Musical talk for first 2024 meeting of Latheron SWI

A maker of musical instruments gave an insight into his work for SWI members.

The latest meeting of Latheron SWI took place on Thursday, January 11.

Mrs C Grant, president, welcomed members to the first meeting of the new year.

Apologies from Lynsey Macleod and Jenni Smith and minutes adopted by Donna Sutherland and seconded by Anne Sutherland.

Mrs Grant introduced Will Mackay from Berriedale who is a luthier. He said he was always interested in music from an early age learning to play the violin in primary school. He attended Newark International School of Violin Making for three years where he learned violin making and went on to make double bass.

The wood for the instruments he makes is sourced from the Carpathian Mountains as suitable wood is not available in Britain.

He explained the different stages of making a double bass and stated it takes a minimum of 500 hours to make an instrument. As well as making violins and double bass He also does restoration work on instruments.

Mrs Grant thanks Will for his very interesting talk. Members enjoyed tea served by Carol Grant and Denise Walsh.

Competitions: 3 Welsh Cakes: 1 Carol Grant, 2 Veira Sutherland, 3 Anne Sutherland, 4 Pat Hendry, vhc Donna Sutherland; Burns Poem: 1 Carol Grant, 2 Donna Sutherland.

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