Blazin’ Fiddles are the world’s most prolific fiddle band, and have been described as the Led Zeppelin of Scottish music – each band member is full of fun and full of music – and over the course of the week in Beauly you will have the opportunity to be immersed in the Scottish musical tradition by those who have been steeped in the rich culture of the Highlands & Islands since birth. Like rare single malts, each member of Blazin’ Fiddles draws the distinct flavour of music from their part of the Highlands and Islands. From solo to ensemble sets, they all come together in a fiery blend that raises the roof – come to Beauly and join in the craic with the band!
 
Duncan Chisholm - guest tutor 

Duncan Chisholm is one of Scotland’s most recognised and accomplished fiddle players and composers; Duncan’s music contains the rarest of chemistries, a glorious combination of invention, tenderness and passion. Born and brought up near Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland, Duncan has spent most of his life developing his unique musical voice.  Fiddle playing at its best, Duncan’s feather-light handling of dynamics and ornamentation, allied with his pure-distilled tone, lend his characteristic spine-tingling magic to his music.

Winner of the 2018 Scots Trad Music Awards ‘Album of the Year’ for his album Sandwood, Duncan creates music which is sumptuously layered and awash with dazzling colours, textures and rhythms.  It is music that requires no introductions or programme notes to carry you on its journey.  The sound may be traditional but this is 21st Century traditional music which is sophisticated, exhilarating and meltingly beautiful.

Duncan’s well-established musical career has taken him throughout the UK, Europe and the USA, both through his solo work and while playing with other musicians and bands.

With such a personal interest in and connection to the Highland landscape that so deeply inspires him, Duncan has worked hard to instil great pride and passion into recording musical masterpieces influenced by Scotland’s wild places.

“My creative world widens with each passing year and the possibilities for self-expression are limitless.  Enjoy the music.”  Duncan Chisholm

 

 

 

Bruce MacGregor – fiddle

 

Founder of Blazin’ Fiddles & Blazin’ in Beauly, Bruce's driving yet lyrical style of playing alongside his passion for the history and culture of the Highlands, has helped inspire a new generation of musicians and lovers of traditional music across the world.

Bruce has an unrivaled knowledge of Highland Music, along with a love of the Highlands of Scotland, where he has lived all his life. He was taught by the world renowned Donald Riddell C.B.E, who instilled in him the importance of understanding the landscape people and history which inspired the tunes he learnt. This gives Bruce's music a depth and quality that touches the soul and he is keen to pass on his knowledge and skills to those interested in learning the craft of Traditional Highland fiddle.

 

 

 

Jenna Reid – fiddle

Award-winning Shetlander Jenna Reid is a leading light of fiddling and composing. A finalist of the prestigious Paul Hamlyn Award,she was also awarded Composer of the Year at the 2019 Scots Trad Music Awards following the release of her 5th solo album; Working Hands. In 2023 Jenna released her 6th solo album alongside her long-standing piano accompanist and fellow Shetlander, Harris Playfair. 'One Day' was recorded in 1 day and captures the duo's brilliant partnership.

Jenna is a very popular teacher and was nominated for Tutor of the Year at the 2023 Scots Trad Music Awards.

 
She has toured across the world and has recorded appeared on the Transatlantic Sessions alongside Aly Bain and Je

 

Rua Macmillan – fiddle

 

Hailing from Nairn, Rua Macmillan is one of Scotland’s top fiddlers. Having graduated with a B.A.(Hons) in Scottish Music from the R.S.A.M.D. (now Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), and won the prestigious BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year in 2009, Rua has toured extensively throughout Europe and North America, including performances at some of the world’s most prominent Folk Festivals, including Celtic Connections, Cambridge, Ortigeuira and Winnipeg. His debut album, ‘Tyro’ was voted instrumental album of the year in the Fatea Awards, and was picked by Songlines Magazine as a ‘Top of the World’ album.

In addition to touring, Rua is in great demand as a tutor, and teaches regularly with Fèis Rois, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow Fiddle Workshop, as well as internationally.
 

 

 

Kristan Harvey – fiddle

Orcadian fiddler Kristan Harvey has been a regular on the Scottish folk scene since being crowned BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2011. Having left home in 2007 to study music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, she remains in Glasgow, performing and teaching around Scotland and further afield.

Kristan is a member of several lineups including Blazin’ Fiddles and FARA. Over the years, she has also enjoyed touring with bands such as The Rua Macmillan Big Band, The Paul McKenna Band and her own band The Sanna, as well as joining string sections for Admiral Fallow, Belle and Sebastian, Rod Stewart and duetting with Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti. 

 

 

 

Anna Massie – guitar/group work

Equally at home as accompanist or melody player, Anna Massie is one of Scotland’s foremost guitarists. As well as being skilled multi-instrumentalist renowned for her work with Blazin’ Fiddles and RANT, she also presents BBC Radio Scotland’s award-winning flagship weekly trad music programme, Travelling Folk. 

Three-time nominee for Best Instrumentalist at the Scots Trad Music Awards, 2021 winner of the Trad Music in the Media award for her Black Isle Correspondent work and 2022 Producer of the Year award, Anna is a highly talented musician, presenter and producer.
 

 

Angus Lyon – piano/groupwork

 

Through his duo with fiddler Ruaridh Campbell, his work with the marvelously pigeonhole-resistant Halton Quartet and his achievements as producer on myriad recordings, accordionist and pianist Angus Lyon is one of the traditional music scene’s most creative talents. As well as his own projects Angus is also a member of Blazin’ Fiddles and has also performed with some of the biggest names in the music world including Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), Paul McCartney, Bobby McFerrin, Craig Armstrong, Scott Mathews & many more.