Box and Fiddle
Year 23 No 04
December 1999 / January 2000
Price £1
32 Page Magazine
7 month subscription £10.00
Editor – Charlie Todd, 63 Station Road, Thankerton, Biggar, ML12 6NZ
B&F Treasurer – Alan Gardiner, Cocklaw Farm, Elsrickle, Biggar.
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Charlie Todd
Scottish Dance Bands – The Benchmarks
by Nicol McLaren
The media seems to be awash at the moment with tales of the significant changes or innovations which have shaped great periods of our life – How life evolved from dinosaurs because of flood / ice / drought; how wars have changed as weaponry has developed; How transport has changed with the wheel / the internal combustion engine / the jet engine. So why not Scottish Dance Bands?
Jimmy Helm’s recent book ‘Who’s On The Dance Music Tonight?’ is an excellent chronicle of the Scottish Dance Band scene of the past and present, but which sounds shaped the way that bands developed? Everyone will have their own opinion, I have no doubt, but here is mine.
1. Jimmy Shand. Surely the first instantly recognizable Scottish Dance Band sound. The rock-solid sound of a 6 piece band with the unmistakable ‘Shand Dunt’ giving a real emphasis to the dancing beat. Rock steady tempi for Country Dancing, and yet some of the older 78’s are ‘nippin’ on’ a bit for the listeners benefit. Shand possibly had the advantage of being around at the inception of television, developing the music within a scene which made it more accessible to many more people, and thus became known throughout the world. This then, I believe is the benchmark on which all subsequent dance bands based their sounds – a gauge of this being that anyone with any interest in our music today, some fifty years on, will instantly recognize the sound of Jimmy Shand!
2. My second benchmark is the Ian Powrie Band. Ian brought a dynamic fiddle-led sound to the band scene. This, together with Pam Brough’s expressive style of piano playing (more of an accompanist’s style), was a great change from the ‘Shand Dunt’; not forgetting Mickie Ainsworth’s style of playing the second accordion which is still the aspiration of many second box players today!
So not only was the Powrie sound innovative in itself, but the individual musicians within the band, were to become role models for musicians of that time and beyond. Improvements in recording techniques may have had a contribution to the Powrie sound as this gave more scope for the individual talent, but the individuals involved moulded tremendously well to produce the tight, band sound that was unmistakably ‘Powrie’. Here again, television played an important role in promoting the band far and wide, being regulars on the ‘White Heather Club’ and ‘The Kilt is my Delight’.
3. My third era of the modern Scottish Dance Band is with Jim Johnstone’s band of the early 1970’s. This really stems from one album – ‘A Measure of Scotch’ in 1971. This is surely the benchmark in Scottish dance band recordings and the set of reels with Mrs McLeod, De’il Stick Da Minister, The Bonnie Isle of Whalsay and Jim Moore’s Fancy is still the most requested track on any of the BBS’s Scottish Dance Music programmes. Not only that, but Jim’s arrangement of ‘Niel Gow’s Farewell to Whisky’ is instantly recognizable as the theme tune to ’The Reel Blend’. I believe that this album inspired another generation of bandleaders and even today, any young accordionist with an enthusiasm for dance music regards this album as having a ‘Wow factor’!
Again, the individual musical talents within the band (John Carmichael on second box, Ron Kerr on fiddle, and particularly Billy Thom on drums) were brought together to form another distinctive style – dynamic, versatile, innovative, and, for perhaps the first time, lots of new material written by Jim himself.
4. ‘Innovation’ would certainly be the terminology to describe my choice as the fourth benchmark – Iain MacPhail and his Scottish Dance Band. Iain was almost a ‘love it or loathe it’ sound – the younger generation loving the innovative, free and easy, yet disciplined style (if that makes sense), whilst the plder, traditionalists tended to label the band as a ‘Scottish jazz band’.
Once again some tremendous individual talent was brought together – Brian Griffin providing a completely different dimension to the second accordion and Graham Jamieson following very much in the footsteps of Billy Thom creating the sound of a true Scottish Showband. Even today, you can still hear the influence of the wider tuning of Iain’s Morino on many accordionists.
It was, however, the genius of MacPhail’s arrangements which set the band apart from all others – arrangements which were, and still are, truly exciting and innovative – ‘The De’il’s Conundrum’ still being very much in demand (Who has the lead part now??) No one else had experimented with chord structures like MacPhail, and if he couldn’t find a chord structure to fir the tune, he wrote a tune to fit the chord structure! (Furthermore they were tunes which not only provided a great rhythm for the dancer, but also captured the imagination of the musician).
Iain MacPhail was to the Scottish Dance Band scene, what Robert Mathieson was to become to the traditional bagpipes!
There are, however, common threads, which unite all of these bands.
Each produced a truly innovative sound at the time, to which others latched on, moving our music forward, particularly by the younger, developing, generation of players at the time. In every walk of life, young people have always looked to be different from their elders. Scottish dance music is just the same!
The timing of each of my ‘benchmark’ sounds is not, I believe, coincidental either. Each was approximately 10 years after the previous sound, roughly spanning the 50s’, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Perhaps it was because the younger generation of players was looking for something different from the norm of the time. This, I think was demonstrated very clearly when ‘Take the Floor’ ran the ‘Personal Choice’ feature. Without knowing the person choosing the tracks, listeners could tell the age of Robbie’s victim by the first piece of music chosen – invariably one of the four bandsmen mentioned.
