham on drums; Alex Graham and Emma Morrison on piano; on mouthie Andrew Clacher; fiddlers Kenny Mason, Graham Couper and Shona McCready; and on accordion Moira Raeside, Iain Morrison, Tom Duncan, Marshall Harkness, Elizabeth Morrison, Frank Morrison, Shirley Notman, Archie Marshall, Derek Hamilton, Ronnie Easton and Alan Smith.

Thank you to everyone who came along to join us on our first anniversary. IM

CASTLE DOUGLAS

On a cold and rainy night the Threave Rovers Social Club was dry and cosy, and a capacity crowd gathered early to enjoy the night’s programme. Ian Riddet introduced a smaller than usual number of local performers as winter illness took its toll, but the lack of quantity was amply relieved by the quality. On drums we had Graham Woods from Hightae ably supporting the local players. George Shanks, our Castle Douglas mouthie player, led off with an old-time selection.

Eddie McMeeken from Thornhill followed him on accordion. Next came John Cowan from Kirkcudbright who played an expert fiddle with a fine set of selections. Bob Watson from Torthorwald came next on accordion with some Burns tunes, supported by George Shanks on spoons and Graham Woods on drums, after which we had some superb solo accordion music played by John Douglas. The guest artist was Karyn McCulloch from Dalrymple who was supported by Keith Lauder from Langholm on drums. This was a fine master class in solo accordion, and a treat for the appreciative audience. Among many great Scottish traditional and modern selections, Karyn played several sets of wellknown songs, and the audience enjoyed joining in the singing. To vary the programme, Karyn included a couple of French musette waltzes, beautifully played on her fine-toned Borsini instrument.

After tea and biscuits at the interval, drums were played by David Edwards while Barbara Fisher led off the local performers in a fine selection. She was followed by John Douglas, George Shanks, Bob Watson, John Cowan and Eddie McMeeken who each played a set, before Karyn and Keith came back to round off a splendid evening with another polished performance.

Bob Watson

COALBURN

The Ewan Galloway Trio, Coalburn

meeting. As well as the enthusiastic listeners, we had more than usual supporting players, some of them coming a fair distance to have a tune. From over the border were accordionists Ian Woods and Newby Park with Jimmy Little on moothie. From the Dumfries area were Willie Little on tin whistle and Susan Powell playing accordion. This was Susan’s first visit and we hope she will visit again. Local players included Marshall Harkness, Archie Marshall, Alec Linton, Elizabeth Morrison, John Weaks, Janet Graham, Frank Morrison, Fiona Paul, Tom Killean, Alec Graham, Ian Graham and Alan Smith, all on accordion. Drummers were Jim Carson, Charlie Todd, Tom Hope and Ian Graham. Keyboard players were Jim Gold, Fiona Paul and Alec Graham and on fiddle were Tom Gold and Finlay Close. This was young Finlay’s first time at an accordion and fiddle club playing solo, and a grand job he made of it.

Guest artists were the Ewan Galloway Trio with Ewan leading on accordion, Derek Hamilton on drums and Bill Ewan on

keyboard. This trio entertained us with two fine sessions encompassing lots of variety and innovation. Apologies to the guys for only having two half-hour spots; this was due to the large number of floor players. Thanks to Charlie Todd, Alec Graham and Jim Gold for standing down owing to time constraints and the PA gremlins at the start. Best wishes to Marshall Harkness who is leading a Coalburn band in the forthcoming NAAFC festival..

DINGWALL

Compere Ian Simpson welcomed an excellent audience. We missed Graham Wilson’s usual opening number, but he had damaged his fingers - get well soon, Graeme! Local players were Hamish MacDougall on button-box with Susie Simpson (piano) and Maggie Jamieson (drums). Susie then accompanied Cammie Maclean (piano accordion) and Martin Maclean (drums). Committee members Donna on box and fiddler Audrey, both sporting amazing tartan bonnets to the amusement of our audience, had Christine playing piano and Maggie drums. Committee member Kenny Mackenzie made a welcome return and Susie returned as a soloist with a cracking set of reels and a sing-along. Sandy Ross, one of our regular players, played 6/8 marches and a set of Gaelic waltzes with Christine on piano and Maggie on drums.

Our guest artists were the Michael Garvin Trio with Joanie MacLaughlin on fiddle and drummer Alan Irvine supporting Michael on accordion. It was a welcome return for Michael and Joanie. They played a great set of reels and a set of unusual Gaelic waltzes before continuing with a Gay Gordons and Da Guiser’s March. A lovely

fiddle solo, Leaving Stoer, was requested by Hamish and was followed by Hugh Alexander Low of Tiree. A French musette solo from Michael had the audience enthralled and the band finished the first half with 2/4 marches.

