Box and Fiddle
Year 41 No 10
June 2018
Price £3.00
44 Page Magazine
12 month subscription £33.60 + p&p £15.85 (UK)
Editor – Pia Walker, Cupar
B&F Treasurer – Willie Johnstone, Inverurie
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
June and AGM time – it is amazing………
Pia Walker
Freeland Barbour – Guest of Honour 2018
by Charlie Kirkpatrick
The name Freeland Barbour is synonymous with the very best in Scottish dance music mainly through being a member of the Wallochmor Ceilidh Band and also as a producer with “Take the Floor”. I caught up with him recently to find out that there is much more to this Perthshire lad o’ pairts.
For as long as he can remember Freeland wanted to play the accordion. He doesn’t know why, but he can remember badgering his mother to take him to the Jimmy Shand Show at Pitlochry Theatre in about 1960 and being a little disappointed that there was a lot of dancing and singing but the accordion was somewhat in the background. Nor did he know that the instrument played so effortlessly by the legendary Mr Shand was in fact a good deal different from the first accordion that his parents later bought for him from Bill Wilkie in Perth - a Hohner Lucia 1V 96 bass piano box.
Freeland was brought up in the long-time family home in Glen Fincastle, north- west of Pitlochry. He well remembers in the local hall the old 78’s of Shand, Bobby Macleod and Jim Cameron being played for dances and also the live music of Bert Cameron and his band. This clearly made a deep impression on him, but music making for Freeland also started to include song and folk song in particular. “I had started piano lessons when I was about five” says Freeland, “and having had a few lessons from Margaret Cameron in Pitlochry the accordion began to go quite well in my teens, but I also played guitar, banjo, whistle, autoharp, mandolin, bouzouki, synth, clarinet and pretty much anything I could get a hold of and make a noise with”.
University took Freeland down to East Anglia where he found himself playing mainly Irish music having discovered that it was a mighty good passport to a free pint and even the occasional fee! Coming back north as a post graduate to Aberdeen, he fell in with an up and coming folk group named Silly Wizard and ended up joining them full time in the summer of 1975. Their instrumentals had an Irish flavour led by whizz-kid fiddler Johnny Cunningham and Freeland spent a fair amount of time introducing a more Scottish slant to their repertoire. He had a year and a half of brilliant times with them working mainly in England and on the Continent but eventually decided that he wanted to come back north and turn his hand to different things.
About this time he teamed up with Sandy Coghill a three row box player originally from Caithness but living in Edinburgh and in 1977 they were joined by Neil MacMillan on piano, Gus Millar on drums and the late Jim Barrie on fiddle to form the Wallochmor Ceilidh Band. What followed was a pretty hectic time with recordings, tours, radio, TV, constant gigs and of course they all had full time jobs. Freeland had been working in the housing world but he successfully applied for and got a job as a radio music producer with the BBC. Based in Aberdeen he worked not only with Robbie Shepherd on “Take the Floor” and “The Reel Blend” but also with presenters Gerry Davis, Noel Cannon and a host of other people. In a sense “Take the Floor” had to be put back on the map as its long time presenter David Findlay had sadly lost his life in a car accident, its producer had left and Robbie had recently taken over. Old bands had to be reintroduced, new bands found and given a chance and generally a direction re-established. Freeland is immensely proud of what was achieved. He says; “Robbie of course was brilliant but there was also so much help and support from so many people throughout the Scottish music world that it was a definite high point and privilege for me and I can never thank them enough for their contribution”.
Having now had a number of years of this high octane life Freeland felt that it was now time for new challenges. He and Sandy Coghill had already set up Lapwing Records and it was decided to push this forward along with other business ventures including a music publishing business, a mobile recording unit and a sound hire company. Sandy Coghill had moved to Skye and the Wallochmor activity had necessarily declined but Freeland had been playing with fiddler Charlie Soane and guitarist Brian Miller as the Occasionals and with the addition of Kevin Macleod on banjo and mandolin this became the main vehicle for performance of both concert and dance work. Recordings, tours, TV and radio work have continued with many highlights of different kinds and the current line-up at full strength is Freeland, Kevin, Gus, Neil, Alison Smith and Mairi Campbell on fiddle with dance caller Sheila McCutcheon.