All of the bandleaders were approximately the same age at their ‘benchmark’ time – all were experienced bandleaders, admired, and ‘in touch’ with the scene. Each of the four bandleaders has also provided our music scene with many compositions, which have quickly become standards. I don’t believe that there has been a ‘Take the Floor’ broadcast at any time in my memory when there hasn’t been a tune from the pen of at least one of these bandleaders played!
However, the over-riding factor that every one of these bands has is that they all produced a great, distinctive sound.
So where will the next benchmark be? And indeed, will it be from within the true Scottish Dance Band scene? I say this, because the youngest of the interviewees on ‘Personal Choice’ are tending to choose bands like Capercaillie or Wolfstone. Is this where the future of our music lies? Is the folk scene, or the ‘Ceilidh’ scene, the innovation that young people will latch on to today?
If the next benchmark is to be in the Scottish Dance Music scene then perhaps I could make some suggestions. Possibly Alasdair MacCuish, or The Occasionals who undoubtedly appeal to the younger generation of players; perhaps Graeme Mitchell who would surely be the choice of today’s old tyme dancers. Graeme also has the distinction of being a prolific composer of superb new tunes; perhaps James Lindsay who provides a truly innovative interpretation of our music (or indeed traditionalisation of non-Scottish material).
As fresh approaches are taken and different styles adopted, other benchmarks will surely emerge. Perhaps they are already here!!
12th Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival
14th – 18th October 1999
Shetland Arts Trust’s Music Development Officer, Davie Gardiner, formally declared………….
The Dean Tavern 1899-1999
The Dean Tavern opened in October 1899 and almost immediately became a focal point for what eventually became Scotland’s biggest mining village – Newtongrange. In the ensuing hundred years The Dean was to make an invaluable contribution to the expansion and improvement of Newtongrange. Music, Art, Sport, Leisure, young and old – all benefited from the system referred to as the Gothenbugh System: one of the fundamental principles decreed that profits should be channeled back into the community – a principle still adhered to today.
After the Coal Industry was Nationalised in the mid forties a Trust was eventually set up to make sure that the Dean would continue to play its part in Community life. Other Gothengurg’s have come and gone but the Dean not only survives but is flourishing and looking forward to the challenges of the 21st Century.
The Dean did not open without a fight. Opponents claimed that the first Manager, Andrew Anderson, was a man ‘with no previous experience’ and asked that he be ‘Interdicted from trafficking in excisable liquors there’ (The Dean). The Lothian Coal Company also had to give assurances that profits would go towards ‘Providing electric and a Bowling Green’. The Licence was ‘Legally Granted’ by the Court of Session. Coincidentally, a big Temperance Demonstration was held in Bonnyrigg that same week!
One of the most difficult challenges facing the Trustees in the nineties was how to refurbish the bar while at the same time keep its unique character. It was always going to be a tricky one but the refurbishment did go ahead and fortunately the Dean Bar is more popular than ever. Gone are the days when the Dean was regarded as a ‘Man’s Bar’ and women are now as comfortable in the bar as men. Apart from the bar and two lounges the Dean has an excellent Function Hall and a recently refurbished Committee / Conference Room. All of these facilities are available to local organizations free of charge.
However….no matter how many improvements and changes are made, the most important function of the Dean Tavern is that it continues to support the local organisation such as the two bands, the Gala Day Committee, the St David’s Day Centre and many other groups.
The Village of Newtongrange
The Monks of Newbattle Abbey, which is within walking distance from Newtongrange, were the first hewers of coal in Scotland and, from those early primitive workings came one of Scotland’s most productive coalfields. By the end of the 19th Century coal was indeed, King. Newtongrange grew from being a tiny settlement to become Scotland’s biggest mining village. The main reason for this expansion was the development of the Lady Victoria which was to become one of the country’s most productive pits. (Now the Scottish Mining Museum). Sadly, the mining industry has disappeared from the area but Newtongrange is still a thriving community with all of its traditions and organizations intact. Most importantly, it has retained its strong sense of identity. The Dean Tavern is the epitome of this spirit!
The Da Fustra Celebrates 30 Years Gallery
Photographs
Letters to the Editor
I was interested to read Ian Cruickshanks’ obituary for Peter Straughan in the November issue of the B&F. In it Ian mentions that Peter played in the David White Band of which he was a founder member along with myself.
In 1963 the Jimmy Shand Band was appearing in Whitley Bay, a venue often visited in those days, when Sir Jimmy mentioned he had a vacancy for a pianist.
The David White Band provided interval music (usually for three dances) at Jimmy Shand dances on a number of occasions in the Tyneside area and Jimmy had obviously noted Peter’s talent because he was immediately offered the job. Peter, I recall, could hardly believe it! Of course he became one of the best Scottish Dance Band pianists.
He was a friend of both Sheila and myself and was an usher at our wedding, so it was with much sadness that we learnt of his death in June.
