Barn music festival returns for ninth time

An annual traditional music festival will return for a ninth time later this month.

The House Folk Scottish Music Festival runs on next Thursday and Friday (November 10 and 11) at Kinlochard.

Top Celtic and folk musicians will play at MacGregor’s Barn - which was built in 1604 - at Ledard Farm.

Both nights start at 7.30pm for 8pm with the main act on each night providing entertainment over two 45 minute sets and support acts doing two 25 minute sets.

On the Thursday, Neil Ewart and Luc McNally - a fiddle, box and guitar duo - are two of the promising young acts appearing.

Neil Ewart, originally from Kilchoan in Ardnamurchan, was taught classically as a youngster beginning at the age of eight, whilst Newcastle-born Luc’s background in traditional music comes from many influences. He was brought up on the music of Scotland, Ireland and Northumberland and often sang in choirs at school. They will be joined by Craig Baxter and Robyn Ada McKay. As well as playing snare drum, Craig plays several other types of percussion, such as bodhran, djembe and cajon.

Robyn is a Glasgow-based musician, currently studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. In this concert Robyn will be playing whistle, Border and Highland bagpipes.

The following evening, Iain Thomson, Murray Willis and Marc Duff will all appear. Iain has been described as a man who writes contemporary songs with a traditional twist.

Marc is known primarily for co-founding the notable Celtic band Capercaillie with whom he has toured extensively and made many successful recordings.

Gaelic speaker, Murray, who also plays piano and alto saxophone and has a keen interest in languages, was a finalist in this year’s BBC Young Traditional Musician.

The concerts offer an expo of bagpipe, accordion, strings, fiddle, vocals and flute music fusing traditional and contemporary Scottish styles. Each night differs from the other but both include a blend of great music for everyone with a mix of folk, modern and traditional styles.

“We have got all new acts this year,” said organiser Gregor Wood. “They are all very talented musicians who are taking part and we have visitors not only from the local area, but as far afield as England, Germany and the US.”

For more information on the festival, visit www. scottishmusicfestival.co.uk