32nd Musselburgh Festival 2006
by James Coutts
B&F April 2006
Given the horrendous weather in the North East during the week leading up to this year’s Musselburgh Festival and the sudden heavy snowfall across much of Scotland the day before, I wondered if we’d be driving or bobsleighing to the historic East Lothian town. Thankfully by the Friday afternoon the worst of the snow was by, meaning only a few competitors were unable to attend.
This year’s competitions attracted a bumper entry in excess of 250 and it was tremendous to see many new young faces from all over Scotland and particularly from the North of England. The only slight problem with such a large entry was scheduling the different classes, leading to strong coffee and Nurofen being consumed in large quantities by Lorna Mair, John Caskie and myself as we tried to fit everyone and everything in a couple of Sundays before.
All was worthwhile however, as both listeners and adjudicators praised the high standard of playing throughout. Our adjudication panel had an arduous task, as usual, but undertook it with the minimum of fuss and the utmost professionalism. For me, one of the very best moments from all my years at Musselburgh came during the afternoon heat of the Open Fiddle Championship Solo when one of the competitors got into difficulty during her performance. Instead of letting a problem situation develop, adjudicator Marie fielding, recruited at less than 20 hours’ notice to replace a snowbound Judi Nicolson, came forward and put her arm round the competitor’s shoulder. A few words of reassurance later, the competitor restarted her set of tunes and recovered so well that she reached the final play-off at the evening concert. This, for me, summed up all that’s good and best about Musselburgh Festival.
Our loyal band of clerks, announcers and stewards also worked like Trojans during the whole day to ensure that most halls ran very close to schedule, leaving everyone free to enjoy the Bands Competition in a packed Main Hall. Fourteen, yes FOURTEEN bands provided excellent entertainment for over two hours with the usual mix of talented youngsters and experienced stalwarts creating a competition of the highest standard. It was great to see Douglas’s Jim Gold, one of the youngest bands, take the top prize.
All hands were to the pumps as we cleared the Main Hall in preparation for the evening concert. As many of the day’s winners took to the stage, two particular highlights were the playing of 8-year-old Emma Dickson (Under 10 Accordion Champion) and her 10-year-old sister Hannah (Under 12 Fiddle Champion) who played to a standard way beyond their years. The Open Fiddle and Open Accordion championship Finals provided great entertainment with Gemma Donald and Gary Sutherland both retaining their titles. Our adjudicators have selected as next year’s composers, Iain Peterson (accordion) and The Gows (fiddle). The concert was expertly compered, as always, by Jennifer Cruickshank, joined this year by Dave Milward, due to the enforced absence of her usual co-host, John Caskie.
Highlights from the Bands Competition and Concert were once again broadcast by Ken Mutch and the BBC Radio Scotland team, who have become an integral part of the Festival, and will hopefully remain so.
Bringing the concert to a fitting climax were Iain Cathcart and his Band, as a prelude to the dance. Iain has been a great stalwart of the Festival for many years as a competitor, adjudicator and steward, and was therefore a popular choice for this year’s Dance. Having played with Iain for many years, I know there’s always a ‘laugh a minute’ and ‘carry on’ mentality within the Band, and this was evident in the great atmosphere their music created as Nellie the Elephant and Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Hitler brought the crowd to near fever pitch. However, the great entertainment complimented, rather than being allowed to overshadow, the excellent playing and musicianship from Iain and the Band.
As always, it’s appropriate to conclude by thanking and acknowledging the tremendous support given to the Festival from competitors, listeners, dancers, parents, teachers, stewards, traders, advertisers, donors, member Clubs and BBC Radio Scotland. Extra special thanks are due to Festival Secretary Lorna Mair, Treasurer, Richard Ross and the rest of the Festival Committee. Their work rate and support throughout the year is second to none and it is an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with them.
Here’s to Festival number 33. Saturday, 3rd March 2007 is the date. See you all there!