Most of Freeland’s many recordings have been self-produced but he has lost count of the number of recordings he has produced for other musicians over a broad musical spectrum. One recording that will always live with him was working with the late great Scottish actor Tom Fleming on his readings from the Lorimer translation of the New Testament into Scots. Two other musical connections that are worthy of mention are his interest in Scandinavian music as a part time member of the Faroese band Spaelimenninir and also work with the Ghillies led by his great friend the late Ian Hardie
In addition to producing music, Freeland has done a fair bit of teaching particularly as the first accordion tutor on the BA course in Scottish Traditional Music at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow. He has also been involved in many composition projects. “Over the years I have composed a lot in various idioms” he says “and I have been extremely fortunate in that quite a lot of my stuff has been performed and recorded by others over quite a wide musical spectrum”. Two books of Freeland’s work were published by Deeay Music in the 1980s and within the last two years one of the leading Scottish publishers Birlinn produced the 2 volume collection “The Music and the Land” being a collection of most of Freeland’s work illustrated by some utterly stunning photography mainly by Cailean Maclean from Skye. Freeland says “It’s huge, it’s heavy and something that I’d been longing to do for years”.
Freeland has long pioneered the use of smaller and also wood finished accordions and has had some of his ideas put into practice by Pigini, Zero Sette and Brandoni. He is keen to mention particular thanks to Prof. Owen Murray, John Huband and Charlie Watkins respectively for their assistance. Though not claiming to be the next Ian Holmes, he dabbles with the 5 row, struggles with the D/G melodeon and concertina and is still pretty much at sea with the 40 key Shand Morino that he recently acquired.
In 1998 came quite a leap of faith when Freeland purchased Castlesound Studios from old friend Calum Malcolm. The hard work involved in this project has somewhat reduced Freeland’s other musical activities over the last while but it has been well worth it as it is still very much the “go-to” place for the wider professional music world for all styles of music as well as film soundtrack and radio dramas.
What of the future? “Well I’ve started writing a bit and have just finished a biography of Carolina Oliphant, Lady Nairne, the Scottish songwriter, which will be published in the autumn. There will I hope be more gigs, compositions and recordings – and I’ve still got to learn this Shand Morino thing. The Bluebells of Scotland in C is where I’m presently at and that’s not really good enough”.
That then is Freeland Barbour – someone whose contribution to our music scene cannot be underestimated and someone who is well worthy to be Guest of Honour at our annual Celebrity Luncheon on Sunday 24 June 2018
Donal Ring – 60 Years in Entertainment
by TWAE
Ireland’s finest and most decorated accordion player celebrated by arranging a family concert / dance at the prestigious Vienna Woods Hotel in Cork. The family had quietly asked musical and family friend Bruce Lindsay and a small contingent of Scottish friends to attend as surprise guests. We were privileged to be asked. His wife Bridie and daughter Frances greeted everyone at the door and Donal was thrilled to see his old friend. The family made the five of us very welcome as did many of the other 350 guests. The evening started with an introduction by the Mayor who confirmed another accolade upon Donal as Person of the Year for entertainment.
The music started and was led by Donal, son Donnie, Dermot, daughters Breda and Mary and current singer Con and the dance floor was packed all evening. Because so many of the family are entertainers, they split the family into separate bands. Donnie accompanied by the internationally renowned singer Terry MacArthur led one. Son Dermot was accompanied by his singing wife Irene in another. Aiden playing his Shand Morino represented the next generation. The night was magic, the entertainment brilliant and the presentation professional. Celebrations continued at smaller venues throughout the week.
On behalf of Bruce Lindsay and ourselves may I take this opportunity to thank the Ring family for their kind invitation and to offer congratulations to Donal and to extend our best wishes to his lovely wife Bridie.