Ian Thow
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
4th Dec 99 – David Cunningham Jnr SDB & feature
11th Dec 99 – Jim Johnstone SDB & feature
18th Dec 99 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB & feature
25th Dec 99 – OB Iain MacPhail SDB from the Corran Halls, Oban
1st Jan 2000 – OB Michael Garvin SDB from the Woodside Halls, Glasgow
8th Jan 2000 – Ron Kerr SDB & feature
15th Jan 2000 – Ian Holmes SDB & feature
22nd Jan 2000 – Graeme Mitchell SDB & feature
29th Jan 2000 – OB Neil Barron SDB & Guests in the Volunteer Hall, Galashiels
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 28th Dec 99 – Garioch Blend Band 25th Jan 2000 Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Alnwick (White Swan Hotel) – members only 8th Dec 99 – tbc 19th Jan 2000 – Burns Night Local Artistes
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th Dec 99 – David Oswald SDB 16th Jan 2000 No meeting
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 5th Dec 99 – Club Night 28th Dec 99 – Gavin Piper 2nd Jan 2000 No meeting
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 9th Dec 99 – Fintry Style 6th Jan 2000 Dick Black Band
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 19th Dec 99 – Judith Linton Trio16th Jan 2000 Pentland Ceilidh Band
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th Dec 99 – Bill Black SDB 31st Jan 2000 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 22nd Dec 99 – tbc 26th Jan 99 - tbc
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 20th Dec 99 – Bruce Lindsay SDB 17th Jan 2000 Judith Linton Trio
Belford (Community Club) – 30th Dec 99 – No meeting 27th Jan 2000 Brian Griffin
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 12th Dec 99 – Seamus O’Sullivan 9th Jan 2000 – Judith Linton Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Dec 99 – Bruce Lindsay Trio 11th Jan 2000 - tbc
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 14th Dec 99 – Catherine and Eric Lowe 11th Jan 2000 Romano Viazzini
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 9th Dec 99 – Vladmir Skibo (from Russia) 13th Jan 2000 – Jim MacLeod SDB
Campsie (Glazert House Hotel) - 7th Dec 99 – West Telferton Cele C.B. 4th Jan 2000 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 9th Dec 99 – John Morgan 13th Jan 2000 – Stuart Adamson SDB
Castle Douglas (Ernespie House Hotel) – 21st Dec 99 – Ceilidh 18th Jan 2000 Fiona Cuthbertson
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th Dec 99 – Gary Donaldson Trio 20th Jan 2000 Brian Griffin Trio
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - 12th Dec 99 – All payers welcome 9th Jan 2000 All players welcome
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) 2nd Dec 99 – Bill Black SDB 6th Jan 2000 – Gordon Pattullo & Willie Simpson
Cults (Cults Sports & Social Club) 8th Dec 99 – Bill Brian (fiddle) 12th Jan 2000 - tbc
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 21st Dec 99 – Christmas Gathering 18th Jan 2000 Hector McFadyen SDB
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st Dec 99 – Wendy Godfrey Quartette 5th Jan 2000 The McKenzie Family
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 21st Dec 99 – No meeting 18th Jan 99 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 14th Dec 99 – John Morgan 11th Jan 2000 Newtongrange A&F Club
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 10th Dec 99 – Jim Johnstone SDB & Archie Duncan 11th Dec 99 + Fine Fettle 12th Dec 99 McColl’s Ceilidh Band
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 30th Dec 99 – No meeting 27th Jan 2000 tbc
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 10th Dec 99 – Christmas Ceilidh
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Dec 99 – Ian Thomson 24th Jan 2000 – Donald MacLeod SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 26th Dec 99 – No meeting 30th Jan 2000 - tbc
Forres (Brig Motel) – 8th Dec 99 – David & Dianne Morrice 12th Jan 2000 Jock Fraser SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 2nd Dec 99 – Lindsat Weir Trio 6th Jan 2000 – Club night
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 13th Dec 99 – tbc 10th Jan 2000 - tbc
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 16th Dec 99 – Willie McFarland Band 20th Jan 99 – The Bon Accords
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 1st Dec 99 – Alan Rodd Trio 5th Jan 2000 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 28th Dec 99 – Richard Smith 25th Jan 2000 tbc
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 5th Dec 99 – Keith Dickson Orchestra 2nd Jan 2000 Jean McConnachie SDB
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 20th Dec99 – Marian Anderson SDB 17th Jan 2000 – Julie MacRitchie SDB
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 8th Dec 99 – Bill Black SDB 5th Jan 2000 - tbc
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 2nd Dec 99 – tbc 6th Jan 2000 - tbc
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 7th Dec 99 – Ian Cruickshanks Trio 4th Jan 2000 Scott Leslie SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 15th Dec 99 – Susan McIntosh Trio 26th Jan 2000 Gordon Pattullo
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 1st Dec 99 – James Coutts SDB 5th Jan 99 – No meeting
Lanark (Masonic Hall) - 17th Dec 99 – Lothian & Borders Trio (Dance) 14th Jan 2000 tbc
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 8th Dec 99 – Ian Hutson 12th Jan 2000 Club Night
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 9th Dec 99 – Cameronian SDB 13th Jan 2000 Burns Brothers
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 2nd Dec 99 – tbc 6th Jan 2000 - tbc
Livingston (Cairn Hotel) - 21st Dec 99 – No meeting 18th Jan 2000 Ian Muir Trio
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 28th Dec 99 – No meeting 25th Jan 2000 Lomond Ceilidh Band
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall) 21st Dec 99 – Jock Loch Trio 18th Jan 2000 –Allan MacIntosh Trio
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st Dec 99 – tbc 5th Jan 2000 - tbc
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - 19th Dec 99 – All players welcome 16th Jan 2000 All players welcome
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 1st Dec 99 – McCann, O’Rourke & Martin 5th Jan 2000 – Roger Dobson SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th Dec 99 – No meeting 31st Jan 2000 Andy Greig Band
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 7th Dec 99 – Scott Gordon SDB 11th Jan 2000 Elgin S&R Society
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 2nd Dec 99 – tbc 6th Jan 2000 - tbc
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 30th Dec 99 – No meeting 27th Jan 2000 Club Night
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 21st Dec 99 – No meeting 18th Jan 99 – Johnny Duncan
