31st Musselburgh Festival 2005
by James Coutts (Festival Chairman)
B&F April 2005
Saturday, 5th March saw the ‘Honest Toun’ of Musselburgh host the 31st Annual Accordion and fiddle championships in The Brunton Hall complex and surrounding venues.
Despite seeing a fair covering of snow on the Lammermuirs from my livingroom window, the weather was kind and the roads were clear, eliminating any worries about people being unable top get there.
Once again, competition entries were well in excess of 200 and we were especially pleased to see marked increases in the Trios, Bands and Open Accordion and Open Fiddle Championships.
Unable to gain access to The Brunton Halls until 9am, a frantic amount of work from the Festival Committee and helpers ensured we were under way by 9.45 and, again due to the great work of everyone and ready co-operation of competitors, we managed to ensure everything was finished in time for the Bands competition in the Main Hall. A packed hall, generating a great atmosphere, enjoyed a tremendous standard of playing from musicians of a very young age, ably assisted in some cases by many of the experienced stalwarts from the Scottish band scene.
The excellent standard of musicianship in all classes was commented on throughout the day by our adjudicators. We were delighted to welcome debutants to Musselburgh, in this capacity, in Gordon Howe, Djordje Garjic and Max Ketchin, complimented by the return of Alistair McCulloch, Duncan Black, Colin Dewar, Charlie Kirkpatrick and Neil Copland. All adjudicators offered great encouragement and very constructive criticism, where necessary, as we strive to raise standards even higher.
Unfortunately, the late running of the Main Hall, largely due to the exceptional entry levels, meant the Concert attendance was considerably lower than normal, as many people had to go away for meals etc before returning for the dance. However, those who did attend were treated to two hours of great music as many of the winners showed off their talents, leading BBC Producer Ken Mutch to rate this year’s concert as the best yet. During the concert we had the play-offs for the Open Accordion and Open Fiddle championships. It was great to see two teenagers triumphing in their respective classes against very stiff competition. Gemma Donald of Shetland took the honours on fiddle with a lovely medley of Willie Hunter tunes, whilst Giffordtown’s Gary Sutherland won the accordion section with an excellently played selection of Bobby MacLeod compositions. I’m sure both composers would have been very proud to hear their music played to such a high standard by such young players. Our adjudicators have once again made excellent choices for next year’s Championship composers in Robert Mackintosh (fiddle) and Sir Jimmy shand (accordion). As always we are privileged to have the concert superbly compered by Jennifer Cruickshank and John Caskie. We were also delighted to welcome once again Ken Mutch and his team from BBC Radio Scotland who recorded some of the afternoon competitions as well as the Concert.
Graeme Mitchell and his Band brought the concert to a fitting climax then provided music for the dance which showed why they are up there among the all time greats of the Scottish dance music scene. A very well attended dance was enjoyed by all, during which we had another raffle with a tremendous amount of donated prizes, including a Weekender ticket for two from Shetland A&F club to their 2005 Festival in October. Many thanks to all who supported the raffle, whether prize donors, ticket seller or ticket buyer.
Thanks are also due to out Trade Stand exhibitors, stewards, competitors, parents, teachers, adjudicators and helpers who do so much to make the Festival such a great event. As ever, if anyone has any comments or suggestions regarding the Festival, we are always pleased to hear from you, and don’t forget to check out all the results and fortcoming news on the website.
Finally, I’d like to give a special mention to the Festival Committee for all their tireless work and the expenses they incur throughout the year – especially Secretary, Lorna Mair. The support they give to the Festival is awesome and is sincerely appreciated by myself, and, I’m sure, by everyone connected with the Festival in any way.
So roll on Saturday 4th March 2006. See you there.