After tea we had all seven of the club players on stage for a stramash led by Donna Dingwall. Donna put her tartan bonnet on the floor for collecting donations. She collected the princely sum of £ 1.24 to great applause and hilarity from the audience.

A welcome return of the Michael Garvin trio followed, leading into a great second half of traditional music. Haste ye back, Michael!

Margo Maclennan

DUNBLANE

We had another good night for our February club and thankfully the weather was kinder. Playing accordion were Morag Robertson, Jack Delaney, Billy Ferguson, Tommy Moffatt, Janet Graham, Kenny Jackson, John Geddes, Robert Dykes, Norman Skinner, Ed Parkhouse and Robert Geurts. On piano were Marissa Bryce and drummers were Gerry Boxall, Duncan Burns, Eric Copeland and Billy Hutton. As always a big thank you goes to the players who make the effort to come along each month.

Our guest artist was Scott Band and his Band with Scott playing piano accordion and three-row - a clever boy, indeed! Playing fiddle was Gillian Ramsay, playing piano was Bill Ewan and playing drums was

Scott Band and his Band, Dunblane

Graham Sherrit. The band gave us two excellent sessions of fantastic music.

DUNFERMLINE

The weather wasn’t very kind and because of the Queensferry Crossing being closed our regular friends from across the water were unable to attend. The club was opened by MC Scott Morton. The hardy souls who made it and were able to play included Jean Young on fiddle and George Cruickshank on mouth organ. Accordionists were Scott Morton, Tom Moffat, Bob Adam, Nicola Braid, Gordon Haddow and John Weaks. Another new player was young Ewan Haddow who played excellently. Ewan was accompanied by his dad Gordon. Mel McLaren played keyboard and Jim Paterson drums for the players. Ourguests were the Billy Anderson Trio. Billy was accompanied by Alan Kitchen on keyboard and Kenny Downie on drums. What an amazing trio to listen to. Billy was on top form with his jokes, and the audience loved every minute. A big thanks to the three of them for turning up to entertain us all. Also thanks to everyone who turned up to support the club in this dreich weather. Bob Adam

DUNS

Guest artists were the Johnny Duncan Duo and Johnny showed off his unique style of playing. His fingers were dancing all over the button-box with such ease. His style of playing looked totally relaxed. We were delighted when drummer Malcolm Ross was given a solo spot to show off his great skill. Johnny didn’t always announce the names of the tunes he was playing, but I’m sure the audience thoroughly enjoyed what he played, with his preference being the old style of music, which was great! Our supporting artists were Elizabeth Younger, Phil Gillie, Charlie McIntee, Gordon Brown, Robin Cowans, Bill Elliot, David Corner, Brian Forrest, Ronnie Johnstone, Bob Liddle, Callum Smith, Ian Riddle, Tam Rankin and Tom Riddell.

It was as always a great night’s entertainment with the supporting artists playing some great sets. We would like to

their night out and were having such a good time that they were unwilling to let the band leave at the end.

Johnny Duncan Duo, Duns

thank all the musicians who regularly travel quite a distance to entertain us. It is very much appreciated!

ELLON

JANUARY Seasonal weather was no bar to our members who, braving the cold and the darkness, were treated to a super evening’s entertainment led by Nicol McLaren and the Glencraig Band. The principal guests were supported by individual musicians John Stuart, Aileen Jamieson, Kevin Cheyne, Rosie Kellas, Bob Dunlop, Rosie Hay and fiddler Anne Mitchell. Nicol, on accordion, with Shona MacFadyen on fiddle, Graham Berry on piano and Dave Bell on drums, were in top form. One of the highlights of their two sessions was a solo by Shona MacFadyen who played Gemma Donald’s Final Journey composed in memory of her father. Our other guest fiddler, Anne Mitchell, performed the slow air The Bullers of Buchan and the march, strathspey and reel set Kilianan Cottage, The Pass of Ballater and Craigendarroch. FEBRUARY An enthusiastic capacity crowd attended February’s meeting to welcome the Clappy Doo Ceilidh Band. With leader Graeme Munro on accordion were Shauna Flockhart on piano and Max Ketchin on drums. Supporting the principals were keen local musicians Kevin and Andrew Cheyne, Keith Duncan, Rosie Hay, Suzy Elrick, Rosie Kellas, Jim Williams, Gladys Thomson, John Stuart, Aileen Jamieson and fiddler Willie James from Forres. Willie, with piano accompaniment by Rosie Kellas, played Nathaniel Gow’s Miss Graham of Inchbrakie and Rudy Meeks’ Frisco Waltz. The members of the audience thoroughly enjoyed

FORRES

Weather conditions probably resulted in a much lower than usual attendance at the February meeting, but still we had an enjoyable night of music. After the usual welcome all supporting players got on the stage for the opening stramash with leader Andy McCormack on fiddle. Graham Wilson stayed on stage and with John Brander on drums played a couple of his own slow air compositions. We then had some fiddle selections from Andy McCormack with Gillian Cummins on piano and John Brander on drums. Chris Stepien on accordion was next to entertain. He made up a quartet with Willie James on fiddle, Gillian Cummins on piano and George Hutcheson on drums. Jim Mackay was next on three-row button-key accordion. Jim played the waltz Memories of Mary Simpson which he had composed for the late mother of Ian Simpson. Ian is compere at the Dingwall Club, and it

was nice to see him with us at Forres.

