30th Musselburgh Festival 2004
by James Coutts
B&F April 2004
Saturday 6th March 2004 and once again all roads led to Musselburgh for the 30th Annual Accordion & Fiddle Championships.
A very healthy turnout of competitors, teachers, spectators, exhibitors and helpers ensured a great atmosphere in the main complex and surrounding venues from 8am right through to the wee sma’ hours of the following morning.
Following on from last year, we were absolutely delighted to see a substantial increase in competition entries, particularly in the classical accordion sections, with the total number approaching 240 by the time late entries were added to those listed in the programme. This meant we had to use external venues as well as the Main Hall and Theatre within the Brunton Halls complex, as we welcomed competitors from as far afield as Cumbria and Shetland.
On the adjudication panel this year we had the pleasure of welcoming debutants at Musselburgh in the shape of Susan Mackintosh, Scott Gordon, Graham Berry, Jim Hutcheon and Alex McIntyre as well as Marie Fielding, Jimmy Cassidy and Graeme Mitchell, all of whom were making return visits to Musselburgh in this capacity. All the adjudicators commented on the high quality of the playing across the various classes, offering constructive criticism where appropriate along with thoughts and ideas on improving standards even further. For the Open Championship classes this year, the chosen composers were William Marshall (fiddle) and Ronnie Cooper (accordion). The concert audience was treated to thrilling finals in both classes with Banchory’s Graeme Davidsontruimphing in the fiddle class and Lanark’s Tom Orr retaining the Accordion Championship. Congratulations are due to both Champions as well as the runners-up for the quality of the music.
Congratulations are also due to the adjudicators for their excellent choice of composers for next year’s Championships, namely Willie Hunter (fiddle) and Bobby MacLeod (accordion). The rest of the concert was also of an exceptional standard with the winners of the various classes displaying their talents. Thanks must go to all competitors and teachers for all their efforts in continually striving to improve already high standards. As always, the concert was expertly compered by The Reel Blend’s Jennifer Forrest and John ‘The Voice of the Borders’ Caskie.
Throughout the course of the day, the foyer area and upstairs area of the complex were hives of activity as competitors and enthusiasts mixed socially with the large array of trade stands, and more particularly the bar, reporting brisk trade.
Because of the large numbers in the competitions, one or two hiccups were experienced in scheduling, but thankfully we managed to get all other venues finished in time for the Band Section in the Main Hall. A packed hall was treated to a tremendous variety of bands with Susan MacFadyen of West Kilbride winning the The Iain MacPhail Cup, while the Arthur Easson Trophy for the best Rhythm Section was won by Stuart Cameron of Glasgow. The John Fairbairn Memorial Quaich was awarded to the runner-up, Duncan Hutchison of Moffat. As always, a great feature of this competition was the mixture of youngsters and experienced stalwarts in each of the bands.
Once again the Band competition was recorded by BBC Radio Scotland, as was the whole concert.
Thanks are due to Ken Mutch and his team for the excellent coverage and exposure they give to the festival.
After the concert, our excellent team of ‘hall clearers’ ensured the dance was underway by 9.15, with Iain MacPhail and his Band bringing a great day of music and socializing to a fantastic climax. The appeal of Iain’s band to musicians and dancers alike was obvious from the excellent turnout, with the band in top form from their first set in the concert, right through to the last bar of The High Road to Linton at 12.45am. During the interval at the dance, a fantastic array of raffle prizes was drawn, including the star prize of a Weekender Ticket for two to this year’s Shetland A&F Festival in October. We would like to thank all those who supported the raffle, whether prize donor, ticket seller or patron.
Thanks must also go to the large number of loyal supporters of the Festival whose tremendous efforts in Stewarding and administering the day’s events help make it such a memorable and enjoyable occasion year after year.
I’d also like to say a special, personal thankyou to all the Committee members for the phenomenal amount of work undertaken, not only on Festival Day, but throughout the whole year.
So here’s to Festival no 31. The date is Saturday, 5th March 2005. See you there.
