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Do you want to learn from some of the finest fiddle players in Scotland in a unique Highland setting? Join us in Cromarty in July for the second Black Isle Fiddle Weekend.
Intensive tuition in a small class setting, top-notch concerts, informal sessions and of course, great Highland hospitality!

Who?

The participant will have classes from each of the 4 tutors. All four are highly sought after tutors and performers.

Where?

The Black Isle Fiddle Weekend takes place in the beautiful, historic village of Cromarty,at the Old Brewery – an intimate and homely learning environment. Cromarty lies half an hour north-east of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Inverness is on the sleeper line from London and easily accessible by rail, road and a well-served airport. (We aim to provide transport to Cromarty for those arriving by rail/bus/air to Inverness if there is demand). The Black Isle is a stunning location for holidays and there is plenty to do for families in the area.

When?

Tuition will take place from mid-morning on Friday 6th July until early evening on Sunday 8th. (All levels except from complete beginners catered for) There will be a concert with the tutors on the Friday evening and a gig with a very special guest on the Saturday. Sessions will take place throughout the weekend.

Cost?

Tuition Package – £190. Includes all tuition, Entry to Fri Tutors Concert in Old Brewery and Sat Concert in special venue of East Church, Lunches on Fri,Sat and Sun and Farewell Sunday Gathering. (£55 deposit required to secure your place)

How do I book?

Booking this year is all online at www.fiddleweekend.com and booking will open on 4th February. A deposit of £55 is required to secure your booking. Please note, deposits are non-refundable. The balance is due at registration on the 6th July. Please note there are two intermediate classes this year. (Ages 18+ only)

 

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  Aidan O’Rourke

  (LAU)

  Both as a fiddler and a composer, Aidan O’Rourke ranks with the foremost Scottish musicians of his generation, deeply rooted in tradition while audaciously expanding its parameters. A founder member of top UK folk acts Blazin’ Fiddles and Lau, he has also released two outstanding solo albums, Sirius (2006) and An Tobar (2008), as well as featuring on more than 80 recordings by other artists. Aidan has taught fiddle across the globe and was a mainstay of ‘Blazin in Beauly’ for many years. He is no stranger to Cromarty, having a previous musician’s residency here with the Arts Trust.

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  Douglas Montgomery

  (Saltfishforty, The Chair)

  Known as one half of the duo ‘Saltfishforty’ Douglas Montgomery is the foremost Orcadian fiddle player of his generation. His playing is full of joy and swing, and he has been at the forefront of the fiddle revival of his islands in recent years. Leading the young group ‘Hadhirgaan’ he is an influential tutor of young people in Orkney and has tutored across the UK, taking his pupils on international tours.

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  Bruce MacGregor

  (Blazin’ Fiddles)

  Fiddler and broadcaster Bruce Macgregor is the energy behind Blazin’ Fiddles and the voice behind BBC Scotland’s Travelling Folk. A pupil of the late Donald Riddell, he is one of the finest exponants of the Highland style of fiddle playing. He was an extremely popular tutor at the first fiddle weekend and we are delighted to welcome him back. Over ten years ago Bruce set up ‘Blazin in Beauly’, a hugely popular fiddle school held annually in October.

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  Lauren MacColl

  (The MacCollective, Cula)

  Black Isle fiddle player Lauren MacColl is the winner of Instrumentalist of the Year 2009. She currently plays with her own band The MacCollective, the band Cula, new fiddle quartet RANT, and continues to play in a duo with Morayshire flute player Calum Stewart. Lauren is fiddle tutor at the RSAMD’s Junior Dept, and has taught for numerous organistations inluding Feisean nan Gaidheal, Folkworks, Darlington Folk Weekend, RSNO and the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention.

 

Timetable to be added nearer the event.

 

Black Isle Fiddle Weekend takes place at Cromarty Old Brewery, Burnside Place, Cromarty, IV11 8XQ

Please be aware participants are responsible for their own travel and accom.

Travel

Cromarty is approx 40 mins drive from the capital of the Highlands – Inverness.

By Rail: The nearest rail station is Inverness. Booking from 3 months in advance from www.nationalrail.co.uk will give great deals from UK train stations, including the sleeper line from London

By Plane: Inverness has a well served airport (flights include Gatwick, Birmingham, Luton, Southampton, Belfast, Bristol, Western and Northern Isles, Amsterdam) with a regular bus service into the city of Inverness http://www.hial.co.uk/inverness-airport/

By bus: Cromarty can be reached by the No.26 bus service, hourly from Inverness Bus Station. (With connections UK wide)

FOR THOSE TRAVELLING A DISTANCE WE WILL AIM TO PROVIDE AN AIRPORT AND RAIL/BUS PICK-UP ON EVENING OF 5TH AND MORNING OF 6TH IF THERE IS DEMAND.

Accommodation

Cromarty Old Brewery will be offering accomodation at the venue on a B&B basis and can also provide an evening meal. They have 11 rooms. Please contact them directly to ask for pricing and to book. Tel 01381 600277 or visit www.cromarty-training.com

There are various B&B, Self-catering and Hotel options in and around Cromarty

http://www.blackisleaccommodation.co.uk/

More details to follow