Then it was guest artist time with the Gary Sutherland Ceilidh Band but without Gary Sutherland who could not be with us. Instead John Burns, the 2 nd box player, was promoted to take the lead, and what an excellent job he did along with Dennis Morrison on piano and Alan Sutherland on drums. The trio played a great variety of tunes with perfect timing. After the interval we had a couple of selections by Jim Gray with Graham Wilson on 2 nd accordion, Gillian Cummins on piano and John Brander on drums.

Before the guests returned, a march, strathspey and reel was played by Gillian on piano and George Hutcheson on drums and me on fiddle. The guest band then took us to the end of the night with some more first class music. John Matheson

FORT WILLIAM

The audience was delighted to hear the young and talented accordionist 14-year-old Cameron MacIssac playing a great selection of tunes. In the second half we welcomed another young player Liam Kennedy who was accompanied by Robert Nairn.

The guest artists were the Matthew Maclennan Trio. Matthew on accordion had with him Craig McFadyen on second box and Ally Murray on drums. The other local players were Willie Buchanan on piano accordion and Calum MacColl and Robert Nairn (both superb button-box players), with

Liam Kennedy, Fort William

accordionist Hector (Heckie) Henderson backing the local artists on piano. The audience enjoyed a great evening of toe-tapping traditional music. MM

GLENDALE

A good sized audience was welcomed by chairman Leonard Brown to our February meeting, As usual local players started the programme and on accordion we had Robin Cowens and Elizabeth Younger, both accompanied by Leonard on accordion and Ian Riddell on drums. Ian Woods was on fiddle with Leonard and Ian.

Our guest artists, who needed no introduction, were Neil

Cameron MacIsaac, Fort William

Hardie and his 5-piece band. Neil was on lead accordion with Brian Forrest on 2 nd accordion. Neil’s sister Caroline was on fiddle, Jim Nichol on piano and Andrew Morton on drums. Neil’s programme began with the catchy tune Bouncing Bobby. Marches and jigs with some traditional tunes had the toes tapping. The Jim Johnstone Waltz for Tracey was a firm favourite. More reels and 6/8 marches with tunes Robbie Shepherd MBE and The Janette Gibb Polka, followed by a lively set of jigs, brought us to suppertime.

The second session began with local player Ronnie Patterson on accordion and Jimmy Little on moothie, again

a rendition on penny whistle, and Mary played some moving Shetland tunes solo. The band finished with some West Coast and Shetland waltzes and lively jigs and marches.Robert Miller

Tay Ceilidh Band, Glenfarg

accompanied by Leonard and Ian. Neil and his band then began with Juniper Jig before Neil played his own Jim Watson’s Shetland Twostep. The strathspey Dream Catcher was requested and then we had a 4/4 march, Gordon and Alison’s Ruby Wedding, written by Caroline for her parents. Caroline also played the lovely slow air Aald Noost. The final set contained some lively jigs with the audience wanting more. Neil, a very popular guest, enthralled the audience with wonderful music, tunes and fine tempos and it was another successful night of entertainment at Glendale.

Jean Auchterlonie

GLENFARG

Another fantastic audience filled the village hall at Glenfarg for our first club meeting of the year. Stewart Smith, our chairman and compere, welcomed a great turnout of players and got the meeting promptly under way. Club players included the Nicola Baird and Gordon Haddow Duo, Dave Bayne, Jean Collier, David Stokes and Mark Crawford on button-box accompanied by Stewart Reid on fiddle. Accompanying players were Marissa Bryce on keyboard, Gerry Boxall on drums and Hamish Smith on second box. The guest artists were Callum Wallace and the Tay Ceilidh Band with Callum on drums, Gary Sutherland on piano accordion, Jimmy Cassidy on second box and, all the way from Shetland, Mary Rutherford on fiddle. They played a great range of toe-tapping tunes taking us up to the tea break and raffle time. Once again many thanks to you all for supporting the raffle and to the team behind the scene preparing the teas and goodies. The show began again with club players including Anne Hendry and Fred Davidson who was accompanied by Gordon Walker on fiddle. We then had Liz Campbell, Ed Parkhouse, Jackie Rayburn and Tommy Moffat on 5-row button-box again, of course, accompanied by Marissa, Gerry and Hamish. Thank you to the local players who stood down.

