Shetland Fiddle Week 2024 was kindly supported by
The National Lottery via Creative Scotland's Open Fund
The National Lottery via Creative Scotland's Open Fund
The National Lottery via Creative Scotland's Open Fund
Shetland Amenity Trust
The National Lottery via Creative Scotland's Open Fund
The National Lottery via Creative Scotland's Open Fund
Shetland Musical Heritage Trust
The National Lottery via Creative Scotland's Open Fund
Shetland Musical Heritage Trust
Tutors at Shetland Fiddle Week 2024
Andrew Gifford (Fiddle)
Andrew Gifford (Fiddle)
Andrew Gifford (Fiddle)
Andrew learned the fiddle whilst at school in Shetland from the great fiddlers Willie Hunter and Margaret Robertson. He has always enjoyed listening to a wide range of fiddle styles and this is reflected in the music he plays with bands such as Fiddlers’ Bid. Andrew has played and taught the fiddle all over the world and also plays with Orkney band The Chair.
Ross Couper (Fiddle)
Andrew Gifford (Fiddle)
Andrew Gifford (Fiddle)
Ross Couper is one of the foremost fiddle players of his generation. Coming from one of the fiddle capitals of the world, Shetland he has been playing the fiddle for over 25 years.
Now in his thirties he’s been a member of Scottish dance legends Peatbog Faeries for more than a decade. As well as the Peatbogs, Ross plays in a duo with grea
Ross Couper is one of the foremost fiddle players of his generation. Coming from one of the fiddle capitals of the world, Shetland he has been playing the fiddle for over 25 years.
Now in his thirties he’s been a member of Scottish dance legends Peatbog Faeries for more than a decade. As well as the Peatbogs, Ross plays in a duo with great Devon born guitarist Tom Oakes. Also now appearing with Skye based musicians, Peter Morrison and Seumas MacLennan in a fired up traditional group called Da Birlinn, Ross is one of the most sought after fiddle players in the country. In late 2020 he released a long awaited album with his brother Ryan called, ‘An Den Dey Made Tae’.
Celtic Connections 2023 saw the launch of ‘Ross Couper Band’. The beginning of this idea was at his greatly received ‘New Voices’ composition which was performed at CC 2022. A debut album is coming in the spring of 2024.
As well as playing live engagements all over the world Ross is also a popular choice at various teaching events throughout the year. Having taught numerous times at Shetland Fiddle Frenzy, Feis Glen Albainn, Edinburgh Fiddle Festival, Winter Trad., AIYF, various youth Feis and many more besides, teaching remains an important part of Ross’s work.
Kirsten Hendry (Fiddle)
Andrew Gifford (Fiddle)
Jenna Reid (Fiddle / Ensemble)
Kirsten is an experienced teacher and performer who is based in Shetland. She is one of Shetland Island Council's full time Traditional Fiddle Tutors and has taught many of Shetland's young players in recent years.. She has performed with many bands in Shetland, and recently recorded with local musician Adam Guest on his debut album.
Jenna Reid (Fiddle / Ensemble)
Robbie Leask (Mixed Instrument)
Jenna Reid (Fiddle / Ensemble)
Jenna is a renowned Shetland fiddler originally from from Quarff, Shetland. Taught by the late Willie Hunter she now plays professionally and has toured across the world and recorded and released many albums as a soloist and band member. Jenna is a prolific composer and has released five solo albums. Jenna is a member of award winning Scottish fiddle band Blazin’ Fiddles.
Robbie Leask (Mixed Instrument)
Robbie Leask (Mixed Instrument)
Robbie Leask (Mixed Instrument)
Robbie is from Lerwick, with family roots in Whiteness and Unst. His first instrument was a guitar, from Santa, but his principal instrument while at school was cello, enthusiastically taught by Mrs Merle Ingram.
Robbie left Shetland to study Chemical Engineering at Edinburgh University and during his time south developed an interest in t
Robbie is from Lerwick, with family roots in Whiteness and Unst. His first instrument was a guitar, from Santa, but his principal instrument while at school was cello, enthusiastically taught by Mrs Merle Ingram.
Robbie left Shetland to study Chemical Engineering at Edinburgh University and during his time south developed an interest in traditional music and finger style guitar.
After graduation, returning to work back home gave Robbie an opportunity to reacquaint himself with Shetland’s traditional music.
Following a move to Aberdeen to develop his engineering career, he took fiddle lessons with West Coast player, Jean Ann Callender and began writing his own compositions.
Robbie played fiddle in Hogtie, an Aberdeen-based ceilidh band, for a number of years, is guitarist in the quartet Corran Raa, playing mainly self-composed music, and collaborates in a duo with Shetland fiddler and songwriter Claire White focusing on new and traditional Shetland music and songs.