RESULTS
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Gregor Allan (Tarves)
2) Callum Cruickshank (Lumphanan)
3) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Calum Muir (Carnwath)
2) Andrew Waite (Duns)
3=) Owain Ramsay (Gullane) & Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Scott Nichol (Pathhead)
3) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead) & Scott Nichol (Pathhead)
2) Jim & Tom Gold (Douglas)
3)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
SENIOR ACCORDION
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
2=) Gary Forrest (Jedburgh)
2=) Janette Morrison (Glasgow)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
2) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) Janette Morrison (Glasgow)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
Gary Sutherland (giffordtown)
Runners Up
Gary Forrest (Jedburgh)
David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Janette Morrison (Glasgow)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) John Weaks (Glasgow)
2)
3)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) Jim Gold (Douglas)
2) Gary Forrest (Jedburgh)
3) Robert Menzies (Thornhill)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup – Runner Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Nicky McMichan (Lochmaben)
3) Scott Nichol (Pathhead)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Liam Stewart (Galston)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Stuart Cameron (Glasgow)
2) Nicky McMichan (Lochmaben)
3) William Scott (Dumbarton)
CLASSICAL
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
2) Arlene McNaught (Johnstone)
3)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Gary Blair Jnr (Glasgow)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
3) Gillian Taylor (Paisley)
Under 14 Classical Musette Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
2) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
3) Emily short (Biggar)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
3) William Scott (Dumbarton)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
2) Alexander Young (Houston)
3) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Duncan & Arlene McNaught (Johnstone)
2) Roy Anderson (Rosewell) & Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead) & Claire Noble (Broughton)
2) Paula Kelly (Renfrew) & Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
3) Andrew Gibb & Emily Short (Biggar)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Grant McFarlane (Paisley) & Paula Kelly (Renfrew)
2)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) Jim Gold (Douglas)
3) Robert Menzies (Thornhill)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) David McKenzie (Dingwall)
2) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
3) Stuart Cameron (Glasgow)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Neil Davidson (Banchory)
2=) Innes Kennedy (Thornhill)
2=) Neil Tollan (Carluke)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup
1) Fiona Henderson (Kirriemuir)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Sophie Sneddon (Dundee)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Fiona Henderson (Kirriemuir)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Gillian Ramsay (Airlie)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
2) Perdy Syers-Gibson (Leominster)
3) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Perdy Syers-Gibson (Leominster)
2) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
3) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
Runners Up
Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
Perdy Syers-Gibson (Leominster)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Perdy Syers-Gibson (Leominster)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Fiona Henderson (Kirriemuir)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) The Gill simpson Players (Dundee)
2) Tigh-Na-Gorm Players (Perth)
3) Kain’s Weans (Newmains)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Hannah Menzies (Thornhill)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Neil Tollan (Carluke)
Despite seeing a fair covering of snow on the Lammermuirs from my livingroom window, the weather was kind and the roads were clear, eliminating any worries about people being unable top get there.
Once again, competition entries were well in excess of 200 and we were especially pleased to see marked increases in the Trios, Bands and Open Accordion and Open Fiddle Championships.
Unable to gain access to The Brunton Halls until 9am, a frantic amount of work from the Festival Committee and helpers ensured we were under way by 9.45 and, again due to the great work of everyone and ready co-operation of competitors, we managed to ensure everything was finished in time for the Bands competition in the Main Hall. A packed hall, generating a great atmosphere, enjoyed a tremendous standard of playing from musicians of a very young age, ably assisted in some cases by many of the experienced stalwarts from the Scottish band scene.
The excellent standard of musicianship in all classes was commented on throughout the day by our adjudicators. We were delighted to welcome debutants to Musselburgh, in this capacity, in Gordon Howe, Djordje Garjic and Max Ketchin, complimented by the return of Alistair McCulloch, Duncan Black, Colin Dewar, Charlie Kirkpatrick and Neil Copland. All adjudicators offered great encouragement and very constructive criticism, where necessary, as we strive to raise standards even higher.
Unfortunately, the late running of the Main Hall, largely due to the exceptional entry levels, meant the Concert attendance was considerably lower than normal, as many people had to go away for meals etc before returning for the dance. However, those who did attend were treated to two hours of great music as many of the winners showed off their talents, leading BBC Producer Ken Mutch to rate this year’s concert as the best yet. During the concert we had the play-offs for the Open Accordion and Open Fiddle championships. It was great to see two teenagers triumphing in their respective classes against very stiff competition. Gemma Donald of Shetland took the honours on fiddle with a lovely medley of Willie Hunter tunes, whilst Giffordtown’s Gary Sutherland won the accordion section with an excellently played selection of Bobby MacLeod compositions. I’m sure both composers would have been very proud to hear their music played to such a high standard by such young players. Our adjudicators have once again made excellent choices for next year’s Championship composers in Robert Mackintosh (fiddle) and Sir Jimmy shand (accordion). As always we are privileged to have the concert superbly compered by Jennifer Cruickshank and John Caskie. We were also delighted to welcome once again Ken Mutch and his team from BBC Radio Scotland who recorded some of the afternoon competitions as well as the Concert.