The guest artists brought the evening to a close. Callum gave us a couple of songs and

GRETNA

Robin Waitt opened to a capacity audience by welcoming both the listeners and the many local players. Rosalind accompanied everyone on piano and we had three drummers, namely Murray Irvine, Graham Woods and Billy Porter. Our first player was Dennis Ewin with some good sing-along selections. Ian Woods played accordion as a change from fiddle. Newby Park then played a Paolo Soprani melodeon dated 1870! June Foster played a waltz followed by a two step, and Jean Corrighan played a lovely arrangement of The Dark Island and a waltz. Barbara Fisher played Feed the Birds from Mary Poppins. Anne Wilson then played two great sets. Well done, ladies - it’s always good to have you with us.

Our guest artists Leonard Brown and Malcolm Ross were welcomed to Gretna by Deryn Waitt, who gave a short summary of their musical achievements. Their first spot started in great style with The Teddy Bears’ Picnic and a wide variety of music then followed which kept the audience enthralled. Tunes included jigs, polkas, Jim Johnstone reels, Lady of Spain, an excellent The Carnival of Venice and a tribute to the late Tom Alexander. What with impressions and banter

stage as a soloist and played a couple of medleys. Hamish MacDougall completed the lineup and Graham Wilson moved over to second box with Maggie Jamieson on drums. It was yet another classic night at the club. For a full report and photographs, please visit the Club Facebook page.

Bob Wares

Leonard Brown and Malcolm Ross, Gretna

with the audience, the first spot just flew by.

Leonard and Malcolm’s second spot was just as impressive and again included something to please everyone including The Belfast Hornpipe, an Andre Rieu waltz and The Box and Fiddle Rag. At the end Robin thanked them for a very entertaining evening. We were treated to another tune before the audience left, having enjoyed a thoroughly good night.

Thanks go to Leonard and Malcolm, all our local players, our backing musicians, all those who brought raffle prizes and all those willing helpers at the end of the night. Deryn & Robin

HIGHLAND

We met in the usual venue for our February meeting. A wet and windy night limited the crowd slightly, but those who attended were rewarded with a great night of entertainment. Jean Millwood started proceedings with Callum Mackaskill on guitar and Maggie Jamieson on drums. Jean is a terrific musician and played some good stuff. Graeme MacKay with his three-row button-box was well received by the Highland faithful and borrowed Neil Macgregor on keyboard and Ali Macpherson on drums from the guests. Guest artist was Iain Macdonald from Beauly who had assembled a multi-talented five-piece band of the highest calibre with Neil Macgregor on second box, the legend Addie Harper on fiddle, Jacqui Macdonald on keyboard and Ali K Macpherson on drums. They gelled together to create a fantastic sound, which the Highland faithful adored. With heads nodding and toes tapping right from the off, Iain set the bar at a very high level and kept it there. Iain is an entertainer as well as a quality musician and managed a delightful song in Gaelic in each half. We had solo spots from Addie on fiddle and Ali who switched to lead box and let Neil move over to drums. They are a very versatile and talented bunch and could have rotated instruments almost right round. They played with super timing, professionalism and presentation that left the crowd absolutely delighted. Graham Wilson took to the

INVERARAY

Chairman Niall Iain MacLean welcomed a reasonable crowd to the February club night, the increase in size being due to a very brief but welcome respite in the wintry weather. Supporting players were Fyne Folk with Jake MacKay and Alex John MacLeod on fiddle and Agnes Liddell on keyboard. Also playing were: Calum MacDonald on accordion; Janet Graham on accordion, accompanied by Agnes; Stuart McKeown on accordion; Jim McMillan on vocals and guitar, accompanied by Jake and Agnes; and Jake on moothie accompanied by Agnes.

In the second half Janet, accompanied by Jack Delaney and Agnes, did another spot, as did newcomer Stuart McKeown from Dumbarton. It was good to see you, Stuart, and we look forward to your next visit. They all delighted the audience with their excellent varied selections. Guest artists were Neil MacMillan and his Band, with Neil on lead accordion, Jack Delaney on second accordion, June Meikle on fiddle and Ian Muir on keyboard. Neil has been at the club many times over the years, so it was good

Neil MacMillan Band, Inveraray

to see him in the ‘hot seat.’ That said, Neil, Jack and Ian swapped roles from time to time so in fact we had three bands for the price of one! June also did a lovely couple of sets on fiddle, and their very wellrehearsed programme was a treat to listen to.

Before the final set, Niall Iain thanked all the artistes for a delightful evening. MM

KELSO

The February meeting saw a good turn-out of players and audience. Phil Gillie, giving us a well-played selection of tunes, kicked off. Bob Liddle on 5-row accordion followed him and then Bill Elliot played some well-known waltzes in his usual steady fashion. We then had David Corner on concertina followed by another welcome visit by Elizabeth Younger from Wooler on piano accordion. The first-half locals’ spot was finished by last month’s guest artist Charlie McIntee.

