Box and Fiddle
Year 43 No 05
January 2020
Price £3.00
56 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £33.60 + p&p £15.85 (UK)
Brandon McPhee Concert at Gretna A&F Club
by Robin & Deryn
Our MC Robin Waitt welcomed…………
Musical Memories – Part 10
by Denis Shepherd
Although I had been interested in Scottish music as a youngster, as a youth I spent most of my nights-out at discos or rock concerts with my fellow students. I do remember the odd exception though, such as attending a ceilidh at the College of Agriculture with the Wick Scottish Dance Band led by Addie Harper Snr. (A girl I met there, from the Western Isles, found it surprising that I considered a students’ ceilidh such a novelty!) However, the tide began to turn when I used to spend a large part of my summer vacations on the Donside grouse estates where I got to meet many local people and listen to their stories about their country dances. So I started to go to these dances in Corgarff to experience the fun first-hand!
The band at Corgarff was usually the Dick Stewart Trio and one of the highlights was the Beaters’ Ball at which all the raffle prizes had two legs, two wings and feathers. By the time these were handed out most dancers were well inebriated and usually the winners could not resist the temptation to sit down and pluck their bird right away. Not much of the dance floor was visible by the end of the night! I got to know Wullie Gray, also known as the Bard of Corgarff. He was well-known for his story telling, poetry recitations and occasional singing, and later performed at a couple of our TMSA concerts.
Back in those days he kept us all entertained on the grouse moors and one of his stories about the dances concerned a local couple who had to walk to the hall along a muddy road, the man rolling up his trouser bottoms to keep them clean. On reaching the dance he went straight into action, much to the annoyance of his wife – not because he was dancing with another woman but because his trousers were still rolled up. She marched up to him and stormed, “George! Take your trousers down!”
At these country dances, there was a limited variety of dances which were not always performed to the letter (as I was to find out later when I attended ceilidhs with a caller), and many stories of these dance circulate. The local paper once ran a story about a young man, renowned for his strength, who had allegedly lifted the stage off the floor during a dance in the Towie Hall. One night I drove to a dance in the Glenbuchat Hall and met an ambulance with blue lights flashing I discovered that the dance had already begun and that there had been a casualty during the Eightsome Reel!
I gained further dancing expertise when helping family friend John Crossman at the dances he used to organize at a variety on country venues, with the Michael McKay Band and others. However it was still a shock to the system when I started going to ceilidhs in Aberdeen where there were bands with callers, such as the Desperate Danz Band (with Dave Francis) and Hallyracket. They introduced me to dances I had never heard of, much less attempted! Eventually I got used to the idea that it was beneficial to learn some of these dances and the first one I noted was one of Dave’s called Buttered Peas, a progressive couples dance.
One ceilidh with a difference that I remember was at the Northern Hotel, where my Menace partner Harry Williamson and I once again proved menaces. The dance band at this one was a duo comprising Runrig guitarist Malcolm Jones, and the late Robert MacDonald who had been a founder accordionist member. We picked the wrong stairway to the ballroom and ended up in the kitchen; and as we were obstructed by tables, the only way to get on to the dance floor was to climb under them – not knowing the musicians were at the other side.
My first taste of dance calling came at the Christmas dinner-dance for the athletes I coached and their parents. I was well used to telling the athletes what to do so it was second nature to teach them how to do Buttered Peas! A year or two later, when the band booked for a dance organised by the TMSA arrived at the Northern minus its caller, I volunteered to call a few dances. As a direct result, whistle player Alex Green and his wife, accordionist Madeline Miller, who were leading lights in the TMSA, asked me to call for their band Airs and Graces at a ceilidh at the Douglas Hotel. I became their regular caller until the couple ‘emigrated’ to Portknockie at the end of 1998, after which I managed to organize a band under the name of Fittiefolk based around the remaining members. And we still play (occasionally) to this day!
70 Years and Still Going Strong
by Pia Walker
1n 1950 so many things happened in the world. NATO was created, and apartheid reared its head as did McCarthyism and the Korean War – and these were just a few.……………
Centre Stage
Bruce Peebles
In Memory – Rory MacLeod
by Bob Wares
Rory MacLeod is a name that is instantly familiar to B&F readers as a star photographer and Accordion & Fiddle Club enthusiast of the highest order! Sadly 80-year-old Rory lost his fight with illness and passed away peacefully on 14th December, 2019.