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Adam Brady (Dundee)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) James Andrew Watt (Fraserburgh)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) Scott Nocol (Pathhead)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Claire Noble (Broughton – Peeblesshire)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Jim & Tom Gold (Douglas)
2) Bryan Scott MacMillan (whitburn) & Kirsty Hobson (Paisley)
3) Maggie Adamson & Mary Rutherford (Shetland Isles)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Alexander MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
3) Tom Orr (Lanark)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Susan MAcFadyen (West Kilbride)
2) Liam Stewart (Galston)
3) John Burns (Falkirk)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2=) Scott Nicol (Pathhead) & Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Liam Stewart (Galston)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Norman MacKay (Inverness)
2) John Weaks (Glasgow)
3)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
3) Duncan Hutchison (Moffat)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
1) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Bands – Runners-Up – John Fairbairn Memorial Quaich
2) Duncan Hutchison (Moffat)
3) Stuart Cameron (Glasgow)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Stuart Cameron (Glasgow)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) Laura Lockyer (Shetland)
3) Walter Rutherford (Keith)
Classical
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
3) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
2) John Morrison (Glasgow)
3) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) James Andrew Watt (Fraserburgh)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Paul Chamberlain (Melrose)
2) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
3) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton) & Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar) & Calum Muir (Carnwath)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Paula Kelly (Renfrew) & Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
2) Bryan Scott MacMillan (Whitburn) & Kirsty Hobson (Paisley)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Fiona Titterington (Brampton) & Jennifer Maxwell (Carlisle)
2)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) John Morrison Glasgow)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
3) Paul Chamberlain (Melrose)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
2) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
3) John Morrison Glasgow)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
3) Fiona Titterington (Brampton)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
2) Emma Tollan (Carluke)
3) Sandy Raeburn (Kinross)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
2) Mary Rutherford (Shetland Isles)
3) Fiona Henderson (Kirriemuir)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Sophie Sneddon (Dundee)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
3) Mary Rutherford (Shetland Isles)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Iain Anderson (Edinburgh)
2) Perdy Syers-Gibson (Edinburgh)
3) Ross Thomson (Alexandria)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Laura Lockyer(Shetland Isles)
2) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
3) Perdy Syers-Gibson (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Graeme Davidson (Banchory)
2=) Perdy Syers-Gibson (Edinburgh)
2=) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
2=) George Smith (Aberlemno)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Iain Anderon (Edinburgh) & Perdy Syers-Gibson (Edinburgh)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Tayside Young Fiddlers (Dundee)
2) The Tigh-Na-Gorm Players (Perth)
3) Swingin’ Fiddlers (Shetland Isles)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Neil Joseph Morran (Neilston)
A very healthy turnout of competitors, teachers, spectators, exhibitors and helpers ensured a great atmosphere in the main complex and surrounding venues from 8am right through to the wee sma’ hours of the following morning.
Following on from last year, we were absolutely delighted to see a substantial increase in competition entries, particularly in the classical accordion sections, with the total number approaching 240 by the time late entries were added to those listed in the programme. This meant we had to use external venues as well as the Main Hall and Theatre within the Brunton Halls complex, as we welcomed competitors from as far afield as Cumbria and Shetland.
On the adjudication panel this year we had the pleasure of welcoming debutants at Musselburgh in the shape of Susan Mackintosh, Scott Gordon, Graham Berry, Jim Hutcheon and Alex McIntyre as well as Marie Fielding, Jimmy Cassidy and Graeme Mitchell, all of whom were making return visits to Musselburgh in this capacity. All the adjudicators commented on the high quality of the playing across the various classes, offering constructive criticism where appropriate along with thoughts and ideas on improving standards even further. For the Open Championship classes this year, the chosen composers were William Marshall (fiddle) and Ronnie Cooper (accordion). The concert audience was treated to thrilling finals in both classes with Banchory’s Graeme Davidsontruimphing in the fiddle class and Lanark’s Tom Orr retaining the Accordion Championship. Congratulations are due to both Champions as well as the runners-up for the quality of the music.
Congratulations are also due to the adjudicators for their excellent choice of composers for next year’s Championships, namely Willie Hunter (fiddle) and Bobby MacLeod (accordion). The rest of the concert was also of an exceptional standard with the winners of the various classes displaying their talents. Thanks must go to all competitors and teachers for all their efforts in continually striving to improve already high standards. As always, the concert was expertly compered by The Reel Blend’s Jennifer Forrest and John ‘The Voice of the Borders’ Caskie.
Throughout the course of the day, the foyer area and upstairs area of the complex were hives of activity as competitors and enthusiasts mixed socially with the large array of trade stands, and more particularly the bar, reporting brisk trade.