RESULTS
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
3) Calum Wilson (Bathgate)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
2) Gregor Allan (Tarves)
3) Calum Muir (Carnwath)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Cameron Kellow (Kinross)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
2) Jim Gold (Douglas)
3=) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead) & William Scott (Dumbarton)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Rebekah Mitchell & Kirsten McSporran (Paisley)
2) Grant McFarlane (Paisley) & Paula Kelly (Renfrew)
3) Jim & Tom Gold (Douglas)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
3) Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
2=) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord) & Scott Nichol (Pathhead)
3) Liam Stewart (Galston)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
Runners Up
Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
Cameron Kellow (Kinross)
Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Liam Stewart (Galston)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
2) Norman MacKay (Edinburgh)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2) Robert Menzies (Thornhill)
3) Jim Gold (Douglas)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Jim Gold (Douglas)
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
2) Liam Stewart (Galston)
3) Tom Orr (Lanark)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Nicky McMichan (Lochmaben)
2) Rachel Anne Williamson (Shetland)
3) Duncan MacKinnon (Glasgow)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
2) Calum Muir (Carnwath)
3) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
2)
3)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
3) Paula Kelly (Renfrew)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
2) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
3) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Alexander Young (Houston)
2) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
3) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1)
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Paula Kelly (Renfrew) & Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
2) Rebekah Mitchell & Kirsten McSporran (Paisley)
3) Duncan & Arlene McNaught (Johnstone)
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) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
3) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
2) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
3) Darren Broadley (Avonbridge)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Hannah Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Innes Kennedy (Thornhill)
3) Neil Tollan (Carluke)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Tom Gold (Douglas)
3) Anne Nicol (Insch)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Jack Smedley (Cullen)
2) Anne Nicol (Insch)
3) Tom Esparon (Glenfarg)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
2) Raemond Jappy (Findochty)
3) Nicola Auchnie (Turriff)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
2) Perdy Syers-Gibson (Leominster)
3) Raemond Jappy (Findochty)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
Runners Up
Raemond Jappy (Findochty)
Gillian Ramsay (Airlie)
Nicola Auchnie (Turriff)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless) & Raemond Jappy (Findochty)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) The Gill Simpson Players (Dundee)
2) Andy Kain (Newmains)
3) Alan Gifford (Shetland)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Adam Gibb (Biggar)
This year’s competitions attracted a bumper entry in excess of 250 and it was tremendous to see many new young faces from all over Scotland and particularly from the North of England. The only slight problem with such a large entry was scheduling the different classes, leading to strong coffee and Nurofen being consumed in large quantities by Lorna Mair, John Caskie and myself as we tried to fit everyone and everything in a couple of Sundays before.
All was worthwhile however, as both listeners and adjudicators praised the high standard of playing throughout. Our adjudication panel had an arduous task, as usual, but undertook it with the minimum of fuss and the utmost professionalism. For me, one of the very best moments from all my years at Musselburgh came during the afternoon heat of the Open Fiddle Championship Solo when one of the competitors got into difficulty during her performance. Instead of letting a problem situation develop, adjudicator Marie fielding, recruited at less than 20 hours’ notice to replace a snowbound Judi Nicolson, came forward and put her arm round the competitor’s shoulder. A few words of reassurance later, the competitor restarted her set of tunes and recovered so well that she reached the final play-off at the evening concert. This, for me, summed up all that’s good and best about Musselburgh Festival.
Our loyal band of clerks, announcers and stewards also worked like Trojans during the whole day to ensure that most halls ran very close to schedule, leaving everyone free to enjoy the Bands Competition in a packed Main Hall. Fourteen, yes FOURTEEN bands provided excellent entertainment for over two hours with the usual mix of talented youngsters and experienced stalwarts creating a competition of the highest standard. It was great to see Douglas’s Jim Gold, one of the youngest bands, take the top prize.
All hands were to the pumps as we cleared the Main Hall in preparation for the evening concert. As many of the day’s winners took to the stage, two particular highlights were the playing of 8-year-old Emma Dickson (Under 10 Accordion Champion) and her 10-year-old sister Hannah (Under 12 Fiddle Champion) who played to a standard way beyond their years. The Open Fiddle and Open Accordion championship Finals provided great entertainment with Gemma Donald and Gary Sutherland both retaining their titles. Our adjudicators have selected as next year’s composers, Iain Peterson (accordion) and The Gows (fiddle). The concert was expertly compered, as always, by Jennifer Cruickshank, joined this year by Dave Milward, due to the enforced absence of her usual co-host, John Caskie.