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) - 7th Dec 99 – Dermot O’Brien 4th Jan 2000 – Wayne Robertson
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 14th Dec 99 – David MacDonald Trio 11th Jan 2000 – Donald McLeod SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 2nd Dec 99 – Tom Alexander 6th Jan 2000 – Club Night
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 9th Dec 99 – Angus Oliver 13th Jan 2000 Iain Lockhart
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 12th Dec 99 – Alan Gardiner SDB 9th Jan 2000 Jim Johnstone SDB
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 18th Dec 99 – tbc 15th Jan 2000 tbc
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) - 8th Dec 99 – Ian Muir Trio 12th Jan 2000 Ceilidh
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 6th Dec 99 – Jock Fraser SDB 10th Jan 2000 Tain SDB
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 2nd Dec 99 – Tommy Newcomen Duo 6th Jan 2000 – Kathleen & Ian Hadden Quartet
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 16th Dec 99 – tbc 20th Jan 2000 - tbc
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 14th Dec 99 – East Sutherland A&F Club 18th Jan 2000 – Ceilidh Night
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 15th Dec 99 – Christmas Club Night 19th Jan 2000 - tbc
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Armadale
4. Beith
5. Biggar
6. Blairgowrie
7. Bromley
8. Campsie
9. Coalburn
10. Crieff
11. Cults
12. Dunfermline
13. Dunoon & Cowal
14. Forres
15. Galston
16. Glendale
17. Gretna
18. Highland
19. Inveraray
20. Isle of Skye
21. Islesteps
22. Kelso
23. Kintore
24. Lanark
25. Lesmahagow
26. Livingston
27. Lockerbie
28. Newmill-on-Teviot
29. Newtongrange
30. North East
31. Perth
32. Rothbury
33. Stirling
34. Thornhill
35. Thurso
36. Turriff
37. Tynedale
38. Wick
39. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 1998
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Bromley A&F Club
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
29. Ellon A&F Club (
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
57. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
58. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
59. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
60. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
61. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
62. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
63. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
64. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
65. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
76. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 -
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
77. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
78. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
79. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
80. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
81. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
82. Buchan A&F Club
83. Callander A&F Club (
84. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
85. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
86. Club Accord
87. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
88. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
89. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
90. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
91. Derwentside A&F Club
92. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
93. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
94. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
95. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
96. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
97. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
98. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
99. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
100. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Mull A&F Club
106. Newcastleton Accordion Club
107. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
108. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
109. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
110. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
111. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
112. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
113. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
114. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
115. Tranent A&F Club
116. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
117. Wellbank A&F Club
Advertising rates
Full Page - £120
Half Page - £60
Quarter Page - £30
B&F Treasurer – Alan Gardiner, Cocklaw Farm, Elsrickle, Biggar.
The main features in the above issue were as follows (this is not a comprehensive detail of all it contained. The Club reports, in particular, are too time consuming at this stage to retype).
Editorial
Charlie Todd
Scottish Dance Bands – The Benchmarks
by Nicol McLaren
The media seems to be awash at the moment with tales of the significant changes or innovations which have shaped great periods of our life – How life evolved from dinosaurs because of flood / ice / drought; how wars have changed as weaponry has developed; How transport has changed with the wheel / the internal combustion engine / the jet engine. So why not Scottish Dance Bands?
Jimmy Helm’s recent book ‘Who’s On The Dance Music Tonight?’ is an excellent chronicle of the Scottish Dance Band scene of the past and present, but which sounds shaped the way that bands developed? Everyone will have their own opinion, I have no doubt, but here is mine.
1. Jimmy Shand. Surely the first instantly recognizable Scottish Dance Band sound. The rock-solid sound of a 6 piece band with the unmistakable ‘Shand Dunt’ giving a real emphasis to the dancing beat. Rock steady tempi for Country Dancing, and yet some of the older 78’s are ‘nippin’ on’ a bit for the listeners benefit. Shand possibly had the advantage of being around at the inception of television, developing the music within a scene which made it more accessible to many more people, and thus became known throughout the world. This then, I believe is the benchmark on which all subsequent dance bands based their sounds – a gauge of this being that anyone with any interest in our music today, some fifty years on, will instantly recognize the sound of Jimmy Shand!
2. My second benchmark is the Ian Powrie Band. Ian brought a dynamic fiddle-led sound to the band scene. This, together with Pam Brough’s expressive style of piano playing (more of an accompanist’s style), was a great change from the ‘Shand Dunt’; not forgetting Mickie Ainsworth’s style of playing the second accordion which is still the aspiration of many second box players today!