Because of the large numbers in the competitions, one or two hiccups were experienced in scheduling, but thankfully we managed to get all other venues finished in time for the Band Section in the Main Hall. A packed hall was treated to a tremendous variety of bands with Susan MacFadyen of West Kilbride winning the The Iain MacPhail Cup, while the Arthur Easson Trophy for the best Rhythm Section was won by Stuart Cameron of Glasgow. The John Fairbairn Memorial Quaich was awarded to the runner-up, Duncan Hutchison of Moffat. As always, a great feature of this competition was the mixture of youngsters and experienced stalwarts in each of the bands.
Once again the Band competition was recorded by BBC Radio Scotland, as was the whole concert.
Thanks are due to Ken Mutch and his team for the excellent coverage and exposure they give to the festival.
After the concert, our excellent team of ‘hall clearers’ ensured the dance was underway by 9.15, with Iain MacPhail and his Band bringing a great day of music and socializing to a fantastic climax. The appeal of Iain’s band to musicians and dancers alike was obvious from the excellent turnout, with the band in top form from their first set in the concert, right through to the last bar of The High Road to Linton at 12.45am. During the interval at the dance, a fantastic array of raffle prizes was drawn, including the star prize of a Weekender Ticket for two to this year’s Shetland A&F Festival in October. We would like to thank all those who supported the raffle, whether prize donor, ticket seller or patron.
Thanks must also go to the large number of loyal supporters of the Festival whose tremendous efforts in Stewarding and administering the day’s events help make it such a memorable and enjoyable occasion year after year.
I’d also like to say a special, personal thankyou to all the Committee members for the phenomenal amount of work undertaken, not only on Festival Day, but throughout the whole year.
So here’s to Festival no 31. The date is Saturday, 5th March 2005. See you there.
Junior Accordion
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Adam Brady (Dundee)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) James Andrew Watt (Fraserburgh)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) Scott Nocol (Pathhead)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Claire Noble (Broughton – Peeblesshire)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Jim & Tom Gold (Douglas)
2) Bryan Scott MacMillan (whitburn) & Kirsty Hobson (Paisley)
3) Maggie Adamson & Mary Rutherford (Shetland Isles)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Alexander MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
3) Tom Orr (Lanark)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Susan MAcFadyen (West Kilbride)
2) Liam Stewart (Galston)
3) John Burns (Falkirk)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2=) Scott Nicol (Pathhead) & Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Liam Stewart (Galston)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Norman MacKay (Inverness)
2) John Weaks (Glasgow)
3)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
3) Duncan Hutchison (Moffat)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
1) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Bands – Runners-Up – John Fairbairn Memorial Quaich
2) Duncan Hutchison (Moffat)
3) Stuart Cameron (Glasgow)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Stuart Cameron (Glasgow)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) Laura Lockyer (Shetland)
3) Walter Rutherford (Keith)
Classical
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
3) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
2) John Morrison (Glasgow)
3) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
3) James Andrew Watt (Fraserburgh)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Paul Chamberlain (Melrose)
2) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
3) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton) & Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar) & Calum Muir (Carnwath)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Paula Kelly (Renfrew) & Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
2) Bryan Scott MacMillan (Whitburn) & Kirsty Hobson (Paisley)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Fiona Titterington (Brampton) & Jennifer Maxwell (Carlisle)
2)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) John Morrison Glasgow)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
3) Paul Chamberlain (Melrose)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
2) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
3) John Morrison Glasgow)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
3) Fiona Titterington (Brampton)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
2) Emma Tollan (Carluke)
3) Sandy Raeburn (Kinross)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
2) Mary Rutherford (Shetland Isles)
3) Fiona Henderson (Kirriemuir)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Sophie Sneddon (Dundee)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
3) Mary Rutherford (Shetland Isles)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Iain Anderson (Edinburgh)
2) Perdy Syers-Gibson (Edinburgh)
3) Ross Thomson (Alexandria)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Laura Lockyer(Shetland Isles)
2) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
3) Perdy Syers-Gibson (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Graeme Davidson (Banchory)
2=) Perdy Syers-Gibson (Edinburgh)
2=) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
2=) George Smith (Aberlemno)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Iain Anderon (Edinburgh) & Perdy Syers-Gibson (Edinburgh)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Maggie Adamson (Shetland Isles)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Tayside Young Fiddlers (Dundee)
2) The Tigh-Na-Gorm Players (Perth)
3) Swingin’ Fiddlers (Shetland Isles)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Neil Joseph Morran (Neilston)