Box and Fiddle
Year 38 No 10
June 2015
Price £2.70
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £32.40 + p&p £15.75 (UK)
Editor – Pia Walker, Cupar
B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
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
So many things have happened to promote…………………..
Pia Walker
Iain Wilson
by Charlie Kirkpatrick
Over the years many great players have graced the piano stools of our leading Scottish dance bands giving the drive and lift that every successful band needs. Into this category comes Iain Wilson, one of our most respected back line musicians. Recently I called in at his Crawford home to see Iain and to discover a little bit more about his long and varied musical career. It also gave me an opportunity to sample some of the delicious home baking of Iain’s wife Bertha.
Iain Wilson was born and brought up in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire and his musical story began in the early fifties when he was sent by his parents to piano lessons with a local tutor. Having progressed as far as Grade V1 on the piano his baptism to Scottish dance music came when he was 14 years of age. At that time all the top Scottish Dance bands, Jimmy Shand, Bobby MacLeod and Ian Powrie to name but a few, used to play regularly for dances in Crawford Hotel and one night when Jimmy Shand was playing, he invited Iain to play piano with the band for two dances. The young Iain was absolutely delighted to have been allowed to play with the great man. The next step was when at 17 years of age, Iain joined the Crawford Band which was led by Andrew Coke and in which his brother Kenny also played fiddle. Iain played with this popular band for about 10 years at many local venues under the name of the Crawford Band and also Andrew Coke’s Band.
I asked Iain who had been his main early influences on the Scottish dance music scene. Obviously the three aforementioned bands were a big influence but also Ian Holmes and Max Houliston used to come about the farm where Iain lived for a tune as brother Kenny played with both bands. In particular, Iain’s style of piano playing was influenced by Davy Whitehead who used to play with Bobby MacLeod and then latterly with Ian Holmes. As far as the present day piano players are concerned, Iain thinks that Isobel Hodgson is “absolutely brilliant”.
After having played with a number of local bands, in 1968 Iain got the chance to join the Eric Goodfellow Scottish Dance Band and he went on to play with Eric, who hailed from Langholm, for about 10 years during which time they did five broadcasts for Radio Scotland. Iain describes this band as being a brilliant band which was great to play in and was ahead of it’s time. I well remember those broadcasts and would totally agree with Iain’s opinion.
In 1978, Eric decided to give up the band and the opportunity arose for Iain to join Alex McArthur, who by now was based in Biggar, and was forming a new band. Iain went on to play with Alex for nearly 12 years during which time the band did 3 LP’s and did many broadcasts for both Radio Scotland and Radio Forth. In fact during one year the band did a total of 8 broadcasts – no mean feat. During the time Iain was with the band, Alex played at nearly every accordion and fiddle club in Scotland and beyond. As is well known, Alex was a master at gaining a rapport with his audience. Apparently he used to announce that he had done every accordion club except Boddam – Iain says “I have no idea whether there ever was an accordion club in Boddam but that was what Alex used to say”. There are many stories about Alex McArthur most of which are true and are therefore unprintable, but some are contained in Charlie Todd’s excellent archive article about Iain which appeared in the Box and Fiddle in January 2012.
Iain is a veteran of 52 broadcasts. As well as Eric Goodfellow and Alex McArthur, Iain did the audition and first broadcast of Alan Gardiner, the last broadcast of Max Houliston and has also broadcast with Roger Dobson. Over the years, as well as playing and doing broadcasts with those bands, Iain has also played with many local bands in and around the Lanarkshire and Borders area. Nowadays, Iain mainly plays with Dick Black, Janet Graham, Bill Richardson and John Douglas to say nothing of filling in on occasions with yours truly. In fact he played piano on Janet Graham’s CD the Strathcarron Collection, which won CD of the year at last year’s BAAFI awards and also raised about £7k for charity in the process.
Iain is an enthusiastic supporter of the accordion and fiddle club movement and currently attends regularly at the Livingston, Lockerbie, Langholm and Annan clubs where he is the resident piano player backing all the players. Iain enjoys the challenge of doing this and feels that it is the job of the backing group to make the front line players sound as good as they can be. He does get annoyed if he feels that the backing group are playing for themselves and not supporting the front line players as they should.
