MSP hosts memorial event

Scottish fiddle legend Niel Gow has been celebrated in a memorial event at Holyrood

Perthshire North MSP John Swinney hosted the commemoration for the legendary 18th Century player, who is regarded by many as the patriarch of the Scottish violin tradition.

It is hoped the gathering will boost fundraising efforts to create a permanent memorial to the musician, who grew up at Inver, near Dunkeld.

The event in the Scottish Parliament included recitals of Niel’s music.

Mr Swinney said: “I was honoured to host an event celebrating the work of Niel Gow.

“Niel composed some of the most notable melodies in the Scottish fiddle repertoire and had a profound impact on his contemporaries, including Robert Burns and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

“The musical performances by Pete Clark and Muriel Johnstone were stunning, and so vividly brought Niel’s music to life.

“It is only right that a figure of such cultural importance to Perthshire is honoured, and I therefore fully support efforts to establish a permanent memorial in Dunkeld.”

The fiddler died in 1807, three weeks short of his 80th birthday, and is buried in the Little Dunkeld churchyard.

Proceeds from the 16th annual Niel Gow Scottish Fiddle Festival next March will go towards the memorial fund.