Scottish ceilidh trail comes to Scrabster

The five youngsters from Ross-shire are taking part in the National Ceilidh Trail, which is part of the Year of Creative Scotland 2012.

Part of the Trad Trails initiative organised by Fèis Rois and the Traditional Music and Song Association (TMSA), it provides musicians aged 16-25 with the opportunity to hone their skills while providing entertainment at a series of concerts throughout Scotland.

Appearing at Scrabster village hall on Friday, August 17, will be Alasdair Paul, Steaphanaidh Chaimbeul, Sally Simpson, Eilidh Ramsay and Alexander Levack. Between them, they play harp, fiddle, accordion, piano, flute, pipes, whistles, bodhran, guitar and mandolin.

Before embarking on their five-week tour, they spent several days working with some of Scotland’s most celebrated professional musicians, including Duncan Chisholm, Gary Innes and Ingrid Henderson.

During the sessions, they learned new songs and tunes and were encouraged to create their own musical arrangements. The project also enables the young musicians to learn about marketing, promoting gigs, using a PA system and stage presentation.

The Scrabster ceilidh will include concert items and provide the opportunity for some ceilidh dancing. It will also feature performances from pupils of the Carol-Anne Mackay School of Music.

“Hearing these young musicians, who have all auditioned to be involved in such a high-profile project, will inspire our local youngsters and give them something to aim for themselves,” said Thurso-based Carol-Anne.

“It is a great opportunity to meet other young people from different musical backgrounds and to work together,” said Sally Simpson, a former pupil of the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music at Plockton High School. She will begin a degree in Scottish Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in the autumn.

Fiona Dalgetty, chief executive of Fèis Rois, said: “We wanted to bring traditional music to places where visitors might be but where they might not always have the opportunity to hear live music. We have scheduled performances everywhere from Stirling Castle to Skara Brae and from the Callanish Stones to the historical village of Cromarty.”

Visitors are welcome to come along to all the concerts. Tickets for the concert in Srcabster can be purchased on the door on the night.