Iain has now retired after a career as a shepherd during which time he received long service awards from both the Scottish Landowners Federation (40 yrs service) and the Royal Highland Show (37 yrs service). Iain and his wife Bertha’s two sons Chris and Colin are both married, and have made Iain and Bertha the proud grandparents of Louise, Grant and Kevin. By way of celebrating a significant birthday later this year, Iain and Bertha are going out to Australia to visit Chris and family who now live in New South Wales.
That then is an insight into the life and times of Iain Wilson one of our most respected back line musicians and a worthy recipient of our Guest of Honour award at this year’s Celebrity Luncheon
Annan St Andrew’s A&F Club Celebrates 30th Birthday
by Nettie Taylor
On Sunday 5th April Annan Accordion & Fiddle club celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the formation of the Club. To mark the occasion, the members organised a dance, and during the evening a suitably decorated birthday cake was cut. The guest band was the Keith Robertson Duo, comprising Keith Robertson on accordion and Jack McLeish on drums.
Spring Concert in Orkney
by
Club members and friends………………
Morino Day at The Park
by Neil MacGregor
Once again the third Sunday in April saw a gathering of players and enthusiasts in Glasgow’s Park Bar for the biannual Morino Day session. Organised by Nicky McMichan as an informal get-together for Morino box players (and anyone else wanting a tune), it was a great day of music and catching up with friends, including such well-travelled folk as Aidan Frost from Ireland and Drewie Hawick, Maggie Adamson and Brian Nicholson from Shetland. Thanks to all who attended and had a tune and to the Park Bar for looking after us so well.
Players and attendees included: Alasdair MacLeod, Matthew MacLennan, Steven Nelson, Hamish MacDougall, Alasdair MacPhail, Susan MacFadyen, Nicky McMichan, Aidan Frost, John Burns, Mark Cummine, Craig McFadyen, Andy Kinnear, Finlay Robertson, Ally K. MacPherson, Drew Smilie, Stuart Cameron, Seamus O’Sullivan, Colin Garvin, Lisa Mitchell, Ross Wilson, George Burns, Campbell Brown, Lindsay Weir, Maggie Adamson, Brian Nicholson, Jim Clark, John Omand, Andy Philip. Apologies if I missed anyone, see you all for the next one in November.
In Memory
Logan MacGregor (17/05/1943 – 22/12/2014)
by Neil MacGregor
Logan was born in Latheron, Caithness and the youngest of 4. From a young age he was sent to Mrs Henderson of Wick for violin lessons and subsequently won the violin competition at the Caithness Music Festival, although the fiddle wasn’t really something he enjoyed playing. He much preferred the sound of the accordion and was a devoted listener to the Scottish Dance Music programme on Saturday nights, as was everyone back then. He also saw many of the legendary dance bands of the 1950’s as his mother was the keyholder for Latheron Hall. He was usually sent to open the hall to let the bands in. Alasdair Downie and his band made a particular impression on him.
In 1959 aged 15 he was accepted as an apprentice at the Alexander’s Ford garage in Edinburgh’s West End. Having taught himself the 5-row for a few years, he switched to piano accordion and went to Chrissie Leatham for lessons. He attended for about 3 years, forming a musical partnership with well-known accordionist Jim Newsome and played for Country Dancing around Edinburgh, before returning home to Caithness in 1964, where he remained for the rest of his life. He immediately began playing in pubs and at functions and dances and his band became well-known throughout the North. In 1990 after decades of yearning, he finally obtained his beloved Hohner Morino VM.
He treasured the memory of many musical chats and adventures with the late Eann Nicholson and had innumerable sessions and trips with his long-time musical partner, Jocky Campbell. Right up until his death he enjoyed having at Thurso Accordion and fiddle Club. More than anything he loved the sound of a full band, especially those of his two musical heroes, Andrew Rankine and Iain MacPhail.
