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Soak up the fiddle tradition of the Shetland Islands

Soak up the fiddle tradition of the Shetland IslandsSoak up the fiddle tradition of the Shetland IslandsSoak up the fiddle tradition of the Shetland Islands

Immerse yourself in the musical magic of Shetland

Immerse yourself in the musical magic of ShetlandImmerse yourself in the musical magic of ShetlandImmerse yourself in the musical magic of ShetlandImmerse yourself in the musical magic of Shetland

Shetland Fiddle Week launched in 2024, 5-9 August. Details of the week below.

Shetland Fiddle Week 2024 was kindly supported by

The National Lottery via Creative Scotland's Open Fund

Shetland Amenity Trust

Shetland Musical Heritage Trust

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.

Shetland Fiddle Week 2024 - Schedule

Monday 5th August 2024

Shetland Museum and Archives

Use of spaces kindly donated by Shetland Amenity Trust

  • Talks from local fiddlers - Introduction to Shetland Fiddle with special guests Claire White, Pauline Wiseman & Maurice Henderson
  • Tour of the Shetland music archives
  • Lunch (provided)
  • Ensemble rehearsal with Jenna

Lerwick Boating Club

  • Session 

Tuesday 6th August

Islesburgh Community Centre

  • Workshops 

St Columba's / Big Kirk

  • Acoustic Concert featuring Shetland Fiddlers Society & SFW 2024 Fiddle Tutors

Lerwick Boating Club

  • Session

Wednesday 7th August 2024

A Day out to Sandwick

  • (Bus transport provided)

Sandwick Social Club / Carnegie Hall

  • Workshops

Carnegie Hall

  • Lunch (provided)

Hoswick

  • Visit to local businesses Karlin Anderson Jewellery Design and nielanell knitwear and a tune at Hoswick Visitor's Centre

Carnegie Hall, Sandwick

  • Concert featuring Claire White & Robbie Leask, Kristie Williamson, George Spence & Fraser Jamieson, Gemma Donald & Bryan Gear with Callum Nicolson & Jack Robertson

Thursday 8th August 2024

Islesburgh Community Centre

  • Workshops 

Eshaness

  • 'Tammy Trip' - bus trip to the homeland of Dr Tom Anderson, sponsored by Shetland Musical Heritage Trust

Lerwick Boating Club

  • Session

Friday 9th August 2024

Islesburgh Community Centre

  • Workshops 

Quarff Public Hall

  • Dinner (provided)
  • Concert featuring SFW Students, Jenna Reid, Skelburn followed by dance with Peter Wood Band

Shetland Fiddle Week 2024 - Concerts

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Shetland Fiddle Week LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in Scotland. 

Registered number: SO307901 

Registered address: Norton House, Glencaple. DG1 4RA.

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