So not only was the Powrie sound innovative in itself, but the individual musicians within the band, were to become role models for musicians of that time and beyond. Improvements in recording techniques may have had a contribution to the Powrie sound as this gave more scope for the individual talent, but the individuals involved moulded tremendously well to produce the tight, band sound that was unmistakably ‘Powrie’. Here again, television played an important role in promoting the band far and wide, being regulars on the ‘White Heather Club’ and ‘The Kilt is my Delight’.
3. My third era of the modern Scottish Dance Band is with Jim Johnstone’s band of the early 1970’s. This really stems from one album – ‘A Measure of Scotch’ in 1971. This is surely the benchmark in Scottish dance band recordings and the set of reels with Mrs McLeod, De’il Stick Da Minister, The Bonnie Isle of Whalsay and Jim Moore’s Fancy is still the most requested track on any of the BBS’s Scottish Dance Music programmes. Not only that, but Jim’s arrangement of ‘Niel Gow’s Farewell to Whisky’ is instantly recognizable as the theme tune to ’The Reel Blend’. I believe that this album inspired another generation of bandleaders and even today, any young accordionist with an enthusiasm for dance music regards this album as having a ‘Wow factor’!
Again, the individual musical talents within the band (John Carmichael on second box, Ron Kerr on fiddle, and particularly Billy Thom on drums) were brought together to form another distinctive style – dynamic, versatile, innovative, and, for perhaps the first time, lots of new material written by Jim himself.
4. ‘Innovation’ would certainly be the terminology to describe my choice as the fourth benchmark – Iain MacPhail and his Scottish Dance Band. Iain was almost a ‘love it or loathe it’ sound – the younger generation loving the innovative, free and easy, yet disciplined style (if that makes sense), whilst the plder, traditionalists tended to label the band as a ‘Scottish jazz band’.
Once again some tremendous individual talent was brought together – Brian Griffin providing a completely different dimension to the second accordion and Graham Jamieson following very much in the footsteps of Billy Thom creating the sound of a true Scottish Showband. Even today, you can still hear the influence of the wider tuning of Iain’s Morino on many accordionists.
It was, however, the genius of MacPhail’s arrangements which set the band apart from all others – arrangements which were, and still are, truly exciting and innovative – ‘The De’il’s Conundrum’ still being very much in demand (Who has the lead part now??) No one else had experimented with chord structures like MacPhail, and if he couldn’t find a chord structure to fir the tune, he wrote a tune to fit the chord structure! (Furthermore they were tunes which not only provided a great rhythm for the dancer, but also captured the imagination of the musician).
Iain MacPhail was to the Scottish Dance Band scene, what Robert Mathieson was to become to the traditional bagpipes!
There are, however, common threads, which unite all of these bands.
Each produced a truly innovative sound at the time, to which others latched on, moving our music forward, particularly by the younger, developing, generation of players at the time. In every walk of life, young people have always looked to be different from their elders. Scottish dance music is just the same!
The timing of each of my ‘benchmark’ sounds is not, I believe, coincidental either. Each was approximately 10 years after the previous sound, roughly spanning the 50s’, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Perhaps it was because the younger generation of players was looking for something different from the norm of the time. This, I think was demonstrated very clearly when ‘Take the Floor’ ran the ‘Personal Choice’ feature. Without knowing the person choosing the tracks, listeners could tell the age of Robbie’s victim by the first piece of music chosen – invariably one of the four bandsmen mentioned.
All of the bandleaders were approximately the same age at their ‘benchmark’ time – all were experienced bandleaders, admired, and ‘in touch’ with the scene. Each of the four bandleaders has also provided our music scene with many compositions, which have quickly become standards. I don’t believe that there has been a ‘Take the Floor’ broadcast at any time in my memory when there hasn’t been a tune from the pen of at least one of these bandleaders played!
However, the over-riding factor that every one of these bands has is that they all produced a great, distinctive sound.
So where will the next benchmark be? And indeed, will it be from within the true Scottish Dance Band scene? I say this, because the youngest of the interviewees on ‘Personal Choice’ are tending to choose bands like Capercaillie or Wolfstone. Is this where the future of our music lies? Is the folk scene, or the ‘Ceilidh’ scene, the innovation that young people will latch on to today?
If the next benchmark is to be in the Scottish Dance Music scene then perhaps I could make some suggestions. Possibly Alasdair MacCuish, or The Occasionals who undoubtedly appeal to the younger generation of players; perhaps Graeme Mitchell who would surely be the choice of today’s old tyme dancers. Graeme also has the distinction of being a prolific composer of superb new tunes; perhaps James Lindsay who provides a truly innovative interpretation of our music (or indeed traditionalisation of non-Scottish material).
As fresh approaches are taken and different styles adopted, other benchmarks will surely emerge. Perhaps they are already here!!
12th Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival
14th – 18th October 1999
Shetland Arts Trust’s Music Development Officer, Davie Gardiner, formally declared………….
