Former Tarbert student composes tune for Burns club anniversary event
A former Tarbert Academy pupil launched a new Scottish dance tune last night (January 25) at a prestigious Burns club in Glasgow.
The Bridgeton Burns Club invited Amber Burns, who is now studying Gaelic and traditional music at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic university in Skye, to compose a tune to mark the club’s 150-year history of encouraging young artistic talent from the east end of Glasgow to preserve the Scotland’s cultural heritage.
She played her tune for the club with The West Loch Ceilidh Band, at the Marriott Hotel, Glasgow, at the Burns club event. Amber said: “I was so thrilled to be commissioned to write a tune in honour of one of the world’s greatest Burns clubs.
“While composing the tune,
I wanted to reflect the club’s roots in Scottish tradition and their commitment to the future. I hope that people enjoyed the tune and are inspired to keep supporting and celebrating Scottish traditional music.”
This was Amber’s first return to the Marriott since her appearance as a primary school pupil 12 years ago.
Then, Amber, a pupil at Calderwood Primary in Rutherglen, had just won the Solo Instrumental Section of the club’s Schools Competition with her rendition of My Love is Like a Red Red Rose.
She was considered so good that she was invited to play at the club’s anniversary dinner in 2012 in front of an audience of 600 diners in full evening dress.
Such was the impact of that experience that she decided to pursue a career in traditional music.
Jonathan Buchan, current president, said: “Since its foundation in 1870, the Bridgeton Burns Club has had a core aim to preserve Scotland’s and in particular Burns’ cultural heritage through investing in our children. For over 150 years, we have done this.
“Amber is one of the latest talents to pass through our system. Lulu too came through our system! We have every confidence that Amber will become a star in the field of Scottish traditional music and will carry the torch for future generations.”
Though still a student, she has already presented her own programme on BBC’s Radio nan Gaidheal (the Gaelic channel), been on several ceilidh tours, and now is one of the three members of The West Loch Ceilidh Band.
The Bridgeton Burns Club tune will be part of their repertoire and will be played at ceilidhs all around Scotland for years to come.
Innes Watson, award winning multi-instrumentalist, commented on Amber’s composition describing it as “traditionally Scottish with an air of modern melodic flair. Unique and lyrical”.
A number of offers have been made on the historic Craignish Parish Church building in Ardfern.
The B listed church was placed on the market by the Church of Scotland for offers over £50,000. Tuesday January 23 was the closing date for offers, with the deadline at noon. Enjoying stunning views over Loch Craignish, the property has attracted considerable attention.
While the sellers noted that “conversion to a residential property might be possible,” this would be “subject to the usual consents”. The particulars advise that the building, which is no longer used for worship, could meet a number of uses without requiring a change of use planning consent.
These possibilities include a creche, nursery, day
Correction
With reference to ‘Senior citizens’ Christmas dinner is welcome return’ in the Argyllshire Advertiser of January 19 2024, we would like to point out that the photographs were taken by Sheena Ferguson and not Hazel Dale as stated. We would like to apologise for this error. centre, educational establishment, museum or public library. Internally, as well as the sanctuary, the building includes a small vestry.
The sanctuary is arranged over ground and gallery floor levels. There are separate stone staircases at either side of the sanctuary that provide access to the gallery.
Surrounding grounds are also included in the sale. And the building is connected to mains supplies of water and electricity.
Offers will be considered by “one or more” church committees but there is no guarantee of accepting the highest or any of the offers received.
A spokesman for the church said: “We can confirm that the closing date for the sale of Craignish Parish Church in Ardfern, Argyll, has passed and a number of offers were received.
“It would be inappropriate to make any further comment for confidentiality reasons.”