The Fiddlers of Strathspey Festival – 8th-10th June 2018 – Grantown, Capital of Strathspey
by
The Fiddler of Strathspey Festival, now in its fourth year, is a celebration of the work of Angus Cumming and the rich Strathspey tradition. It promises to provide a stage for musicians young and old, novices and masters. Fiddlers and other traditional musicians are invited to take part in the celebration of Strathspey in all its forms, its music, its songs, and its dance.
There is an opportunity to showcase talent and enthusiasm in the Saturday morning’s competitions, climaxing in the presentation of the Maggie Adamson Goblet to the ‘2018 Fiddler of Strathspey.’ As well as this prestigious award there are fiddle classes for 12 and Under and 16 and Under. Open trophies also include the Reidhaven Quaich and the society Cup. The Imray Trophy will be presented to the fiddler whose enthusiasm and potential most impress the judges.
Paul Anderson, this year’s leading fiddler and acclaimed as “one of the most respected exponents of the Scots fiddle tradition today,” will play a major part throughout. He will open the Festival on Friday night in the Ben Mhor with a unique concert featuring strathspey. He will be aided by a piper, dancers and other fiddlers and singer and fiddler Shona Donaldson.
The Grantown Community Centre will be renamed the Fiddlers’ and Music Rooms for the day, where musicians can join the afternoon’s sessions, rehearsals and workshops culminating in a memorable finale. No such Festival would be complete without a ceilidh, and the Saturday evening in the Ben Mhor will witness such an experience.
Back in the early 19th century, Pastor Peter Grant, Padraig Grannd nan Oran broke with tradition and led the singing in the services with his fiddle. With this in mind, some of our fiddlers have offered to accompany singing at the Festival Sunday service. There may well be further pub sessions at lunchtime!
Strathspey has given its name to a unique music and dance tradition, which is celebrated across the world. There is no more appropriate venue than Grantown, the capital of Strathspey, for the Fiddler of Strathspey Festival and it is hoped the event will continue to flourish and go from strength to strength.
Centre Stage
Raymond Chuchuk
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
2nd June 2018 – James Coutts SDB + Libby & Eilidh Shaw
9th June 2018 – Archive Session John Renton SDB + Belfast Branch RSCDS
16th June 2018 – David Kennedy SDB + New York Piper Keegan Sheehan
23rd June 2018 – ? + Nicol McLaren with chat on the NAAFC 2018 Guests of Honour
30th June 2018 - ? + members of Runrig ahead of their big concert in Stirling
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th June 2018 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 10th June 2018 – Seamus O’Sullivan
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 27th June 2018 – Jim Cleland SDB
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 12th June 2018 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 14th June 2018 – Raith Probus Band
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 14th June 2018 – Janet Graham Trio
Castle Douglas (Springholm Memorial Hall) –
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) -
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (British Legion) 7th June 2018 – Button & Bows
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th June 2018 – Inver-Ross Group and Tarradale Fiddlers
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) –
Duns (Masonic Lodge)
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 19th June 2018 – Steven Carcary Duo
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 24th June 2018 – Alan Crookston SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th June 2018 – Graeme MacKay
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glasgow (Scotstounhill Bowling Club) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 6th June 2018 – Gordon Pattullo Duo
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 18th June 2018 – Nicola Morrison +AGM
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) –
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 13th June 2018 - AGM
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 17th June 2018 – Open Day
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 7th June 2018 – Club Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th June 2018 – Billy Anderson Band
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 6th 13th 20th June 2018 – Club Night 27th June 2018 Matthew Maclennan Trio
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 7th June 2018 – Juneilian (Neil McMillan Trio)
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 5th 12th 26th June 2018 – Club Night 19th June 2018 – Sounds Instrumental
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Bowling Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 7th June 2018 – Dave Husband Sound
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 21st June 2018 – Glencraig SDB
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Banff & District
4. Biggar
5. Blairgowrie
6. Buttonkey
7. Castle Douglas
8. Coalburn
9. Crieff
10. Dingwall & District
11. Dunfermline
12. Duns
13. Ellon
14. Forfar
15. Forres
16. Glendale
17. Glenfarg
18. Highland
19. Inveraray
20. Isle of Skye
21. Kelso
22. Lewis & Harris
23. Livingston
24. Lockerbie
25. Mauchline
26. Montrose
27. Newburgh
28. North East
29. Orkney
30. Perth
31. Rothbury
32. Seghill
33. Stonehouse
34. Turriff & District
35. Tynedale
36. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2016
(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. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
16. Coalburn A&F Club (
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
21. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
22. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
23. Ellon A&F Club (
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 -
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 Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
53 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
54 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
55 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
56 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
57 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?)
58. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
59. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
60. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
61. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
62. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
63. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
64. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
65. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
66. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Callander A&F Club (
69. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
70. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
71. Club Accord
72. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
73 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
74. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
75. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
76. Cults A & F Club (
77. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
78. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
79. Derwentside A&F Club
80. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
81. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
82. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
83. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
84. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
85. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
86. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
87. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
88. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
89. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
90. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
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. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
123 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
124 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
125. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
126. Tranent A&F Club
127. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
128. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
129. Wellbank A&F Club
130. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
131. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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B&F Treasurer – Willie Johnstone, Inverurie
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
June and AGM time – it is amazing………
Pia Walker
Freeland Barbour – Guest of Honour 2018
by Charlie Kirkpatrick
The name Freeland Barbour is synonymous with the very best in Scottish dance music mainly through being a member of the Wallochmor Ceilidh Band and also as a producer with “Take the Floor”. I caught up with him recently to find out that there is much more to this Perthshire lad o’ pairts.
For as long as he can remember Freeland wanted to play the accordion. He doesn’t know why, but he can remember badgering his mother to take him to the Jimmy Shand Show at Pitlochry Theatre in about 1960 and being a little disappointed that there was a lot of dancing and singing but the accordion was somewhat in the background. Nor did he know that the instrument played so effortlessly by the legendary Mr Shand was in fact a good deal different from the first accordion that his parents later bought for him from Bill Wilkie in Perth - a Hohner Lucia 1V 96 bass piano box.
Freeland was brought up in the long-time family home in Glen Fincastle, north- west of Pitlochry. He well remembers in the local hall the old 78’s of Shand, Bobby Macleod and Jim Cameron being played for dances and also the live music of Bert Cameron and his band. This clearly made a deep impression on him, but music making for Freeland also started to include song and folk song in particular. “I had started piano lessons when I was about five” says Freeland, “and having had a few lessons from Margaret Cameron in Pitlochry the accordion began to go quite well in my teens, but I also played guitar, banjo, whistle, autoharp, mandolin, bouzouki, synth, clarinet and pretty much anything I could get a hold of and make a noise with”.
University took Freeland down to East Anglia where he found himself playing mainly Irish music having discovered that it was a mighty good passport to a free pint and even the occasional fee! Coming back north as a post graduate to Aberdeen, he fell in with an up and coming folk group named Silly Wizard and ended up joining them full time in the summer of 1975. Their instrumentals had an Irish flavour led by whizz-kid fiddler Johnny Cunningham and Freeland spent a fair amount of time introducing a more Scottish slant to their repertoire. He had a year and a half of brilliant times with them working mainly in England and on the Continent but eventually decided that he wanted to come back north and turn his hand to different things.
About this time he teamed up with Sandy Coghill a three row box player originally from Caithness but living in Edinburgh and in 1977 they were joined by Neil MacMillan on piano, Gus Millar on drums and the late Jim Barrie on fiddle to form the Wallochmor Ceilidh Band. What followed was a pretty hectic time with recordings, tours, radio, TV, constant gigs and of course they all had full time jobs. Freeland had been working in the housing world but he successfully applied for and got a job as a radio music producer with the BBC. Based in Aberdeen he worked not only with Robbie Shepherd on “Take the Floor” and “The Reel Blend” but also with presenters Gerry Davis, Noel Cannon and a host of other people. In a sense “Take the Floor” had to be put back on the map as its long time presenter David Findlay had sadly lost his life in a car accident, its producer had left and Robbie had recently taken over. Old bands had to be reintroduced, new bands found and given a chance and generally a direction re-established. Freeland is immensely proud of what was achieved. He says; “Robbie of course was brilliant but there was also so much help and support from so many people throughout the Scottish music world that it was a definite high point and privilege for me and I can never thank them enough for their contribution”.