The Dean Tavern 1899-1999
The Dean Tavern opened in October 1899 and almost immediately became a focal point for what eventually became Scotland’s biggest mining village – Newtongrange. In the ensuing hundred years The Dean was to make an invaluable contribution to the expansion and improvement of Newtongrange. Music, Art, Sport, Leisure, young and old – all benefited from the system referred to as the Gothenbugh System: one of the fundamental principles decreed that profits should be channeled back into the community – a principle still adhered to today.
After the Coal Industry was Nationalised in the mid forties a Trust was eventually set up to make sure that the Dean would continue to play its part in Community life. Other Gothengurg’s have come and gone but the Dean not only survives but is flourishing and looking forward to the challenges of the 21st Century.
The Dean did not open without a fight. Opponents claimed that the first Manager, Andrew Anderson, was a man ‘with no previous experience’ and asked that he be ‘Interdicted from trafficking in excisable liquors there’ (The Dean). The Lothian Coal Company also had to give assurances that profits would go towards ‘Providing electric and a Bowling Green’. The Licence was ‘Legally Granted’ by the Court of Session. Coincidentally, a big Temperance Demonstration was held in Bonnyrigg that same week!
One of the most difficult challenges facing the Trustees in the nineties was how to refurbish the bar while at the same time keep its unique character. It was always going to be a tricky one but the refurbishment did go ahead and fortunately the Dean Bar is more popular than ever. Gone are the days when the Dean was regarded as a ‘Man’s Bar’ and women are now as comfortable in the bar as men. Apart from the bar and two lounges the Dean has an excellent Function Hall and a recently refurbished Committee / Conference Room. All of these facilities are available to local organizations free of charge.
However….no matter how many improvements and changes are made, the most important function of the Dean Tavern is that it continues to support the local organisation such as the two bands, the Gala Day Committee, the St David’s Day Centre and many other groups.
The Village of Newtongrange
The Monks of Newbattle Abbey, which is within walking distance from Newtongrange, were the first hewers of coal in Scotland and, from those early primitive workings came one of Scotland’s most productive coalfields. By the end of the 19th Century coal was indeed, King. Newtongrange grew from being a tiny settlement to become Scotland’s biggest mining village. The main reason for this expansion was the development of the Lady Victoria which was to become one of the country’s most productive pits. (Now the Scottish Mining Museum). Sadly, the mining industry has disappeared from the area but Newtongrange is still a thriving community with all of its traditions and organizations intact. Most importantly, it has retained its strong sense of identity. The Dean Tavern is the epitome of this spirit!
The Da Fustra Celebrates 30 Years Gallery
Photographs
Letters to the Editor
I was interested to read Ian Cruickshanks’ obituary for Peter Straughan in the November issue of the B&F. In it Ian mentions that Peter played in the David White Band of which he was a founder member along with myself.
In 1963 the Jimmy Shand Band was appearing in Whitley Bay, a venue often visited in those days, when Sir Jimmy mentioned he had a vacancy for a pianist.
The David White Band provided interval music (usually for three dances) at Jimmy Shand dances on a number of occasions in the Tyneside area and Jimmy had obviously noted Peter’s talent because he was immediately offered the job. Peter, I recall, could hardly believe it! Of course he became one of the best Scottish Dance Band pianists.
He was a friend of both Sheila and myself and was an usher at our wedding, so it was with much sadness that we learnt of his death in June.
Ian Thow
Take the Floor – Saturdays at 6.30pm with Robbie Shepherd
4th Dec 99 – David Cunningham Jnr SDB & feature
11th Dec 99 – Jim Johnstone SDB & feature
18th Dec 99 – Charlie Kirkpatrick SDB & feature
25th Dec 99 – OB Iain MacPhail SDB from the Corran Halls, Oban
1st Jan 2000 – OB Michael Garvin SDB from the Woodside Halls, Glasgow
8th Jan 2000 – Ron Kerr SDB & feature
15th Jan 2000 – Ian Holmes SDB & feature
22nd Jan 2000 – Graeme Mitchell SDB & feature
29th Jan 2000 – OB Neil Barron SDB & Guests in the Volunteer Hall, Galashiels
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Dee Motel) – 28th Dec 99 – Garioch Blend Band 25th Jan 2000 Ian Cruickshanks SDB
Alnwick (White Swan Hotel) – members only 8th Dec 99 – tbc 19th Jan 2000 – Burns Night Local Artistes
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th Dec 99 – David Oswald SDB 16th Jan 2000 No meeting
Arbroath (Viewfield Hotel) - 5th Dec 99 – Club Night 28th Dec 99 – Gavin Piper 2nd Jan 2000 No meeting
Armadale (Masonic Hall) – 9th Dec 99 – Fintry Style 6th Jan 2000 Dick Black Band
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Hall) – 19th Dec 99 – Judith Linton Trio16th Jan 2000 Pentland Ceilidh Band
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th Dec 99 – Bill Black SDB 31st Jan 2000 – Graeme Mitchell SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 22nd Dec 99 – tbc 26th Jan 99 - tbc
Beith & District (Hotel de Croft, Dalry) – 20th Dec 99 – Bruce Lindsay SDB 17th Jan 2000 Judith Linton Trio
Belford (Community Club) – 30th Dec 99 – No meeting 27th Jan 2000 Brian Griffin
Biggar (Municipal Hall) – 12th Dec 99 – Seamus O’Sullivan 9th Jan 2000 – Judith Linton Trio
Blairgowrie (Moorfield Hotel) - 14th Dec 99 – Bruce Lindsay Trio 11th Jan 2000 - tbc
Bromley (Trinity United Reform Church) - 14th Dec 99 – Catherine and Eric Lowe 11th Jan 2000 Romano Viazzini
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 9th Dec 99 – Vladmir Skibo (from Russia) 13th Jan 2000 – Jim MacLeod SDB
Campsie (Glazert House Hotel) - 7th Dec 99 – West Telferton Cele C.B. 4th Jan 2000 Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Carlisle (Border Regiment Club, Carlisle Castle) - 9th Dec 99 – John Morgan 13th Jan 2000 – Stuart Adamson SDB