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
6th June 2015 – BBC at the quay – Family Ceilidh with Tom Orr SDB
13th June 2015 – Archive Session
20th June 2015 – Clappy Doo Ceilidh Band
27th June 2015 – Alexander Linsday SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 10th June 2015 – Jim Lindsay & Malcolm Ross
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 21st June 2015 – Dick Black Band
Arbroath (Artisan Golf Club) - 14th June 2015 – Leonard Brown & Maggie Adamson
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 29th June 2015 – Adin Graham SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 24th June 2015 – Luke Brady SDB
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 9th June 2015 – Alasdair MacLeod SDB
Britannia (Arden House Hotel ) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 11th June 2015 – George & David Rea
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 5th June 2015 – Annual Dance
Dunfermline (Civil Service Sports Assoc, Rosyth) –
Duns (Masonic Lodge)
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 23rd June 2015 – Steven Carcary Duo
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 28th June 2015 – Wullie Scott SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 10th June 2015 - AGM
Fort William (Railway Club) -
Galashiels (Clovenfords Hotel) –
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 3rd June 2015 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Gretna (The Gables Hotel) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) –
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) –
Kelso (Cross Rugby Club) – 5th June 2015 – 3 band Fundraising Ceilidh / Dance 10th June - AGM
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) -
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 20th June 2015 – Dance to Keith Robertson Duo
Langholm (British Legion) –
Lewis & Harris (Sea Angling Club) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 3rd June 2015 – Leonard Brown Trio
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Buccleugh Bowling Club)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 2nd June 2015 - AGM
Northern (Hilton Hotel & Country Club , Templepatrick, N.I.) -
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 24th June 2015 – Kirkjuvagr Ceilidh Band
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 4th June 2015 – Stuart Aderson Trio
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 2nd 9th 16th 23rd 30th June 2015 – Club Night
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 4th June 2015 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 18th June 2015 – AGM + Scott Leslie SDB
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Banff
5. Biggar
6. Button Key
7. Campsie
8. Castle Douglas
9. Coalburn
10. Crieff
11. Dunfermline
12. Duns
13. Fintry
14. Forfar
15. Forres
16. Gretna
17. Highland
18. Inveraray
19. Islesteps
20. Kelso
21. Ladybank
22. Lanark
23. Livingston
24. Lockerbie
25. Mauchline
26. Montrose
27. Newburgh
28. North East
29. Peebles
30. Perth
31. Turriff
32. Tynedale
33. West Barnes
34. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2014
(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. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
15. Coalburn A&F Club (
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
20. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
21. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
22. Ellon A&F Club (
23. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
28. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
29. 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)
30. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
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. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
37. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
38. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
39. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
41 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
42 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
43 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
44 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
45 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
46. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
47. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
49. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
50. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
51. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
52. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
53. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
54. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
55 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
56 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
57 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
58 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
58 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
60 West Barnes ( - present)
61 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?)
62. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
63. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
64. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
65. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
66. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
67. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
68. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
69. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
70. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
71. Buchan A&F Club
72. Callander A&F Club (
73. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
74. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
75. Club Accord
76. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
77 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
78. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
79. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
80. Cults A & F Club (
81. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
82. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
83. Derwentside A&F Club
84. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
85. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
86. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
87. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
88. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
89. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
90. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
91. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
92. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
93. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
94. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
95. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
96. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
97. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
98. Kintore A&F Club (
99. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
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. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
112. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
113. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
114. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
115. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
116. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
117. Selkirk A&F Club (
118. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
119. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
120. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
121 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
122 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
123. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
124. Tranent A&F Club
125. Vancouver
126. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
127. Wellbank A&F Club
128. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer – Charlie Todd, Thankerton
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
So many things have happened to promote…………………..
Pia Walker
Iain Wilson
by Charlie Kirkpatrick
Over the years many great players have graced the piano stools of our leading Scottish dance bands giving the drive and lift that every successful band needs. Into this category comes Iain Wilson, one of our most respected back line musicians. Recently I called in at his Crawford home to see Iain and to discover a little bit more about his long and varied musical career. It also gave me an opportunity to sample some of the delicious home baking of Iain’s wife Bertha.
Iain Wilson was born and brought up in Leadhills, South Lanarkshire and his musical story began in the early fifties when he was sent by his parents to piano lessons with a local tutor. Having progressed as far as Grade V1 on the piano his baptism to Scottish dance music came when he was 14 years of age. At that time all the top Scottish Dance bands, Jimmy Shand, Bobby MacLeod and Ian Powrie to name but a few, used to play regularly for dances in Crawford Hotel and one night when Jimmy Shand was playing, he invited Iain to play piano with the band for two dances. The young Iain was absolutely delighted to have been allowed to play with the great man. The next step was when at 17 years of age, Iain joined the Crawford Band which was led by Andrew Coke and in which his brother Kenny also played fiddle. Iain played with this popular band for about 10 years at many local venues under the name of the Crawford Band and also Andrew Coke’s Band.