Highlights from the Bands Competition and Concert were once again broadcast by Ken Mutch and the BBC Radio Scotland team, who have become an integral part of the Festival, and will hopefully remain so.
Bringing the concert to a fitting climax were Iain Cathcart and his Band, as a prelude to the dance. Iain has been a great stalwart of the Festival for many years as a competitor, adjudicator and steward, and was therefore a popular choice for this year’s Dance. Having played with Iain for many years, I know there’s always a ‘laugh a minute’ and ‘carry on’ mentality within the Band, and this was evident in the great atmosphere their music created as Nellie the Elephant and Who Do You Think You Are Kidding Mr Hitler brought the crowd to near fever pitch. However, the great entertainment complimented, rather than being allowed to overshadow, the excellent playing and musicianship from Iain and the Band.
As always, it’s appropriate to conclude by thanking and acknowledging the tremendous support given to the Festival from competitors, listeners, dancers, parents, teachers, stewards, traders, advertisers, donors, member Clubs and BBC Radio Scotland. Extra special thanks are due to Festival Secretary Lorna Mair, Treasurer, Richard Ross and the rest of the Festival Committee. Their work rate and support throughout the year is second to none and it is an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with them.
Here’s to Festival number 33. Saturday, 3rd March 2007 is the date. See you all there!
RESULTS
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
3) Calum Wilson (Bathgate)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
2) Gregor Allan (Tarves)
3) Calum Muir (Carnwath)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Cameron Kellow (Kinross)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
2) Jim Gold (Douglas)
3=) Gemma Coupland (Loanhead) & William Scott (Dumbarton)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Rebekah Mitchell & Kirsten McSporran (Paisley)
2) Grant McFarlane (Paisley) & Paula Kelly (Renfrew)
3) Jim & Tom Gold (Douglas)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
3) Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
2=) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord) & Scott Nichol (Pathhead)
3) Liam Stewart (Galston)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
Runners Up
Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
Cameron Kellow (Kinross)
Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Liam Stewart (Galston)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
2) Norman MacKay (Edinburgh)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy
1) Tom Orr (Lanark)
2) Robert Menzies (Thornhill)
3) Jim Gold (Douglas)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Jim Gold (Douglas)
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
2) Liam Stewart (Galston)
3) Tom Orr (Lanark)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Nicky McMichan (Lochmaben)
2) Rachel Anne Williamson (Shetland)
3) Duncan MacKinnon (Glasgow)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Duncan Muir (Thornhill)
2) Calum Muir (Carnwath)
3) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
2)
3)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) William Scott (Dumbarton)
2) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
3) Paula Kelly (Renfrew)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
2) Adele Queen (Thornhill)
3) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Alexander Young (Houston)
2) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
3) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1)
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Paula Kelly (Renfrew) & Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
2) Rebekah Mitchell & Kirsten McSporran (Paisley)
3) Duncan & Arlene McNaught (Johnstone)
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) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
3) Gary Blair Jnr (Renfrew)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Andrew Mortimer (Dumbarton)
2) David Kennedy (Thornhill)
3) Darren Broadley (Avonbridge)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Elizabeth Stirrat (Paisley)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Roya MacLean (Muir of Ord)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Hannah Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Innes Kennedy (Thornhill)
3) Neil Tollan (Carluke)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Tom Gold (Douglas)
3) Anne Nicol (Insch)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Jack Smedley (Cullen)
2) Anne Nicol (Insch)
3) Tom Esparon (Glenfarg)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
2) Raemond Jappy (Findochty)
3) Nicola Auchnie (Turriff)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless)
2) Perdy Syers-Gibson (Leominster)
3) Raemond Jappy (Findochty)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Gemma Donald (Shetland)
Runners Up
Raemond Jappy (Findochty)
Gillian Ramsay (Airlie)
Nicola Auchnie (Turriff)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Kathryn Matthews (Auchterless) & Raemond Jappy (Findochty)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) The Gill Simpson Players (Dundee)
2) Andy Kain (Newmains)
3) Alan Gifford (Shetland)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Adam Gibb (Biggar)