Castle Douglas (Ernespie House Hotel) – 21st Dec 99 – Ceilidh 18th Jan 2000 Fiona Cuthbertson
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th Dec 99 – Gary Donaldson Trio 20th Jan 2000 Brian Griffin Trio
Crathes (Crathes Hall, Banchory) - 12th Dec 99 – All payers welcome 9th Jan 2000 All players welcome
Crieff & District (Arduthie Hotel) 2nd Dec 99 – Bill Black SDB 6th Jan 2000 – Gordon Pattullo & Willie Simpson
Cults (Cults Sports & Social Club) 8th Dec 99 – Bill Brian (fiddle) 12th Jan 2000 - tbc
Dalriada (Argyll Arms Hotel, Lochgilphead) 21st Dec 99 – Christmas Gathering 18th Jan 2000 Hector McFadyen SDB
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 1st Dec 99 – Wendy Godfrey Quartette 5th Jan 2000 The McKenzie Family
Dunblane (Westlands Hotel) – 21st Dec 99 – No meeting 18th Jan 99 – Billy Anderson & Albany
Dunfermline (Headwell Bowling Club) – 14th Dec 99 – John Morgan 11th Jan 2000 Newtongrange A&F Club
Dunoon & Cowal (McColl’s Hotel) 10th Dec 99 – Jim Johnstone SDB & Archie Duncan 11th Dec 99 + Fine Fettle 12th Dec 99 McColl’s Ceilidh Band
East Kilbride (Sweepers, Cambuslang) – 30th Dec 99 – No meeting 27th Jan 2000 tbc
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 10th Dec 99 – Christmas Ceilidh
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) – 27th Dec 99 – Ian Thomson 24th Jan 2000 – Donald MacLeod SDB
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 26th Dec 99 – No meeting 30th Jan 2000 - tbc
Forres (Brig Motel) – 8th Dec 99 – David & Dianne Morrice 12th Jan 2000 Jock Fraser SDB
Galashiels (Abbotsford Arms Hotel) – 2nd Dec 99 – Lindsat Weir Trio 6th Jan 2000 – Club night
Galston (Barr Castle Social Club) – 13th Dec 99 – tbc 10th Jan 2000 - tbc
Glendale (Black Bull Hotel – Wooler) – 16th Dec 99 – Willie McFarland Band 20th Jan 99 – The Bon Accords
Glenfarg (Lomond Hotel) - 1st Dec 99 – Alan Rodd Trio 5th Jan 2000 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Glenrothes (Victoria Hall, Coaltown of Balgownie) - 28th Dec 99 – Richard Smith 25th Jan 2000 tbc
Gretna (Halcrow Stadium) - 5th Dec 99 – Keith Dickson Orchestra 2nd Jan 2000 Jean McConnachie SDB
Highland (Drumossie Hotel) – 20th Dec99 – Marian Anderson SDB 17th Jan 2000 – Julie MacRitchie SDB
Inveraray (Loch Fyne Hotel) - 8th Dec 99 – Bill Black SDB 5th Jan 2000 - tbc
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 2nd Dec 99 – tbc 6th Jan 2000 - tbc
Islesteps (The Embassy Hotel) – 7th Dec 99 – Ian Cruickshanks Trio 4th Jan 2000 Scott Leslie SDB
Kelso (Ednam House Hotel) – 15th Dec 99 – Susan McIntosh Trio 26th Jan 2000 Gordon Pattullo
Kintore (Torryburn Hotel) – 1st Dec 99 – James Coutts SDB 5th Jan 99 – No meeting
Lanark (Masonic Hall) - 17th Dec 99 – Lothian & Borders Trio (Dance) 14th Jan 2000 tbc
Langholm (Crown Hotel) – 8th Dec 99 – Ian Hutson 12th Jan 2000 Club Night
Lesmahagow (Masonic Hall) – 9th Dec 99 – Cameronian SDB 13th Jan 2000 Burns Brothers
Lewis & Harris (Stornoway Legion) - 2nd Dec 99 – tbc 6th Jan 2000 - tbc
Livingston (Cairn Hotel) - 21st Dec 99 – No meeting 18th Jan 2000 Ian Muir Trio
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) - 28th Dec 99 – No meeting 25th Jan 2000 Lomond Ceilidh Band
Mauchline (Sorn Village Hall) 21st Dec 99 – Jock Loch Trio 18th Jan 2000 –Allan MacIntosh Trio
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 1st Dec 99 – tbc 5th Jan 2000 - tbc
Muirhead (Belmont Arms, Meigle) - 19th Dec 99 – All players welcome 16th Jan 2000 All players welcome
Newmill-on-Teviot (Newmill Country Inn) - 1st Dec 99 – McCann, O’Rourke & Martin 5th Jan 2000 – Roger Dobson SDB
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th Dec 99 – No meeting 31st Jan 2000 Andy Greig Band
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 7th Dec 99 – Scott Gordon SDB 11th Jan 2000 Elgin S&R Society
Oban (McTavish’s Kitchen) – 2nd Dec 99 – tbc 6th Jan 2000 - tbc
Orkney (Ayre Hotel, Kirkwall) –
Peebles (Green Tree Hotel) – 30th Dec 99 – No meeting 27th Jan 2000 Club Night
Perth (Salutation Hotel) – 21st Dec 99 – No meeting 18th Jan 99 – Johnny Duncan
Premier NI (Camlin Function Rooms) - 7th Dec 99 – Dermot O’Brien 4th Jan 2000 – Wayne Robertson
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 14th Dec 99 – David MacDonald Trio 11th Jan 2000 – Donald McLeod SDB
Rothbury (Queen’s Head) - 2nd Dec 99 – Tom Alexander 6th Jan 2000 – Club Night
Selkirk (Cricket Club) - 9th Dec 99 – Angus Oliver 13th Jan 2000 Iain Lockhart
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stirling (Terraces Hotel) - 12th Dec 99 – Alan Gardiner SDB 9th Jan 2000 Jim Johnstone SDB
Sutherland (Rogart Hall) - 18th Dec 99 – tbc 15th Jan 2000 tbc
Thornhill (Masonic Hall) - 8th Dec 99 – Ian Muir Trio 12th Jan 2000 Ceilidh
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 6th Dec 99 – Jock Fraser SDB 10th Jan 2000 Tain SDB
Turriff (Royal Oak Hotel) – 2nd Dec 99 – Tommy Newcomen Duo 6th Jan 2000 – Kathleen & Ian Hadden Quartet
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 16th Dec 99 – tbc 20th Jan 2000 - tbc
Wick (McKay’s Hotel) – 14th Dec 99 – East Sutherland A&F Club 18th Jan 2000 – Ceilidh Night
Yarrow (Gordon Arms) - 15th Dec 99 – Christmas Club Night 19th Jan 2000 - tbc
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Armadale
4. Beith
5. Biggar
6. Blairgowrie
7. Bromley
8. Campsie
9. Coalburn
10. Crieff
11. Cults
12. Dunfermline
13. Dunoon & Cowal
14. Forres
15. Galston
16. Glendale
17. Gretna
18. Highland
19. Inveraray
20. Isle of Skye
21. Islesteps
22. Kelso
23. Kintore
24. Lanark
25. Lesmahagow
26. Livingston
27. Lockerbie
28. Newmill-on-Teviot
29. Newtongrange
30. North East
31. Perth
32. Rothbury
33. Stirling
34. Thornhill
35. Thurso
36. Turriff
37. Tynedale
38. Wick
39. Yarrow
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 1998
(Clubs didn’t necessarily notify the Assoc when they closed so the following may not be entirely correct. Only the clubs submitting the reports or in the Club Diary above were definitely open.)
1. Aberdeen A&F Club (1975 – present)