I asked Iain who had been his main early influences on the Scottish dance music scene. Obviously the three aforementioned bands were a big influence but also Ian Holmes and Max Houliston used to come about the farm where Iain lived for a tune as brother Kenny played with both bands. In particular, Iain’s style of piano playing was influenced by Davy Whitehead who used to play with Bobby MacLeod and then latterly with Ian Holmes. As far as the present day piano players are concerned, Iain thinks that Isobel Hodgson is “absolutely brilliant”.
After having played with a number of local bands, in 1968 Iain got the chance to join the Eric Goodfellow Scottish Dance Band and he went on to play with Eric, who hailed from Langholm, for about 10 years during which time they did five broadcasts for Radio Scotland. Iain describes this band as being a brilliant band which was great to play in and was ahead of it’s time. I well remember those broadcasts and would totally agree with Iain’s opinion.
In 1978, Eric decided to give up the band and the opportunity arose for Iain to join Alex McArthur, who by now was based in Biggar, and was forming a new band. Iain went on to play with Alex for nearly 12 years during which time the band did 3 LP’s and did many broadcasts for both Radio Scotland and Radio Forth. In fact during one year the band did a total of 8 broadcasts – no mean feat. During the time Iain was with the band, Alex played at nearly every accordion and fiddle club in Scotland and beyond. As is well known, Alex was a master at gaining a rapport with his audience. Apparently he used to announce that he had done every accordion club except Boddam – Iain says “I have no idea whether there ever was an accordion club in Boddam but that was what Alex used to say”. There are many stories about Alex McArthur most of which are true and are therefore unprintable, but some are contained in Charlie Todd’s excellent archive article about Iain which appeared in the Box and Fiddle in January 2012.
Iain is a veteran of 52 broadcasts. As well as Eric Goodfellow and Alex McArthur, Iain did the audition and first broadcast of Alan Gardiner, the last broadcast of Max Houliston and has also broadcast with Roger Dobson. Over the years, as well as playing and doing broadcasts with those bands, Iain has also played with many local bands in and around the Lanarkshire and Borders area. Nowadays, Iain mainly plays with Dick Black, Janet Graham, Bill Richardson and John Douglas to say nothing of filling in on occasions with yours truly. In fact he played piano on Janet Graham’s CD the Strathcarron Collection, which won CD of the year at last year’s BAAFI awards and also raised about £7k for charity in the process.
Iain is an enthusiastic supporter of the accordion and fiddle club movement and currently attends regularly at the Livingston, Lockerbie, Langholm and Annan clubs where he is the resident piano player backing all the players. Iain enjoys the challenge of doing this and feels that it is the job of the backing group to make the front line players sound as good as they can be. He does get annoyed if he feels that the backing group are playing for themselves and not supporting the front line players as they should.
Iain has now retired after a career as a shepherd during which time he received long service awards from both the Scottish Landowners Federation (40 yrs service) and the Royal Highland Show (37 yrs service). Iain and his wife Bertha’s two sons Chris and Colin are both married, and have made Iain and Bertha the proud grandparents of Louise, Grant and Kevin. By way of celebrating a significant birthday later this year, Iain and Bertha are going out to Australia to visit Chris and family who now live in New South Wales.
That then is an insight into the life and times of Iain Wilson one of our most respected back line musicians and a worthy recipient of our Guest of Honour award at this year’s Celebrity Luncheon
Annan St Andrew’s A&F Club Celebrates 30th Birthday
by Nettie Taylor
On Sunday 5th April Annan Accordion & Fiddle club celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the formation of the Club. To mark the occasion, the members organised a dance, and during the evening a suitably decorated birthday cake was cut. The guest band was the Keith Robertson Duo, comprising Keith Robertson on accordion and Jack McLeish on drums.
Spring Concert in Orkney
by
Club members and friends………………
Morino Day at The Park
by Neil MacGregor
Once again the third Sunday in April saw a gathering of players and enthusiasts in Glasgow’s Park Bar for the biannual Morino Day session. Organised by Nicky McMichan as an informal get-together for Morino box players (and anyone else wanting a tune), it was a great day of music and catching up with friends, including such well-travelled folk as Aidan Frost from Ireland and Drewie Hawick, Maggie Adamson and Brian Nicholson from Shetland. Thanks to all who attended and had a tune and to the Park Bar for looking after us so well.