Rory took up the accordion as a teenager at home near Ullapool and regularly played at weddings and ceilidhs with other local players. It is not well know, but Rory also played drums in various bands when needed but the 3-row button-box was his forte and first love.
Rory was working at Lochcarron when he first met the legendary bandleader, Jim Johnstone. Their close friendship was to last for many years and Jim wrote a tune in his honour. Since then Rory has had many tunes written in his honour, such was his standing in the accordion world.
Rory moved to Inverness, where he was a sales rep with car dealer MacRae and dick. He met with many players and enthusiasts, and Highland A&F Club was founded on 19th November 1973 in The Cummings Hotel, with Rory on the Committee. Their very first guest was none other than Rory’s pal, Jim Johnstone.
Rory was MC at the Highland Club for years and remained Chairman for almost as long. He retired as Chairman in June 2008 and was made an Honorary Life Member to mark the occasion.
It was during his time as chairman that he altered the Club logo, ditching the piano accordion for his favoured 3-row button-box, and it remains that way to this day.
He produced the Club’s own Highland Showtime at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness for a number of years . He made all the arrangements for these events and did all the producing, arranging of artistes, fees, publicity etc. and was exceptionally talented at it. Full houses at every show were testimony to this.
He was approached by BBC Radio Highland late in 1985 and on 15th January 1986 Rory’s Reel went out as a pre-recorded programme. Only three pre-recordings were ever made and transmitted. The rest (amounting to over 300) went out live. Rory chose all of the music to be played on these shows and initially started with a half-hour slot before moving on to hourly broadcasts, owing to its popularity and the large audience figures it attracted. He had several invited guests on the show over the years, including many of the top names from the scene at the time.
The programme finally ended in January 1993. He found the last programme to be a very emotional affair, which brought tears to his eyes, and he will be remembered for his catchphrase, with which he always finished, “I’ll be here if you’ll be there.”
Rory was equally at home with a camera and was a regular and valued contributor to the B&F magazine with photographs from all over the country, but notably of Club nights at the Highland Club in Inverness. Rory was also one of the official photographs of the NAAFC AGM for several years and contributed photographs for a special exhibition at the AGM in 2009.
Rory was one of the NAAFC Guests of Honour in 2009 and that was undoubtedly his proudest moment. He considered that accolade to be the equivalent of an Oscar Award. I remember traveling down in the car with him and the pride on his face was mixed with anxiety about his acceptance speech. He was concerned that he would be shown up in the company of the musicians he loved. No fears there and Rory did his speech superbly.
In 2010, Rory was equally thrilled when his beloved Highland Club scooped the Club of the Year award and later that year the Highland Club were crowned Club of the Year at the Trad Awards in Perth.
Rory was a tune and valued member of The Highland Accordion & Fiddle Club in Inverness from its inception, and spread the accordion and fiddle gospel far and wide in a manner that was so infectious and likable. He was known and respected across Scotland and beyond and will be a major loss to all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his wife Mhairi and their children Fiona and Gordon.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
An Audience with the Accordion Champions – Live at The Salutation Hotel, Perth – review by Derek Hamilton
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
4th Jan 2020 – Archive session John Ellis
11th Jan 2020 – 2019 Celtic connection repeat – Robert Nairn SDB & David Kennedy SDB
18th Jan 2020 – Debut session from Liam Stewart SDB
25th Jan 2020 – The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra present Auld Lang Syne
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 28th Jan 2020 – George Rennie Duo
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th Jan 2020 – Iain Anderson
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 5th Jan 2020 – Janet Graham SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 19th Jan 2020 – Aiden Frost Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th Jan 2020 – Cruickshank Family Band
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 22nd Jan 2020 – Club Night
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 12th Jan 2020 – Richard Smith Trio
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 14th Jan 2020 – James Coutts Trio
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 9th Jan 2020 – Ian Cruickshanks Trio
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 7th Jan 2020 – Gavin Piper
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 9th Jan 2020 – Club Night
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 21st Jan 2020 – John Waugh Duo
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 5th Jan 2020 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th Jan 2020 – Clappy Doo Trio
Crieff & District (British Legion)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 8th Jan 2020 – Gillian Stevenson Band
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 15th Jan 2020 – Glencraig SDB
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 14th Jan 2020 – Club Night
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 20th Jan 2020 – Neil Hardie SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st Jan 2020 – Glencraig SDB
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 26th Jan 2020 - tbc
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 8th Jan 2020 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 7th Jan 2020 – Hector McFadyen
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 30th Jan 2020 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) -
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) - 5th Jan 2020 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 20th Jan 2020 – Susie Simpson Trio
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 8th Jan 2020 – Ross MacPherson Duo
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 9th Jan 2020 – Lindsay Weir Duo
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 7th Jan 2020 – Scott Leslie CB
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 29th Jan 2020 – Charlie McIntee SDB
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) –
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 21st Jan 2020 – Cameronian SDB
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club) 28th Jan 2020 – John douglas
