40th Annual NAAFC Inshyra Festival
by James Coutts (Festival Chairman)
B&F April 2014
The MacDonald Inshyra Hotel was once again the venue for the NAAFC’s Ruby Festival on Saturday 1st March. It’s hard to believe that the Festival has reached this milestone, but it’s only due to the hard work and support of many people over the years, whether in an organising or social capacity, or as a competitor or adjudicator, that we have come this far.
Competition entries remained around the 175 mark and the quality of music displayed across the various classes was of a very high standard, according to the adjudicators. It was nice to see some new names, especially in the younger age groups, make their mark on the prize-winners’ list. A particular highlight was the performance of the Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra in the Showband section, who entertained the audience with a medley of ABBA hits, arranged for accordions.
The earlier start for the Concert found favour last year and again it attracted a much larger audience than in recent years. The Concert got off to a flying start with a most enjoyable selection from Seamus O’Sullivan, who was showcasing the LIMEX MIDI system on behalf of one of our sponsors. It was then over to the day’s prize-winners to display their talents and I know Jennifer Cruickshank and the BBC Take the Floor team were mightily impressed with the quantity and quality of music they were able to source from the Concert and various competitions.
The music for the dance this year was provided by Neil Hardie and his SDB. Over a relatively short period of time they have built up a tremendous reputation and following among listeners and dancers alike, and their music was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
Inshyra has been booked to host next year’s Festival on Saturday 7th March 2015 and will have a new Secretary and Chairman at the helm. Both Lorna Mair and I have decided to step down from our respective roles after eleven years, but I’ve no doubt that our successors will ensure a bright and prosperous future for the Festival. I’d personally like to thank Lorna for the excellent job she had done as Festival Secretary and I know I speak for both of us when I say that playing our parting organising the Festival has been among the most rewarding and fulfilling tasks we’ve ever undertaken.
As always, I’d like to finish by expressing my sincere thanks to everyone who has supported the Festival, not just this year, but over its 40 years. I include in this all competitors, adjudicators, traders, advertisers, sponsors, member Clubs, enthusiasts and BBC Radio Scotland.
On a personal note, I’d like to reserve a special thanks to the Festival Committee. It comprises some of the best people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with and I know that the remaining members, along with some new blood, will do an excellent job in keeping the Festival in good shape.
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Alice Girling (Glenfarg)
2)
3)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
2) India Smith (Penicuik)
3) Archie MacKechnie (Dunblane)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
2) Kyle Innes (Strathmiglo)
3) Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – James Paterson Memorial Trophy
Most Promising Player
Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul (An Caol)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
2) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul (An Caol)
3) Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Samantha & Andrew Erskine (Biggar)
2) Magnus & Anna Westwell (Edinburgh)
3) Kirsten & Eilidh MacLeod (Stornoway)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Leonard Brown (South Shields)
2) John Burns (Falkirk)
3) Adin Graham (Windygates)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) Adin Graham (Windygates)
3) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
3) Graham MacLennan (Stornoway)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
John Burns (Falkirk)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Brandon McPhee (Castletown)
2) Dol McDonald (Stornoway)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) Matthew MacLennan (Kilktarlity)
Trio Runners-Up – Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
Trios – Best Piano Player – David Flockhart Shield
Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
Adin Graham (Windygates)
Adam Gibb (Biggar)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Junior Band – Duncan Campbell of Oban Memorial Trophy
Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
3) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1)
2)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) India Smith (Penicuik)
2) Archie Mackechnie (Dunblane)
3) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
Under 16 Classical Polka Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
2) Kyle Innes (Strathmiglo)
3) Fraser Hewitt (Quothquan)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Fraser Hewitt (Quothquan)
2) Alexander Girling (Glenfarg)
3) Samantha Erskine (Biggar)
Under 16 Classical Musette Solo – George & Margaret Smith (Newtongrange) Shield
1) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
2) Kyle Innes (Strathmiglo)
3) Andrew Erskine (Biggar)
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
3) Sandra Bell (East Kilbride)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) no entry
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) India & Kyra Smith (Penicuik)
2)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton) & Adam Gibb (Biggar)
2)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 12 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Archie Mackechnie (Dunblane)
2) India Smith (Penicuik)
3) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
2) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
3) Ewan Thomson (Paisley)
Under 12 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) India Smith (Penicuik)
2=) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
2=) Archie Mackechnie (Dunblane)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
2) John burns (Falkirk)
3) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Katie Orrock (Polmont)
2) Rachel Havlin (Ellon)
3) Rhiann Matthew (Tarland)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsy’s Ceilidh Shield
1) Eilidh MacLeod (Stornoway)
2) Sean Allan (Carluke)
3) Scott Martin (Morpeth)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Memorial Cup
1) Eilidh MacLeod (Stornoway)
2) Magnus Westwell (Edinburgh)
3) Catherine Speight (Anstruther)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) George Davidson (Tarves)
3) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) George Davidson (Tarves)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Jack Westwell (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Magnus Westwell (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Solo Hornpipe and Jig – John Ellis Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) George Davidson (Tarves)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Eilidh MacLeod (Stornoway)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Deeside Loons and Quines
2)
3)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Alice Girling (Glenfarg)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Archie Mackechnie (Dunblane)
Competition entries remained around the 175 mark and the quality of music displayed across the various classes was of a very high standard, according to the adjudicators. It was nice to see some new names, especially in the younger age groups, make their mark on the prize-winners’ list. A particular highlight was the performance of the Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra in the Showband section, who entertained the audience with a medley of ABBA hits, arranged for accordions.