2. Alnwick A&F Club (Aug 1975 – present)
3. Annan A&F Club (joined Assoc in 1996 but started 1985 – present)
4. Arbroath A&F Club (1991? – present)
5. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Closed
6. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
7. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
8. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
9. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
10. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
11. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
12. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
13. Bromley A&F Club
14. Button Key A&F Club (
15. Campbeltown A&F Club (
16. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
17. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
18. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
19. Coalburn A&F Club (
20. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
21. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
22. Cults A & F Club (
23. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
24. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
25. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
26. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
27. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
28. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980)
29. Ellon A&F Club (
30. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
31. Forfar A&F Club (
32. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
33. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
34. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
35. Glendale Accordion Club (Jan 1973)
36. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
37. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93?
38. Gretna A&F Club (1991) Known as North Cumbria A&F Club previously (originally called Gretna when started in June 1966 but later had to move to venues in the North of England and changed name. No breaks in the continuity of the Club)
39. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
40. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
41. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
42. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
43. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
44. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
45. Kintore A&F Club (
46. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed
47. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – present)
48. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
49. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
50. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 -
51. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
52. Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
53. Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
54. Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
55. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
56. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999
57. Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
58. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
59. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
60. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
61. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
62. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
63. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
64. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
65. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
66. Selkirk A&F Club (
67. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
68. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 - )
69. Sutherland A&F Club (
70. Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
71. Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
72. Turriff A&F Club (March 1982 - present)
73. Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
74. Vancouver
75. Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
76. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 -
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
77. Acharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
78. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
79. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
80. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
81. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
82. Buchan A&F Club
83. Callander A&F Club (
84. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
85. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
86. Club Accord
87. Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
88. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
89. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
90. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
91. Derwentside A&F Club
92. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
93. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
94. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
95. Dundee & District A&F Club (1970? – 1995?)
96. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
97. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
98. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
99. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
100. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
101. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
104. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
105. Mull A&F Club
106. Newcastleton Accordion Club
107. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
108. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
109. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
110. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
111. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
112. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
113. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
114. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
115. Tranent A&F Club
116. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
117. Wellbank A&F Club
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