Our guest artists were the Charlie Todd SDB. Charlie brought with him a 5-piece band, with Judith Linton on fiddle, Ian Graham on drums,

on piano, Tom Riddell and Tam Rankine on drums and on 2 nd accordion Brian Forrest, Charlie McIntee and Bob Liddle.

Charlie Todd and the band then once more led us through a very enjoyable second half of traditional music with a mix of reels, jigs and waltzes along the way. It was a nice treat to hear a 5-piece for the second month in a row.

Fiona Paul on piano and Frank Morrison on 2 nd accordion. Charlie soon had the place swinging to some well-known tunes, all traditional stuff including some popular Irish and Burns waltzes. Charlie finished off the first half with the very current Craic at Clashmore Hall and The Kiwi Pipers. It was an excellent first half with lots of good stories and information about the tunes.

After the break we had David Corner, this time on fiddle. Then came host of the Duns club Ronnie Patterson with a couple of well-played sets. Gordon Brown then finished the second locals’ spot in his usual reliable fashion. The house band were Brian Forrest and Bob Liddle

LANGHOLM

The change to our listed guest artists did not dampen spirits in the slightest. In fact to be entertained by our replacements Iain Anderson and Eric Goodfellow was a sheer joy. Supporting players turned out in good numbers too. Veteran accordion maestro Jim Fraser was experienced enough not to lug his box all the way frae hame, but borrow one from the kindly Norman Swainson. Willie Little on tin whistle gave us a very catchy tune called Methlick Barn Dance. Davie Bell presented us with two marches. Newby Park and Norman Swainson then slowed the pace beautifully, both with waltzes. Barbara Fisher included For

These Are My Mountains. Ian Woods played next, seemingly having forsaken his fiddle for an accordion. Roger Dobson, laid back as ever, provided the best of traditional air playing with My Home and The Cradle Song. Grateful thanks must go to Tam Riddell, Graham Woods, Robert Willens and Iain Wilson for providing such good backing on drums and keyboard.

Then it was time for the Iain Anderson and Eric Goodfellow Duo. We were enthralled with some right guid gan’ music including Loch Ruan and Willens Drum and Robert Willens was there to hear it played! Loch Lomond was coupled with Dark Lochnagar and played with such grace. There was much talk about Iain’s style and dexterity when he played the Royal Scots Polka. Such attributes also described Eric Goodfellow on percussion. The notable chef from Castle View Catering stirred the brushes on the snare drum as lightly as if whisking in a bowl. It was superb, sympathetic drumming. Lastly I must mention John Watret who sang for us. His Forty Shades of Green (by Johnny Cash) was a belter. Iain Bell

LEWIS & HARRIS

DECEMBER DB Macleod welcomed all to our last club of the year and introduced Nial Kirkpatrick who played a set of marches getting the audience going. DB accompanied and they continued with waltzes and reels before changing positions to allow DB to lead for some

more pipe marches to the accompaniment of audience’s feet tapping. Dol Macdonald was next closelyfollowed by Graham Maclennan, who was accompanied by Tracey Gordon on keyboard and DB on 2 nd accordion. John Murdo Macmillan then amused us by using his accordion case as his chair and informing us that this practice had lasted for 30 years with no harm done.

Nial then came back to bring us up to half time. The raffle was drawn and it was then back to start the programme again. DB closed with a big thank you to everyone for supporting us throughout 2019.

Ishbel Crichton

FEBRUARY February was our first meeting of the new year and chairman DB kicked off by welcoming everyone to The Caladh Inn. Unfortunately there wasn’t a very big audience but we did have seven very keen local players who came along and played to their hearts’ content. Douglas Watson started with Gaelic waltzes and a set for The Glasgow Highlanders. Graham Maclennan was next and he was followed byour resident duo Dolan and Murdo. It was a change of instrument next as we welcomed newcomer Cathy Macarthur on fiddle. She hasn’t been playing long but gave us a tremendous performance. Aleck Murdo followed and finally John Murdo Macmillan returned with his trusty accordion case as his chair. He played a set of West Coast sing-alongs. Playing along all night on second accordion was DB Macleod.

When it was his turn to take centre stage he played a lovely set of 4/4 marches. We heard a very wide variety of musicfrom all over, including a few singalong foxtrots as well as the typical West Coast pipe music that is always popular at our club. The evening was finished of with a stramash.