Having now had a number of years of this high octane life Freeland felt that it was now time for new challenges. He and Sandy Coghill had already set up Lapwing Records and it was decided to push this forward along with other business ventures including a music publishing business, a mobile recording unit and a sound hire company. Sandy Coghill had moved to Skye and the Wallochmor activity had necessarily declined but Freeland had been playing with fiddler Charlie Soane and guitarist Brian Miller as the Occasionals and with the addition of Kevin Macleod on banjo and mandolin this became the main vehicle for performance of both concert and dance work. Recordings, tours, TV and radio work have continued with many highlights of different kinds and the current line-up at full strength is Freeland, Kevin, Gus, Neil, Alison Smith and Mairi Campbell on fiddle with dance caller Sheila McCutcheon.
Most of Freeland’s many recordings have been self-produced but he has lost count of the number of recordings he has produced for other musicians over a broad musical spectrum. One recording that will always live with him was working with the late great Scottish actor Tom Fleming on his readings from the Lorimer translation of the New Testament into Scots. Two other musical connections that are worthy of mention are his interest in Scandinavian music as a part time member of the Faroese band Spaelimenninir and also work with the Ghillies led by his great friend the late Ian Hardie
In addition to producing music, Freeland has done a fair bit of teaching particularly as the first accordion tutor on the BA course in Scottish Traditional Music at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow. He has also been involved in many composition projects. “Over the years I have composed a lot in various idioms” he says “and I have been extremely fortunate in that quite a lot of my stuff has been performed and recorded by others over quite a wide musical spectrum”. Two books of Freeland’s work were published by Deeay Music in the 1980s and within the last two years one of the leading Scottish publishers Birlinn produced the 2 volume collection “The Music and the Land” being a collection of most of Freeland’s work illustrated by some utterly stunning photography mainly by Cailean Maclean from Skye. Freeland says “It’s huge, it’s heavy and something that I’d been longing to do for years”.
Freeland has long pioneered the use of smaller and also wood finished accordions and has had some of his ideas put into practice by Pigini, Zero Sette and Brandoni. He is keen to mention particular thanks to Prof. Owen Murray, John Huband and Charlie Watkins respectively for their assistance. Though not claiming to be the next Ian Holmes, he dabbles with the 5 row, struggles with the D/G melodeon and concertina and is still pretty much at sea with the 40 key Shand Morino that he recently acquired.
In 1998 came quite a leap of faith when Freeland purchased Castlesound Studios from old friend Calum Malcolm. The hard work involved in this project has somewhat reduced Freeland’s other musical activities over the last while but it has been well worth it as it is still very much the “go-to” place for the wider professional music world for all styles of music as well as film soundtrack and radio dramas.
What of the future? “Well I’ve started writing a bit and have just finished a biography of Carolina Oliphant, Lady Nairne, the Scottish songwriter, which will be published in the autumn. There will I hope be more gigs, compositions and recordings – and I’ve still got to learn this Shand Morino thing. The Bluebells of Scotland in C is where I’m presently at and that’s not really good enough”.
That then is Freeland Barbour – someone whose contribution to our music scene cannot be underestimated and someone who is well worthy to be Guest of Honour at our annual Celebrity Luncheon on Sunday 24 June 2018
Donal Ring – 60 Years in Entertainment
by TWAE
Ireland’s finest and most decorated accordion player celebrated by arranging a family concert / dance at the prestigious Vienna Woods Hotel in Cork. The family had quietly asked musical and family friend Bruce Lindsay and a small contingent of Scottish friends to attend as surprise guests. We were privileged to be asked. His wife Bridie and daughter Frances greeted everyone at the door and Donal was thrilled to see his old friend. The family made the five of us very welcome as did many of the other 350 guests. The evening started with an introduction by the Mayor who confirmed another accolade upon Donal as Person of the Year for entertainment.