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) - 19th Jan 2020 – Andrew Gibb SDB
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 21st Jan 2020 – Gavin Piper
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 8th Jan 2020 – Scott Band SDB
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th Jan 2020 – Aidan Frost Band
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 10th Jan 2020 – Dance to Charlie Kirkpatrick
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 8th 15th 22nd 29th Jan 2020 - Club Nights
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 30th Jan 2020 – Janet Graham SDB
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 21st Jan 2020 – Scott Band SDB
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 8th Jan 2020 - Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 14th 21st 28th Jan 2020 – Club Nights
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 16th Jan 2020 – Club Night 27th Jan 2020 – Pre Up-Helly-Aa
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) - 18th Jan 2020 – Caithness Scorries
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 6th Jan 2020 – Addie Harper
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 21st Jan 2020 – Club night
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Balloch
6. Banff & District
7. Biggar
8. Blairgowrie
9. Button Key
10. Campsie
11. Canderside
12. Castle Douglas
13. Coalburn
14. Crieff
15. Dingwall
16. Dunblane
17. Dunfermline
18. Forfar
19. Forres
20. Glendale
21. Glenfarg
22. Gretna
23. Highland
24. Inveraray
25. Isle of Skye
26. Islesteps
27. Kelso
28. Langholm
29. Lewis & Harris
30. Livingston
31. Lockerbie
32. Macmerry
33. Mauchline
34. North East
35. Oban
36. Orkney
37. Peebles
38. Renfrew
39. Rothbury
40. Seghill
41. Shetland
42. TMSA Aberdeen
43. Turriff & district
44. Tynedale
45. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2018
(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. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Forfar A&F Club (
26. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
27. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. 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)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
39 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
40. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
41 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
42 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
43 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
44. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
45. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
46. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
47. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
48. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
49. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
50. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
51. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
52 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
53 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
54 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
55 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
56 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
57. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
58. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
59. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
60. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
61. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
62. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
63. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
64. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
65. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
66. Buchan A&F Club
67. Callander A&F Club (
68. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
69. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
70. Club Accord
71. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
72 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
73. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
74. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
75. Cults A & F Club (
76. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
77. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
78. Derwentside A&F Club
79. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
80. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
81. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
82. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
83. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
84. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Maine Valley A&F Club (
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
110. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
111. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
116. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
117. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
118. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
119. Selkirk A&F Club (
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
125 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
126. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
127. Tranent A&F Club
128. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
129. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
130. Wellbank A&F Club
131. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
132. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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by Robin & Deryn
Our MC Robin Waitt welcomed…………
Musical Memories – Part 10
by Denis Shepherd
Although I had been interested in Scottish music as a youngster, as a youth I spent most of my nights-out at discos or rock concerts with my fellow students. I do remember the odd exception though, such as attending a ceilidh at the College of Agriculture with the Wick Scottish Dance Band led by Addie Harper Snr. (A girl I met there, from the Western Isles, found it surprising that I considered a students’ ceilidh such a novelty!) However, the tide began to turn when I used to spend a large part of my summer vacations on the Donside grouse estates where I got to meet many local people and listen to their stories about their country dances. So I started to go to these dances in Corgarff to experience the fun first-hand!
The band at Corgarff was usually the Dick Stewart Trio and one of the highlights was the Beaters’ Ball at which all the raffle prizes had two legs, two wings and feathers. By the time these were handed out most dancers were well inebriated and usually the winners could not resist the temptation to sit down and pluck their bird right away. Not much of the dance floor was visible by the end of the night! I got to know Wullie Gray, also known as the Bard of Corgarff. He was well-known for his story telling, poetry recitations and occasional singing, and later performed at a couple of our TMSA concerts.
