Scottish Fiddling
Fiddling in Scotland was primarily a social activity. Most towns and villages had a fiddler who performed for dances and other social occasions. Frequently, clan chiefs took fiddlers under their patronage. William Marshal, who composed a great many fiddle tunes, thrived under the patronage of the Duke of Gordon, and Neil Gow enjoyed the support of the Dukes of Atholl.
Following the 1745 Rising, the same proscriptions that banned the wearing of the kilt, also forbade the playing of bagpipes. During this time, it was the fiddle that saved much of Scotland’s musical heritage from extinction. It was also the fiddle that came with the Scottish immigrants to the mountains of the Eastern United States, and one can readily hear the Scottish jigs and reels in much of the mountain bluegrass and old-time music of today.
Saturday Events
- Scottish Fiddling Competition
- Scottish F.I.R.E. Sanctioned Competition
The Scottish Fiddle competition starts at 2 PM on Saturday at the Marathon Tent.
Winners may also be recommended for the National Scottish F.I.R.E. Competition at the Judge's discretion.
Sunday Events
About the Judge
Dr. John Turner
played a major role in the revival of interest in traditional Scottish fiddle music over the last four decades.