The music started and was led by Donal, son Donnie, Dermot, daughters Breda and Mary and current singer Con and the dance floor was packed all evening. Because so many of the family are entertainers, they split the family into separate bands. Donnie accompanied by the internationally renowned singer Terry MacArthur led one. Son Dermot was accompanied by his singing wife Irene in another. Aiden playing his Shand Morino represented the next generation. The night was magic, the entertainment brilliant and the presentation professional. Celebrations continued at smaller venues throughout the week.
On behalf of Bruce Lindsay and ourselves may I take this opportunity to thank the Ring family for their kind invitation and to offer congratulations to Donal and to extend our best wishes to his lovely wife Bridie.
The Fiddlers of Strathspey Festival – 8th-10th June 2018 – Grantown, Capital of Strathspey
by
The Fiddler of Strathspey Festival, now in its fourth year, is a celebration of the work of Angus Cumming and the rich Strathspey tradition. It promises to provide a stage for musicians young and old, novices and masters. Fiddlers and other traditional musicians are invited to take part in the celebration of Strathspey in all its forms, its music, its songs, and its dance.
There is an opportunity to showcase talent and enthusiasm in the Saturday morning’s competitions, climaxing in the presentation of the Maggie Adamson Goblet to the ‘2018 Fiddler of Strathspey.’ As well as this prestigious award there are fiddle classes for 12 and Under and 16 and Under. Open trophies also include the Reidhaven Quaich and the society Cup. The Imray Trophy will be presented to the fiddler whose enthusiasm and potential most impress the judges.
Paul Anderson, this year’s leading fiddler and acclaimed as “one of the most respected exponents of the Scots fiddle tradition today,” will play a major part throughout. He will open the Festival on Friday night in the Ben Mhor with a unique concert featuring strathspey. He will be aided by a piper, dancers and other fiddlers and singer and fiddler Shona Donaldson.
The Grantown Community Centre will be renamed the Fiddlers’ and Music Rooms for the day, where musicians can join the afternoon’s sessions, rehearsals and workshops culminating in a memorable finale. No such Festival would be complete without a ceilidh, and the Saturday evening in the Ben Mhor will witness such an experience.
Back in the early 19th century, Pastor Peter Grant, Padraig Grannd nan Oran broke with tradition and led the singing in the services with his fiddle. With this in mind, some of our fiddlers have offered to accompany singing at the Festival Sunday service. There may well be further pub sessions at lunchtime!
Strathspey has given its name to a unique music and dance tradition, which is celebrated across the world. There is no more appropriate venue than Grantown, the capital of Strathspey, for the Fiddler of Strathspey Festival and it is hoped the event will continue to flourish and go from strength to strength.
Centre Stage
Raymond Chuchuk
Take the Floor – Saturday Evenings 19.05 – 21.00 with Gary Innes (repeated on Sunday’s 13.05 – 15.00)
2nd June 2018 – James Coutts SDB + Libby & Eilidh Shaw
9th June 2018 – Archive Session John Renton SDB + Belfast Branch RSCDS
16th June 2018 – David Kennedy SDB + New York Piper Keegan Sheehan
23rd June 2018 – ? + Nicol McLaren with chat on the NAAFC 2018 Guests of Honour
30th June 2018 - ? + members of Runrig ahead of their big concert in Stirling
CLUB DIARY
Aberdeen (Old Machar RBL) –
Alnwick (The Farrier’s Arms)
Annan (St Andrew’s Social Club) - 17th June 2018 – Sandy Nixon SDB
Arbroath (Arbroath Artisan Golf Club) - 10th June 2018 – Seamus O’Sullivan
Balloch (St. Kessog’s Church Hall) –
Banchory (Burnett Arms Hotel) –
Banff & District (Banff Springs Hotel) – 27th June 2018 – Jim Cleland SDB
Beith & District (Beith Bowling Club) –
Biggar (Biggar Bowling Club) –