Back in those days he kept us all entertained on the grouse moors and one of his stories about the dances concerned a local couple who had to walk to the hall along a muddy road, the man rolling up his trouser bottoms to keep them clean. On reaching the dance he went straight into action, much to the annoyance of his wife – not because he was dancing with another woman but because his trousers were still rolled up. She marched up to him and stormed, “George! Take your trousers down!”
At these country dances, there was a limited variety of dances which were not always performed to the letter (as I was to find out later when I attended ceilidhs with a caller), and many stories of these dance circulate. The local paper once ran a story about a young man, renowned for his strength, who had allegedly lifted the stage off the floor during a dance in the Towie Hall. One night I drove to a dance in the Glenbuchat Hall and met an ambulance with blue lights flashing I discovered that the dance had already begun and that there had been a casualty during the Eightsome Reel!
I gained further dancing expertise when helping family friend John Crossman at the dances he used to organize at a variety on country venues, with the Michael McKay Band and others. However it was still a shock to the system when I started going to ceilidhs in Aberdeen where there were bands with callers, such as the Desperate Danz Band (with Dave Francis) and Hallyracket. They introduced me to dances I had never heard of, much less attempted! Eventually I got used to the idea that it was beneficial to learn some of these dances and the first one I noted was one of Dave’s called Buttered Peas, a progressive couples dance.
One ceilidh with a difference that I remember was at the Northern Hotel, where my Menace partner Harry Williamson and I once again proved menaces. The dance band at this one was a duo comprising Runrig guitarist Malcolm Jones, and the late Robert MacDonald who had been a founder accordionist member. We picked the wrong stairway to the ballroom and ended up in the kitchen; and as we were obstructed by tables, the only way to get on to the dance floor was to climb under them – not knowing the musicians were at the other side.
My first taste of dance calling came at the Christmas dinner-dance for the athletes I coached and their parents. I was well used to telling the athletes what to do so it was second nature to teach them how to do Buttered Peas! A year or two later, when the band booked for a dance organised by the TMSA arrived at the Northern minus its caller, I volunteered to call a few dances. As a direct result, whistle player Alex Green and his wife, accordionist Madeline Miller, who were leading lights in the TMSA, asked me to call for their band Airs and Graces at a ceilidh at the Douglas Hotel. I became their regular caller until the couple ‘emigrated’ to Portknockie at the end of 1998, after which I managed to organize a band under the name of Fittiefolk based around the remaining members. And we still play (occasionally) to this day!
70 Years and Still Going Strong
by Pia Walker
1n 1950 so many things happened in the world. NATO was created, and apartheid reared its head as did McCarthyism and the Korean War – and these were just a few.……………
Centre Stage
Bruce Peebles
In Memory – Rory MacLeod
by Bob Wares
Rory MacLeod is a name that is instantly familiar to B&F readers as a star photographer and Accordion & Fiddle Club enthusiast of the highest order! Sadly 80-year-old Rory lost his fight with illness and passed away peacefully on 14th December, 2019.
Rory took up the accordion as a teenager at home near Ullapool and regularly played at weddings and ceilidhs with other local players. It is not well know, but Rory also played drums in various bands when needed but the 3-row button-box was his forte and first love.
Rory was working at Lochcarron when he first met the legendary bandleader, Jim Johnstone. Their close friendship was to last for many years and Jim wrote a tune in his honour. Since then Rory has had many tunes written in his honour, such was his standing in the accordion world.
Rory moved to Inverness, where he was a sales rep with car dealer MacRae and dick. He met with many players and enthusiasts, and Highland A&F Club was founded on 19th November 1973 in The Cummings Hotel, with Rory on the Committee. Their very first guest was none other than Rory’s pal, Jim Johnstone.
Rory was MC at the Highland Club for years and remained Chairman for almost as long. He retired as Chairman in June 2008 and was made an Honorary Life Member to mark the occasion.
It was during his time as chairman that he altered the Club logo, ditching the piano accordion for his favoured 3-row button-box, and it remains that way to this day.
He produced the Club’s own Highland Showtime at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness for a number of years . He made all the arrangements for these events and did all the producing, arranging of artistes, fees, publicity etc. and was exceptionally talented at it. Full houses at every show were testimony to this.