Players and attendees included: Alasdair MacLeod, Matthew MacLennan, Steven Nelson, Hamish MacDougall, Alasdair MacPhail, Susan MacFadyen, Nicky McMichan, Aidan Frost, John Burns, Mark Cummine, Craig McFadyen, Andy Kinnear, Finlay Robertson, Ally K. MacPherson, Drew Smilie, Stuart Cameron, Seamus O’Sullivan, Colin Garvin, Lisa Mitchell, Ross Wilson, George Burns, Campbell Brown, Lindsay Weir, Maggie Adamson, Brian Nicholson, Jim Clark, John Omand, Andy Philip. Apologies if I missed anyone, see you all for the next one in November.
In Memory
Logan MacGregor (17/05/1943 – 22/12/2014)
by Neil MacGregor
Logan was born in Latheron, Caithness and the youngest of 4. From a young age he was sent to Mrs Henderson of Wick for violin lessons and subsequently won the violin competition at the Caithness Music Festival, although the fiddle wasn’t really something he enjoyed playing. He much preferred the sound of the accordion and was a devoted listener to the Scottish Dance Music programme on Saturday nights, as was everyone back then. He also saw many of the legendary dance bands of the 1950’s as his mother was the keyholder for Latheron Hall. He was usually sent to open the hall to let the bands in. Alasdair Downie and his band made a particular impression on him.
In 1959 aged 15 he was accepted as an apprentice at the Alexander’s Ford garage in Edinburgh’s West End. Having taught himself the 5-row for a few years, he switched to piano accordion and went to Chrissie Leatham for lessons. He attended for about 3 years, forming a musical partnership with well-known accordionist Jim Newsome and played for Country Dancing around Edinburgh, before returning home to Caithness in 1964, where he remained for the rest of his life. He immediately began playing in pubs and at functions and dances and his band became well-known throughout the North. In 1990 after decades of yearning, he finally obtained his beloved Hohner Morino VM.
He treasured the memory of many musical chats and adventures with the late Eann Nicholson and had innumerable sessions and trips with his long-time musical partner, Jocky Campbell. Right up until his death he enjoyed having at Thurso Accordion and fiddle Club. More than anything he loved the sound of a full band, especially those of his two musical heroes, Andrew Rankine and Iain MacPhail.
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Robbie Shepherd (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
6th June 2015 – BBC at the quay – Family Ceilidh with Tom Orr SDB
13th June 2015 – Archive Session
20th June 2015 – Clappy Doo Ceilidh Band
27th June 2015 – Alexander Linsday SDB
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms) 10th June 2015 – Jim Lindsay & Malcolm Ross
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 21st June 2015 – Dick Black Band
Arbroath (Artisan Golf Club) - 14th June 2015 – Leonard Brown & Maggie Adamson
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) – 29th June 2015 – Adin Graham SDB
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 24th June 2015 – Luke Brady SDB
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 9th June 2015 – Alasdair MacLeod SDB
Britannia (Arden House Hotel ) -
Button Key (Windygates Institute) – 11th June 2015 – George & David Rea
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) -
Castle Douglas (Urr Valley Country House Hotel) –
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (Crieff Hotel)
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) –
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) – 5th June 2015 – Annual Dance
Dunfermline (Civil Service Sports Assoc, Rosyth) –
Duns (Masonic Lodge)
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 23rd June 2015 – Steven Carcary Duo
Fintry (Fintry Sports Centre) –
Forfar (Plough Inn) - 28th June 2015 – Wullie Scott SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 10th June 2015 - AGM
Fort William (Railway Club) -
Galashiels (Clovenfords Hotel) –
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 3rd June 2015 – Charlie Kirkpatrick Trio
Gretna (The Gables Hotel) -
Haddington (Railway Inn) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) –
Inveraray (Argyll Hotel) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) –
Kelso (Cross Rugby Club) – 5th June 2015 – 3 band Fundraising Ceilidh / Dance 10th June - AGM
Ladybank (Ladybank Tavern) -
Lanark (Ravenstruther Hall) - 20th June 2015 – Dance to Keith Robertson Duo
Langholm (British Legion) –
Lewis & Harris (Sea Angling Club) -
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Queen’s Hotel) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 3rd June 2015 – Leonard Brown Trio
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newmill-on-Teviot / Teviotdale (Buccleugh Bowling Club)
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) – 2nd June 2015 - AGM
Northern (Hilton Hotel & Country Club , Templepatrick, N.I.) -
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 24th June 2015 – Kirkjuvagr Ceilidh Band
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 4th June 2015 – Stuart Aderson Trio
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 2nd 9th 16th 23rd 30th June 2015 – Club Night
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Violet Football Social Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 4th June 2015 – Lomond Ceilidh Band
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 18th June 2015 – AGM + Scott Leslie SDB
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
West Barnes (West Barnes Inn)
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Alnwick
3. Annan
4. Banff