Blairgowrie (Red House Hotel) - 12th June 2018 – Iain Cathcart SDB
Button Key (Greig Institute, Windygates) – 14th June 2018 – Raith Probus Band
Campsie (Glazert Country House Hotel) -
Carlisle (St Margaret Mary Social Club) - 14th June 2018 – Janet Graham Trio
Castle Douglas (Springholm Memorial Hall) –
Clydesdale (St Mary’s Club Rooms, Lanark) -
Coalburn (Miners’ Welfare) -
Crieff & District (British Legion) 7th June 2018 – Button & Bows
Dalriada (Argyll Inn, Lochgilphead) -
Dingwall (National Hotel) – 6th June 2018 – Inver-Ross Group and Tarradale Fiddlers
Dunblane (Victoria Hall) –
Dunfermline (Sportsman Bar, Rosyth) –
Duns (Masonic Lodge)
Ellon (Station Hotel) – 19th June 2018 – Steven Carcary Duo
Forfar (Forfar RBL) - 24th June 2018 – Alan Crookston SDB
Forres (Victoria Hotel) – 13th June 2018 – Graeme MacKay
Fort William (Railway Club, Inverlochy) -
Galashiels (Gala YM RFC) -
Glasgow (Scotstounhill Bowling Club) -
Glendale (The Glendale Hall) -
Glenfarg (Glenfarg Village Hall) - 6th June 2018 – Gordon Pattullo Duo
Gretna (The Solway Lodge Hotel) -
Highland (Waterside Hotel) – 18th June 2018 – Nicola Morrison +AGM
Inveraray (Inveraray Inn) -
Isle of Skye – (The Royal Hotel, Portree) -
Islesteps (Locharbriggs Social Club) –
Kelso (Kelso Rugby Club) – 13th June 2018 - AGM
Langholm (Langholm Social Club) – 17th June 2018 – Open Day
Lewis & Harris (Caladh Inn, Stornoway) - 7th June 2018 – Club Night
Livingston (Hilcroft Hotel, Whitburn)
Lockerbie (Mid Annandale Comrades Club)
Macmerry (Miners Social Club) -
Mauchline (Harry Lyle Suite) -
Montrose (Park Hotel) – 6th June 2018 – Billy Anderson Band
Newburgh (Adbie Hall) -
Newtongrange (Dean Tavern) –
North East (Royal British Legion, Keith) –
Oban (The Royal Hotel) –
Orkney (The Reel, Kirkwall) – 6th 13th 20th June 2018 – Club Night 27th June 2018 Matthew Maclennan Trio
Peebles (Rugby Social Club) –
Perth & District (Salutation Hotel) –
Renfrew (Masonic Hall, Broadloan) –
Rothbury (Queen’s Head Hotel) - 7th June 2018 – Juneilian (Neil McMillan Trio)
Seghill (Old Comrades Club) - 5th 12th 26th June 2018 – Club Night 19th June 2018 – Sounds Instrumental
Shetland (Shetland Hotel, Lerwick) -
Stonehouse (Stonehouse Bowling Club) -
Sutherland (Rogart Village Hall) -
Thurso (Pentland Hotel) –
Turriff (Commercial Hotel, Cuminestown) – 7th June 2018 – Dave Husband Sound
Tynedale (Hexham Ex Service Club) – 21st June 2018 – Glencraig SDB
Uist & Benbecula (C of S Hall, Griminish) -
Wick (MacKay’s Hotel) –
THERE WERE CLUB REPORTS FROM :-
1. Aberdeen
2. Annan
3. Banff & District
4. Biggar
5. Blairgowrie
6. Buttonkey
7. Castle Douglas
8. Coalburn
9. Crieff
10. Dingwall & District
11. Dunfermline
12. Duns
13. Ellon
14. Forfar
15. Forres
16. Glendale
17. Glenfarg
18. Highland
19. Inveraray
20. Isle of Skye
21. Kelso
22. Lewis & Harris
23. Livingston
24. Lockerbie
25. Mauchline
26. Montrose
27. Newburgh
28. North East
29. Orkney
30. Perth
31. Rothbury
32. Seghill
33. Stonehouse
34. Turriff & District
35. Tynedale
36. Wick
CLUB DIRECTORY AS AT OCT 2016
(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. Clydesdale A&F Club (Sept 2016 – present)
16. Coalburn A&F Club (
17. Crieff A&F Club (cSept 1981)
18. Dalriada A&F Club (Feb 1981)
19. Dingwall & District A&F Club (May 1979 – per first report)
20. Dunblane & District A&F Club (1971 – present)
21. Dunfermline & District A&F Club (1974 – per first edition)
22. Duns A&F Club (formed 20th Sept 04 – present)
23. Ellon A&F Club (
24. Forfar A&F Club (
25. Forres A&F Club (Jan 1978)
26. Galashiels A&F Club (joined Sept 1982 - present)
27. Glasgow A&F Club (Aug 2017 -
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 Stonehouse A&F Club (Opened 2003 - first report June 05 – Closed April 2018)
53 Thurso A&F Club (Oct 1981 - present)
54 Turriff A&F Club (1st April 1982 - present)
55 Tynedale A&F Club (Nov 1980 - present)
56 Uist & Benbecula A&F Club (Dec 2007 but formed 1994 -
57 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?)