He was approached by BBC Radio Highland late in 1985 and on 15th January 1986 Rory’s Reel went out as a pre-recorded programme. Only three pre-recordings were ever made and transmitted. The rest (amounting to over 300) went out live. Rory chose all of the music to be played on these shows and initially started with a half-hour slot before moving on to hourly broadcasts, owing to its popularity and the large audience figures it attracted. He had several invited guests on the show over the years, including many of the top names from the scene at the time.
The programme finally ended in January 1993. He found the last programme to be a very emotional affair, which brought tears to his eyes, and he will be remembered for his catchphrase, with which he always finished, “I’ll be here if you’ll be there.”
Rory was equally at home with a camera and was a regular and valued contributor to the B&F magazine with photographs from all over the country, but notably of Club nights at the Highland Club in Inverness. Rory was also one of the official photographs of the NAAFC AGM for several years and contributed photographs for a special exhibition at the AGM in 2009.
Rory was one of the NAAFC Guests of Honour in 2009 and that was undoubtedly his proudest moment. He considered that accolade to be the equivalent of an Oscar Award. I remember traveling down in the car with him and the pride on his face was mixed with anxiety about his acceptance speech. He was concerned that he would be shown up in the company of the musicians he loved. No fears there and Rory did his speech superbly.
In 2010, Rory was equally thrilled when his beloved Highland Club scooped the Club of the Year award and later that year the Highland Club were crowned Club of the Year at the Trad Awards in Perth.
Rory was a tune and valued member of The Highland Accordion & Fiddle Club in Inverness from its inception, and spread the accordion and fiddle gospel far and wide in a manner that was so infectious and likable. He was known and respected across Scotland and beyond and will be a major loss to all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his wife Mhairi and their children Fiona and Gordon.
See Hear! with Bill Brown
CD Reviews
An Audience with the Accordion Champions – Live at The Salutation Hotel, Perth – review by Derek Hamilton
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
4th Jan 2020 – Archive session John Ellis
11th Jan 2020 – 2019 Celtic connection repeat – Robert Nairn SDB & David Kennedy SDB
18th Jan 2020 – Debut session from Liam Stewart SDB
25th Jan 2020 – The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra present Auld Lang Syne
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) – 28th Jan 2020 – George Rennie Duo
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 19th Jan 2020 – Iain Anderson
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 5th Jan 2020 – Janet Graham SDB
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) – 19th Jan 2020 – Aiden Frost Trio
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 27th Jan 2020 – Cruickshank Family Band
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 22nd Jan 2020 – Club Night
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) – 12th Jan 2020 – Richard Smith Trio
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 14th Jan 2020 – James Coutts Trio
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 9th Jan 2020 – Ian Cruickshanks Trio
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) - 7th Jan 2020 – Gavin Piper
Canderside (Stonehouse Bowling Club) - 9th Jan 2020 – Club Night
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Threave Rovers Football Club) – 21st Jan 2020 – John Waugh Duo
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) - 5th Jan 2020 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) - 16th Jan 2020 – Clappy Doo Trio
Crieff & District (British Legion)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 8th Jan 2020 – Gillian Stevenson Band
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 15th Jan 2020 – Glencraig SDB
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) – 14th Jan 2020 – Club Night
Duns (Masonic Lodge) 20th Jan 2020 – Neil Hardie SDB
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 21st Jan 2020 – Glencraig SDB
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 26th Jan 2020 - tbc
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 8th Jan 2020 – Leonard Brown & Malcolm Ross
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) - 7th Jan 2020 – Hector McFadyen
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) - 30th Jan 2020 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) -
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) - 5th Jan 2020 – Iain MacPhail SDB
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 20th Jan 2020 – Susie Simpson Trio
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) - 8th Jan 2020 – Ross MacPherson Duo
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) - 9th Jan 2020 – Lindsay Weir Duo
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) – 7th Jan 2020 – Scott Leslie CB
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 29th Jan 2020 – Charlie McIntee SDB
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) –
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn) 21st Jan 2020 – Cameronian SDB
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club) 28th Jan 2020 – John douglas
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) - 19th Jan 2020 – Andrew Gibb SDB
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) - 21st Jan 2020 – Gavin Piper
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 8th Jan 2020 – Scott Band SDB
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) – 27th Jan 2020 – Aidan Frost Band
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) – 10th Jan 2020 – Dance to Charlie Kirkpatrick
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 8th 15th 22nd 29th Jan 2020 - Club Nights
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) – 30th Jan 2020 – Janet Graham SDB
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) – 21st Jan 2020 – Scott Band SDB
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) – 8th Jan 2020 - Jimmy Blair Accordion Orchestra
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) -
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 14th 21st 28th Jan 2020 – Club Nights
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) - 16th Jan 2020 – Club Night 27th Jan 2020 – Pre Up-Helly-Aa
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) - 18th Jan 2020 – Caithness Scorries
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) – 6th Jan 2020 – Addie Harper
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) –
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) –
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) – 21st Jan 2020 – Club night
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Arbroath
5. Balloch
6. Banff & District
7. Biggar
8. Blairgowrie
9. Button Key
10. Campsie
11. Canderside
12. Castle Douglas
13. Coalburn
14. Crieff
15. Dingwall
16. Dunblane
17. Dunfermline
18. Forfar
19. Forres
20. Glendale
21. Glenfarg
22. Gretna
23. Highland