Douglas Watson

LIVINGSTON

Our February meeting started with two solo players. First it was regular club member George Forsyth and then it was a new visitor to our club, George Dick, who played a lovely Italian number. Tommy Moffat kept up the continental theme before Janet Graham delighted the audience with two fine sets. George Geddes played for us next, and then Alex Linton had us singing along before our guest artists the Willie Macfarlane Scottish Dance Band took the stage. Willie’s band comprised Jim Cleland on 2 nd box, Jim Dow on drums, Carol Rae on piano and Jessie Bald as accompanying vocalist. We enjoyed tangos, slow foxtrots, jigs and marches, Highland schottisches and a whole lot more during the band’s sessions both before and after the break and Jessie invited us to join her in singing several well-known songs. Willie plays as a club player at a lot of our club nights so it was wonderful to hear more than just his usual couple of sets.

Playing later in the evening were Robert Geurts, Arthur Brown, Billy Black and finally Rona McLeod, who played a

beautiful number written by her late father.

Many thanks to Iain Wilson on piano and Jack McLeish on drums for suitably accompanying all except our first two solo players.

The evening closed with an enthusiastic stramash.

MACMERRY

Compere Gordon Young gave a warm welcome to a very large audience gathered to enjoy a feast of music and entertainment. Our support musicians were Ronnie Johnstone on 3-row Morino, Geordie Carlisle on 2-row piano accordion and Susan Power, Janet Graham, Callum Smith, Grahame Munro and Ewan Galloway. Donald Todd sang two songs, Bobby Colgan, Tommy Rankine and Gordon Young shared the drumming duties, and all were backed by Shauna Flockhart on keyboard. Our guest artist were the Andy Phillip Duo, with Andy ably assisted by Nicky McMichan on drums. Andy started with The Beer Barrel Polka, continued with Whistling Rufus and The Bluebell Polka and Dantesque, and finished the first half with a sing-along that had the audience singing like linties (linnets).

After a hot Macmerry pie the raffle was drawn, and then Andy and Nicky gave us Bobby McLeod’s The General Election, another sing-along and Lassie Come and Dance With Me, and ended a brilliant day with an Iain MacPhail selection including Miss Mary Printy and The Jimmy Burgess Two-Step.

Keith Robertson Duo, Mauchline & District

Gordon Young thanked everyone for such a good day. What a grand way this is to spend a Sunday afternoon, sitting with friends enjoying yer own traditional music.

Tommy Johnstone

MAUCHLINE & DISTRICT

Malcolm Rae welcomed everyone to our February meeting which started on a sad note with the announcement of the sudden death of Margaret Davidson, and our condolences go to husband Jimmy and family. Margaret was a past treasurer of the club and a faithful attendee.

We also report the death of past member and player Lena MacLennan. Lena loved playing accordion and having a tune at the Mauchline club and it was so sad that after suffering a stroke 15 years ago she had been unable to play. For the last number of years Lena and husband Duncan had lived in Plockton. Our thoughts and prayers are with Duncan and daughter Una.

Malcolm got the music started with himself on accordion, Derek Hamilton on keyboard and Robin Maclean on drums. Club players on accordion were Alasdair Rae, David Helm, Martin Sayers, Guy Wiley, Rosie Rennie, Archie Marshall, Newby Park, Elizabeth Morrison, Frank Morrison, Susan Power and Jim Hutcheon. Willie Little was

on whistle, Graeme Couper on fiddle and Gordon Young on drums.

Guest band was the Sandy Nixon Scottish Dance Band with Sandy on lead accordion, Hamish Smith on second box, Iain Graham on drums, John Delaney on double bass and Jim Clark on piano. The band played some superb music: marches, reels, continental waltzes, and Happy Harry Polka etc. It was a brilliant night of music from Sandy and his wonderful band. They looked as if they were enjoying playing for the audience as much as the listeners were enjoying the music. Thanks go to them for a wonderful evening.

We held our club dance in Sorn Village Hall on Saturday 22 nd February which was an excellent evening of dancing to the Keith Robertson Duo. Special thanks to all who helped and for the lovely raffles.

Eleanor Kerr

NORTH EAST

Our first club night of 2020 got off to a flying start with 13 musicians on stage. There was a tremendous atmosphere all evening, but firstly we noted the sad passing of Hugh Edgar who was our long-time club photographer and who captured the great ambiance at the NE club.

We are always pleased to welcome players to our club, and this month we had on fiddle Cassie Findlay, Kirsty Low, and Fraser and Andrew Davidson. On accordion were James Wiseman, Brian Stanger, Rachel Low, Matthew Patterson,

North East

Graham Wilson and Jim Gray. On mouth organ was Denis Shepherd. Our accompanist was Jane Farquharson and drummers were Liam McIntosh, Euan McBain and Rory Smith. Thanks go to them all.