The earlier start for the Concert found favour last year and again it attracted a much larger audience than in recent years. The Concert got off to a flying start with a most enjoyable selection from Seamus O’Sullivan, who was showcasing the LIMEX MIDI system on behalf of one of our sponsors. It was then over to the day’s prize-winners to display their talents and I know Jennifer Cruickshank and the BBC Take the Floor team were mightily impressed with the quantity and quality of music they were able to source from the Concert and various competitions.
The music for the dance this year was provided by Neil Hardie and his SDB. Over a relatively short period of time they have built up a tremendous reputation and following among listeners and dancers alike, and their music was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
Inshyra has been booked to host next year’s Festival on Saturday 7th March 2015 and will have a new Secretary and Chairman at the helm. Both Lorna Mair and I have decided to step down from our respective roles after eleven years, but I’ve no doubt that our successors will ensure a bright and prosperous future for the Festival. I’d personally like to thank Lorna for the excellent job she had done as Festival Secretary and I know I speak for both of us when I say that playing our parting organising the Festival has been among the most rewarding and fulfilling tasks we’ve ever undertaken.
As always, I’d like to finish by expressing my sincere thanks to everyone who has supported the Festival, not just this year, but over its 40 years. I include in this all competitors, adjudicators, traders, advertisers, sponsors, member Clubs, enthusiasts and BBC Radio Scotland.
On a personal note, I’d like to reserve a special thanks to the Festival Committee. It comprises some of the best people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with and I know that the remaining members, along with some new blood, will do an excellent job in keeping the Festival in good shape.
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Alice Girling (Glenfarg)
2)
3)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
2) India Smith (Penicuik)
3) Archie MacKechnie (Dunblane)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
2) Kyle Innes (Strathmiglo)
3) Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Accordion Solo – James Paterson Memorial Trophy
Most Promising Player
Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul (An Caol)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
2) Ciorstaidh-Sarah Chaimbeul (An Caol)
3) Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Samantha & Andrew Erskine (Biggar)
2) Magnus & Anna Westwell (Edinburgh)
3) Kirsten & Eilidh MacLeod (Stornoway)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Leonard Brown (South Shields)
2) John Burns (Falkirk)
3) Adin Graham (Windygates)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) Adin Graham (Windygates)
3) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
3) Graham MacLennan (Stornoway)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
John Burns (Falkirk)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Brandon McPhee (Castletown)
2) Dol McDonald (Stornoway)
3) John Weaks (Glasgow)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) Matthew MacLennan (Kilktarlity)
Trio Runners-Up – Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
Trios – Best Piano Player – David Flockhart Shield
Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
Adin Graham (Windygates)
Adam Gibb (Biggar)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Junior Band – Duncan Campbell of Oban Memorial Trophy
Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) John Burns (Falkirk)
2) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
3) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1)
2)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) India Smith (Penicuik)
2) Archie Mackechnie (Dunblane)
3) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
Under 16 Classical Polka Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
2) Kyle Innes (Strathmiglo)
3) Fraser Hewitt (Quothquan)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Fraser Hewitt (Quothquan)
2) Alexander Girling (Glenfarg)
3) Samantha Erskine (Biggar)
Under 16 Classical Musette Solo – George & Margaret Smith (Newtongrange) Shield
1) Kyle Rowan (Edinburgh)
2) Kyle Innes (Strathmiglo)
3) Andrew Erskine (Biggar)
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
3) Sandra Bell (East Kilbride)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) no entry
2)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) India & Kyra Smith (Penicuik)
2)
3)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton) & Adam Gibb (Biggar)
2)
3)
Classical Polka
Under 10 Classical Polka Solo – The Todhills Trophy
1)
2)
Under 12 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Archie Mackechnie (Dunblane)
2) India Smith (Penicuik)
3) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
2) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
3) Ewan Thomson (Paisley)
Under 12 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) India Smith (Penicuik)
2=) Cameron McLaren (Cupar)
2=) Archie Mackechnie (Dunblane)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
2) John burns (Falkirk)
3) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Katie Orrock (Polmont)
2) Rachel Havlin (Ellon)
3) Rhiann Matthew (Tarland)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsy’s Ceilidh Shield
1) Eilidh MacLeod (Stornoway)
2) Sean Allan (Carluke)
3) Scott Martin (Morpeth)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Memorial Cup
1) Eilidh MacLeod (Stornoway)
2) Magnus Westwell (Edinburgh)
3) Catherine Speight (Anstruther)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) George Davidson (Tarves)
3) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) George Davidson (Tarves)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Jack Westwell (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Magnus Westwell (Edinburgh)
Open Fiddle Solo Hornpipe and Jig – John Ellis Trophy
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) George Davidson (Tarves)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Eilidh MacLeod (Stornoway)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) Deeside Loons and Quines
2)
3)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Alice Girling (Glenfarg)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Archie Mackechnie (Dunblane)