24. Inveraray
25. Isle of Skye
26. Islesteps
27. Kelso
28. Langholm
29. Lewis & Harris
30. Livingston
31. Lockerbie
32. Macmerry
33. Mauchline
34. North East
35. Oban
36. Orkney
37. Peebles
38. Renfrew
39. Rothbury
40. Seghill
41. Shetland
42. TMSA Aberdeen
43. Turriff & district
44. Tynedale
45. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2018
(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. Balloch A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per January 1978 issue – present)
6. Banchory A&F Club (1978 – present)
7. Banff & District A&F Club (Oct 1973 – present)
8. Beith & District A&F Club (Sept 1972 – per first edition – present)
9. Biggar A&F Club (Oct 1974 – present)
10. Blairgowrie A&F Club (
11. Button Key A&F Club (
12. Campsie A&F Club (Nov 95 – present)
13. Canderside A&F Club (Stonehouse) (Feb 2019 – present)
14. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
15. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
16. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
17. Coalburn A&F Club (
18. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
19. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
20. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
21. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
22. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
23. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
24. Ellon A&F Club (
25. Forfar A&F Club (
26. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
27. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
28. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
29. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
30. 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)
31. Highland A&F Club (Inverness) (Nov 1973 – present)
32. Inveraray A&F Club (Feb 1991 - present)
33. Islesteps A&F Club (Jan 1981 – present – n.b. evolved from the original Dumfries Club)
34. Isle of Skye A&F Club (June 1983 – present)
35. Kelso A&F Club (May 1976 – present)
36. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
37. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
38. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
39 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
40. Macmerry A&F Club (Feb 2016 – present)
41 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
42 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
43 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
44. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
45. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
46. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
47. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
48. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
49. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
50. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
51. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
52 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
53 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
54 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
55 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
56 Wick A&F Club (Oct 1975 - present)
Not on official list at the start of the season (closed, did not renew membership or omitted in error?)
57. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
58. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
59. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
60. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
61. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
62. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
63. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
64. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
65. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
66. Buchan A&F Club
67. Callander A&F Club (
68. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
69. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
70. Club Accord
71. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
72 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
73. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
74. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
75. Cults A & F Club (
76. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
77. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
78. Derwentside A&F Club
79. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
80. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
81. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
82. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
83. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
84. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
85. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
86. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
87. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
88. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
89. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
90. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 – March 2018)
91. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
92. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
93. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
94. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 – 6th December 2015)
95. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
96. Kintore A&F Club (
97. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
98. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier -
99. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
100. Lauder A&F Club (May 2010 -
101. Lesmahagow A&F Club (Nov 1979 – closed May 2005)
102. M.A.F.I.A. (1966 – 1993?)
103. Maine Valley A&F Club (
104. Monklands A&F Club (Nov 1978 – closed cApril 1983)
105. Morecambe A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
106. Muirhead A&F Club (Dec 1994 -
107. Mull A&F Club
108. Newcastleton Accordion Club
109. Newburgh A&F Club (joined 2002 but founded much earlier – closed April 2011 when venue closed)
110. New Cumnock A&F Club (cMarch 1979)
111. Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
112. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
113. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
114. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
115. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
116. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
117. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
118. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
119. Selkirk A&F Club (
120. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
121. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
122. Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
123. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
124 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
125 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
126. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
127. Tranent A&F Club
128. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
129. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
130. Wellbank A&F Club
131. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
132. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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