The evening included many highlights from both our senior and up-and-coming young players who covered a wide variety of club favourites and a few new compositions. Our guest artists were Leonard Brown and Malcolm Ross. These two musicians are truly spectacular entertainers. The high calibre of music, stories and impressions was absolutely fantastic. We were taken on a world tour with all types and styles of music expertly played. They also included a newly composed waltz called Memories of Rona. The duo never ceased to amaze the audience with their musical abilities from Leonard’s wizardry on the accordion to Malcolm’s magical 2 nd line drumming solo comprising Let’s All Go Down to New Orleans and Muskrat Ramble. The evening concluded with the audience showing their appreciation by way of a standing ovation for these two incomparable musicians.

L McBain

RENFREW

We had a good turnout in February despite the weather and we were relieved to see our far travelled guest artists’ safe arrival to the hall, even preceding that of most of the committee. There’s professionalism for you. As usual our MC Stewart Boal on accordion started off, giving us a West Coast medley including Leaving Barra and Leaving Lismore. Good job the ferries were running! Regular players on accordion were Matt Murdoch, Archie Gardner, Archie Alexander, Frank Hamilton, Iain Boyd, Colin and Ian Chalmers, Tom

MacIver and Pat McGinley. We also welcomed talented West Coasters Calum MacColl and Màrtainn Skene. Calum (ex-Fort William) on 3-row had us enthralled with his crisp and accurately fingered steadypaced pipe marches. He told me he now lives in Airdrie and intends to visit again. We definitely welcome that, Calum. We also enjoyed the fine playing of Màrtainn who, with his individual style, can make his piano-keyed Ranco sound like a 3-row. Again great pipe tunes fairly got our toes tapping and hopefully the audience’s enthusiastic applause will entice him back. Man of many moothies (and pockets it seems), Andrew Clacher, played the classic These Are My Mountains in fitting tribute to The Alexander Brothers. Thanks also to John Strachan on piano and Graham Reid on drums for expertly backing our players.

Our guest artists were popular duo Ian Cruickshanks on lead 3-row and Ian MacCallum on harmony piano accordion and what superb music these gentlemen produce. We had country dance sets, a jaunty Swedish schottishe, a yodelling Alpine waltz, quicksteps and foxtrots showing a musical versatility which makes them much sought after for old time dancing and a pure pleasure to listen to. Thanks go to our guest artists and to all who made it a great night. C Chalmers introduced the artists. He also kept the audience amused between the changeovers for the 16 acts who had dropped by for a tune, including some surprise visitors from Ireland. The evening started with the excellent young local group Da Langstrings featuring fiddlers Liam Slater, Ewan Hutcheson and Magnus Williamson accompanied by Eunice Henderson on piano. The evening then continued at speed with a number of full bands as well as solos and small groups resulting in a great mix of musicians, styles and stories. We even had a melodeon/cornet player (and yes, both instruments were played at the same time for one tune!) namely Peter Mosey from Morecambe who was in Shetland with friends to see Up Helly Aa and celebrate the birthday of one of their party. As always the list of performers is immense, so here goes. Fiddlers were Iain Williamson, Gemma Donald, Manus Maguire, Maisie Henderson, Shona MacFadyen, Maggie Adamson, Alan Gifford, John Daly, Aidan Connolly, Nicholas Long, Willie Johnstone and Andrew Knight. On accordion were Darren Stewart, Michael Philip, Brendan Scollay, Alan Small, Duncan Black, Craig Paton, Wayne Robertson, Nicol McLaren, Hamish Smith, Robert Whitehead, Graham Whitehead, Scott Leslie, James Leask, Bruce Peebles, Gary Sutherland, John Burns and Richard Ross. John Leask, Shareen Scollay, Duncan Christie, Graham Sherrit, Alan Irvine, Alan Sutherland and Douglas Knight played drums and on piano we had Dana Stewart, Martin Henderson, Tom Orr, Robert Black, Jim Nichol and Colin Garvin. And finally, the lone guitar player was Brian Nicholson. What a night!

SKYE

The well-attended February meeting in Portree’s Royal Hotel was off to a great start as several members entertained. Solo fiddlers were Rachel Henderson, Wendy Riva and Julia Rudram. On accordion it was Emily Matheson, later backed on drums by Charlie Oag. Kathleen MacDonald and Maili MacKenzie treated the audience to a superb fiddle

SHETLAND

duet and completing the list of local players were sisters Elsa and Jocelyn Galbraith with an accordion and cello duet. Then it was time for the club’s special guest band and there are surely few places in the world where dancers have not revelled in the music of the Iain MacPhail SDB. Leader Iain MacPhail on accordion was joined by Brian Griffin on second accordion, Issy Hodgson on piano and George Darling on drums. First broadcasting in 1972, the band have developed a reputation over the decades for wonderful arrangements, superb harmonies and a swing much loved by dancers and listening audiences alike. With few personnel changes the band have maintained their distinctive style so much appreciated in the world of Scottish dance music. Many and varied were the tunes in their programme, including some of Iain’s own compositions which currently number in the region of 350! All too soon it was time to finish and to leave a very happy audience to wend their way homewards with the sound of four top class musicians ringing in their ears. John Grundy

Roddy Matthews & Tweed Valley Ceilidh Band, Turriff

the company and compere Bill Gray, in his usual jovial manner, introduced the guest artists, Roddy Matthews and the Tweed Valley Ceilidh Band with Northumberland based Roddy on fiddle, Alan Smith on piano accordion and Keith Lauder on drums.