58. Araharacle & District A&F Club (cMay 1988)
59. Armadale A&F Club (Oct 1978? or 80) originally called Bathgate Club (for 2 months) Last meeting May 2010
60. Ayr A&F Club (Nov 1983 – per Nov 83 edition) Closed
61. Belford A&F Club (joined Sept 1982)
62. Bonchester Accordion Club (Closed?)
63. Bridge of Allan (Walmer) A&F Club (Walmer Hotel, Bridge of Allan) (c March 1982)
64. Brigmill A&F Club (Oct 1990) Closed
65. Britannia B&F Club ( joined 07-08 but much older
66. Bromley A&F Club (joined 95-96 – closed early 08-09)
67. Buchan A&F Club
68. Callander A&F Club (
69. Campbeltown & District A&F Club (c Dec 1980)
70. Cleland (cNov 1981 – March 1985) originally called Drumpellier A&F Club (for 2 months)
71. Club Accord
72. Coldingham A&F Club (Nov 2008 – cFeb 2014)
73 Coquetdale A&F Club (Feb 1974 or c1976/77 – 1981/2? – became Rothbury?)
74. Coupar Angus A&F Club (cSept 1978 - ?)
75. Crathes (aka Scottish Accordion Music – Crathes) (Nov 1997 -
76. Cults A & F Club (
77. Cumnock A&F Club (October 1976 - forced to close cDec 1982 - see Jan 83 Editorial)
78. Denny & Dunipace A&F Club (Feb 1981)
79. Derwentside A&F Club
80. Dornoch A&F Club (first mention in directory 1986)
81. Dumfries Accordion Club (Oughtons) (April 1965 at the Hole in the Wa’)
82. Dunbar Cement Works A&F Club (Closed?)
83. Dundee & District A&F Club (January 1971 – 1995?)
84. Dunoon & Cowal A&F Club (
85. East Kilbride A&F Club (Sept 1980 – Closed 04/05)
86. Edinburgh A&F Club (Apr 1981) prev called Chrissie Leatham A&F Club (Oct 1980)
87. Falkirk A&F Club (Sept 1978 - )
88. Fintry A&F Club (Dec 1972 – reformed Jan 1980 – ?)
89. Fort William A&F Club (21st Oct 1980 – per Dec 1980 B&F)
90. Galston A&F Club (Oct 1969 – per first edition – closed March 2006)
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. Stranraer & District Accordion Club (1974 – per first edition)
123 Sutherland A&F Club (Nov 1982 -
124 Thornhill A&F Club (joined Oct 1983 – see Nov 83 edition – closed April 2014)
125. Torthorwald A&F Club (near Dumfries)
126. Tranent A&F Club
127. Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra
128. Walmer (Bridge of Allan) A&F Club
129. Wellbank A&F Club
130. West Barnes (1981? - April 2016?)
131. Yarrow (prev known as Etterick & Yarrow) (Jan 1989 – closed 2001/02)
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