5. Biggar
6. Button Key
7. Campsie
8. Castle Douglas
9. Coalburn
10. Crieff
11. Dunfermline
12. Duns
13. Fintry
14. Forfar
15. Forres
16. Gretna
17. Highland
18. Inveraray
19. Islesteps
20. Kelso
21. Ladybank
22. Lanark
23. Livingston
24. Lockerbie
25. Mauchline
26. Montrose
27. Newburgh
28. North East
29. Peebles
30. Perth
31. Turriff
32. Tynedale
33. West Barnes
34. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2014
(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. Carlisle A&F Club (joined Sept 1993 -
14. Castle Douglas A&F Club (c Sept 1980 – present)
15. Coalburn A&F Club (
16. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
17. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
18. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
19. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
20. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
21. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
22. Ellon A&F Club (
23. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – present)
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glendale A&F Club (Jan 1973 – present)
28. Glenfarg A&F Club (formed 1988 joined Assoc Mar 95 -
29. 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)
30. Haddington A&F Club (formed Feb 2005 - )
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. Ladybank A&F Club (joined Apr 98 but formed earlier
37. Lanark A&F Club (joined Sept 96 – closed March 2015)
38. Langholm A&F Club (Oct 1967 - present)
39. Lewis & Harris A&F Club (Aug 1994 – present)
40. Livingston A&F Club (Sept 1973 – present)
41 Lockerbie A&F Club (Nov 1973 - present)
42 Mauchline A&F Club (Sept 1983 - present)
43 Montrose A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
44 Newmill-on-Teviot (Hawick) (Formed late 1988 joined Assoc 1999 - closed March 2016)
45 Newtongrange A&F Club (joined Sept 1977 - present)
46. North East A&F Club aka Keith A&FC (Sept 1971 - present)
47. Northern A&F Club (Sept 2011 -
48. Oban A&F Club (Nov 1975 - present)
49. Orkney A&F Club (Mar 1978 - present)
50. Peebles A&F Club (26 Nov 1981 - present)
51. Perth & District A&F Club (Aug 1970 - present)
52. Renfrew A&F Club (1984 -
53. Rothbury Accordion Club (7th Feb 1974) orig called Coquetdale
54. Shetland A&F Club (Sept 1978 - present)
55 Stonehouse A&F Club (first report June 05 -
56 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
57 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
58 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
58 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
60 West Barnes ( - present)
61 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?)
62. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
63. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
64. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
65. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
66. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
67. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
68. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
69. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
70. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
71. Buchan A&F Club
72. Callander A&F Club (
73. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
74. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
75. Club Accord
76. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
77 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
78. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
79. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
80. Cults A & F Club (
81. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
82. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
83. Derwentside A&F Club
84. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
85. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
86. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
87. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
88. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
89. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
90. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
91. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
92. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
93. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
94. Glenrothes A&F Club (Mar 93? – left the Assoc c2013)
95. Gorebridge (cNov 1981) originally called Arniston A&F Club (for 2 months)
96. Greenhead Accordion Club (on the A69 between Brampton and Haltwistle)
97. Islay A&F Club (23 Apr 93 -
98. Kintore A&F Club (
99. Kirriemuir A&F Club (cSept 1981)
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. Newton St Boswells Accordion Club (17th Oct 1972 see Apr 1984 obituary for Angus Park)
112. Ormiston Miners’ Welfare Society A&F Club (closed April 1992 – per Sept Editorial)
113. Premier A&F Club NI (April 1980)
114. Phoenix A&F Club, Ardrishaig (Dec 2004 -
115. Reading Scottish Fiddlers (cMarch 1997
116. Renfrew A&F Club (original club 1974/5 lapsed after a few years then again in 1984)
117. Selkirk A&F Club (
118. Stirling A&F Club (Oct 1991 – closed 20000/01?)
119. Straiton Accordion Club (c1968 – closed March 1979)
120. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
121 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
122 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
123. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
124. Tranent A&F Club
125. Vancouver
126. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
127. Wellbank A&F Club
128. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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