Graeme Mitchell and his Band brought the concert to a fitting climax then provided music for the dance which showed why they are up there among the all time greats of the Scottish dance music scene. A very well attended dance was enjoyed by all, during which we had another raffle with a tremendous amount of donated prizes, including a Weekender ticket for two from Shetland A&F club to their 2005 Festival in October. Many thanks to all who supported the raffle, whether prize donors, ticket seller or ticket buyer.
Thanks are also due to out Trade Stand exhibitors, stewards, competitors, parents, teachers, adjudicators and helpers who do so much to make the Festival such a great event. As ever, if anyone has any comments or suggestions regarding the Festival, we are always pleased to hear from you, and don’t forget to check out all the results and fortcoming news on the website.
Finally, I’d like to give a special mention to the Festival Committee for all their tireless work and the expenses they incur throughout the year – especially Secretary, Lorna Mair. The support they give to the Festival is awesome and is sincerely appreciated by myself, and, I’m sure, by everyone connected with the Festival in any way.
So roll on Saturday 4th March 2006. See you there.
RESULTS
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Gregor Allan (Tarves)
2) Callum Cruickshank (Lumphanan)
3) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Calum Muir (Carnwath)
2) Andrew Waite (Duns)
3=) Owain Ramsay (Gullane) & Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Scott Nichol (Pathhead)
3) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead) & Scott Nichol (Pathhead)
2) Jim & Tom Gold (Douglas)
3)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
SENIOR ACCORDION
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
2=) Gary Forrest (Jedburgh)
2=) Janette Morrison (Glasgow)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
2) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) Janette Morrison (Glasgow)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
Gary Sutherland (giffordtown)
Runners Up
Gary Forrest (Jedburgh)
David MacKenzie (Dingwall)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Janette Morrison (Glasgow)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) John Weaks (Glasgow)
2)
3)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) Jim Gold (Douglas)
2) Gary Forrest (Jedburgh)
3) Robert Menzies (Thornhill)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup – Runner Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Nicky McMichan (Lochmaben)
3) Scott Nichol (Pathhead)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Liam Stewart (Galston)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Stuart Cameron (Glasgow)
2) Nicky McMichan (Lochmaben)
3) William Scott (Dumbarton)
CLASSICAL
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
2) Arlene McNaught (Johnstone)
3)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Gary Blair Jnr (Glasgow)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee shield
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
3) Gillian Taylor (Paisley)
Under 14 Classical Musette Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
2) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
3) Emily short (Biggar)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
3) William Scott (Dumbarton)
Open Classical Solo – Clinkscale Shield
1) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
2) Alexander Young (Houston)
3) Karen Ferguson (Dunlop)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Duncan & Arlene McNaught (Johnstone)
2) Roy Anderson (Rosewell) & Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead) & Claire Noble (Broughton)
2) Paula Kelly (Renfrew) & Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
3) Andrew Gibb & Emily Short (Biggar)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Grant McFarlane (Paisley) & Paula Kelly (Renfrew)
2)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
2) Jim Gold (Douglas)
3) Robert Menzies (Thornhill)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) David McKenzie (Dingwall)
2) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
3) Stuart Cameron (Glasgow)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Neil Davidson (Banchory)
2=) Innes Kennedy (Thornhill)
2=) Neil Tollan (Carluke)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup
1) Fiona Henderson (Kirriemuir)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Sophie Sneddon (Dundee)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Fiona Henderson (Kirriemuir)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Gillian Ramsay (Airlie)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
2) Perdy Syers-Gibson (Leominster)
3) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Perdy Syers-Gibson (Leominster)
2) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
3) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
Runners Up
Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
Perdy Syers-Gibson (Leominster)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Perdy Syers-Gibson (Leominster)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Fiona Henderson (Kirriemuir)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) The Gill simpson Players (Dundee)
2) Tigh-Na-Gorm Players (Perth)
3) Kain’s Weans (Newmains)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Hannah Menzies (Thornhill)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Neil Tollan (Carluke)