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July 2002

TARANSAY REELS AGAIN AS FIDDLERS TAKE UP RESIDENCE
The Hebridean Island which was home to BBC television's Castaway 2000 is being invaded again - this time by folk from much nearer home.

From July 15-19th Taransay will be home to fiddlers from Lewis and Harris - Fidhleirean Eilean an Fhraoich - who will host a week of top class fiddle tuition.

Leading the tutors will be the world famous Cape Bretoner Buddy MacMaster - uncle of the equally well known Natalie.  Buddy will be supported by Allan Henderson of Blazin' Fiddles, Alasdair Whyte of Battlefield Band, and Glenfiddich Fiddle Champion, Patsy Reid.

Organiser Dolan Morrison said: "It is very fitting that Buddy should be teaching his Gaelic based style back in the heart of Gaeldom which his ancestors left nearly 200 years ago at the time of the clearances.
"The beautiful island will resound once again to driving strathspeys and reels and students will enjoy the modernised accommodation left behind by the Castaways."

Fiddlers of all ages from the Hebrides will be joined by students from Scotland, England and Ireland and as far afield as Australia.

When they're not playing fiddle and ceilidhing the nights away, the participants will have opportunities to learn Gaelic conversation; pick up stepdancing from Alison MacLeod of the Scottish Stepdance Company; play shinty on the machair; explore the island; and learn its history from Harris based genealogists Bill and Chris Lawson.

To finish off the week, the whole group will lead a Friday night public ceilidh/dance in Tarbert Hall back on mainland Harris where more fun will be had to the wee sma hours.  The tuition programme has received support from Western Isles Enterprise and the EU-funded Community Economic Development programme.

The course is now fully booked for this year.  See the web site at Music Scotland - Fiddlers

For further details contact: Dolan Morrison at [email protected]  or phone 01851 706748.