2003
Iain MacPhail
Iain hails from Kilberry, Argyllshire where his first instruments were the pipes (with Tarbert Scout Pipe Band) and the melodeon. At 16, while attending Tarbert Academy, he won two scholarships to school in Edinburgh and went to live with his grandparents whilst attending Broughton Academy where School Secretary Dorothy Leurs and music teacher Ronald Stevenson helped shape his musical career. Not realising the difference, his grandfather bought him a piano accordion and he started lessons with a travelling teacher from Motherwell, Mr McCann, then a year later with Chrissie Leatham. He joined The Jim Nicholson Band as second accordionist, which in time evolved into The Strathedin Dance Band and finally into Iain’s own band. Their first album, recorded in 1975, established a distinctive sound and swing that was to become instantly recognisable. The band’s arrangements, enthusiasm and professionalism has put Iain and his band amongst the country’s best since then.
Iain MacPhail
Iain hails from Kilberry, Argyllshire where his first instruments were the pipes (with Tarbert Scout Pipe Band) and the melodeon. At 16, while attending Tarbert Academy, he won two scholarships to school in Edinburgh and went to live with his grandparents whilst attending Broughton Academy where School Secretary Dorothy Leurs and music teacher Ronald Stevenson helped shape his musical career. Not realising the difference, his grandfather bought him a piano accordion and he started lessons with a travelling teacher from Motherwell, Mr McCann, then a year later with Chrissie Leatham. He joined The Jim Nicholson Band as second accordionist, which in time evolved into The Strathedin Dance Band and finally into Iain’s own band. Their first album, recorded in 1975, established a distinctive sound and swing that was to become instantly recognisable. The band’s arrangements, enthusiasm and professionalism has put Iain and his band amongst the country’s best since then.