Their first selection of Northumberland Rants set the tone for their entire performance. It was lively, toe-tapping, hand-clapping and inspirational. Roddy’s fiddle came alive and with the exceptional drumming and accordion playing the mood was electric. The audience settled down to an evening of music of varying tempos, many more Northumberland tunes interspersed with traditional Scottish music and even a wartime singalong selection prompting audience participation. Tunes played included The Morpeth Rant, Rothbury Hills and The Quayside, many new to the audience but much appreciated. Supporting artists included drummer Liam McIntosh, accordionist Dod Fowlie and washboard player John Cook who accompanied by Rosie Kellas courted the audience with a good selection of tunes. Mouthie player and vocalist Denis Shepherd played and sang. Balladeer Douglas Hay enchanted with McGinty’s Meal and Ale while accordionist George Rennie accompanied by drummer Liam and pianist Suzanne Elrick (Suzy D) kept the momentum going with The Sprig of Ivy and Mickie Ainsworth.

Everyone was thanked for the success of the evening and invited back next month, hopefully with a friend to enjoy the club experience. The finale was a super stramash with

TURRIFF & DISTRICT

The first meeting of 2020 was busy, with a return of our loyal supporters, all trying to catch up with two months’ worth of news and all looking forward to another year of popular, professional bands with our rock solid off the floor players ably supporting the guest artists. Chairman Bob Rae welcomed

all the musicians in full flow, sending a contented audience home and looking forward to next month’s meeting.

WICK

Guests at our February club night were the Brandon McPhee Trio, with Brandon on buttonbox, Manson Grant on keyboard and Robert Cameron on drums with Mackay’s Hotel again full to capacity to welcome them. As usual Brandon was in top form, playing all the well-known Scottish tunes, with a couple of continental ones thrown in for good measure and a song, My Way, to round it all off. The audience were more than delighted with the trio’s performance, as was evident in the standing ovation they received at the end of the evening.

Supporting local players on accordion were Joanne Sutherland, Anthony MacPhee, Teenie Campbell and The Tannach Ceilidh Band, Billy and Colin Mackay, Alex MacDonald and Graham Mellor. Fiddlers were Brian Polson, two young newcomers to the club, Rebecca and Mia, from the Thurso Strathspey and Reel Society and Andrea Cormack and Emily Morrison. Young Alexa Paterson played the banjo and Addie Harper Junior the guitar with Willie Mackay on low whistle which was quite an unusual but excellent sound. Bob Wallace, a one-time member of the club, recently passed away and his widow Elizabeth, who has donated to us a substantial sum of money, asked if a tribute could be played in his memory. Addie Harper on guitar, Richard Smith on keyboard and Andrea and Emily on fiddle played Faded Love to fulfil her wishes and thank her for her kind gesture. The Caithness Volunteers rounded off what was yet another superb night in Wick. Thanks to everyone involved.

WINDYGATES

Ian MacCallum opened and asked the players who had stood down the previous month to start. All players had the offer of backing from Ian MacCallum, Rab Stark, Joan Blue and Graham Burns. Players were Kath MacMenigal, Fenton Myles, Peter Smith, Dave Kerr, Moira Band, Peter McLaren, Stewart Smith (Laird of Glenfarg) and the only buttonbox player, Mark Crawford. The guest artists, Ian Cruickshanks on Shand Marino, Ian MacCallum on 2 nd box and Malcolm Ross on drums, opened with a set of jigs followed by strathspeys. Many renditions followed, ending with a polka. It was apparent by the applause that the audience appreciated the music.

Opening the second half were Dave Bayn, Moira Myles, Douglas Rue and Dave Corner. A few of our regulars volunteered to stand down owing to a shortness of time and we thank them.

The guests returned with tunes by the late George Bell, Gaelic waltzes and tunes composed by Ian Holmes. These tunes were played with feeling. Every note was played with such sharpness. The drumming of Malcolm Ross was, as always, great. The audience recognised the quality of the playing and applauded in appreciation. The band continued with Avestaforsens Brus, Threave Castle Polka, Irish marches and much more. As a tribute to Jimmy Blue they played The Balintore Fisherman. Thanks to the band for a lovely evening.

Ian told me that the dark red or burgundy Shand Morino he played was one of the 1954 batch. His is number 18 and so far he has not found another with a higher production number. Does anyone know how many were in that batch or have any knowledge of any number higher than 18? TWAE