Born in Partick, Glasgow, and raised in the charming Cumbernauld Village before the new town’s arrival, Maggie Frame’s life has been a shining example of her deep-rooted passion for Scottish traditional music. With musical roots spanning generations – her grandfather being a mandolin player and a church organist – Frame seemed destined to play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Scotland’s rich musical heritage.
From her earliest years, Maggie found herself enchanted by the melodies that filled the airwaves, particularly the “Scottish Dance Music” programme that graced the radio three evenings a week. This early love for Scottish music would become a constant thread throughout her life.
As Maggie’s musical tastes evolved, she found herself drawn to the American Folk Song revival, captivated by the voices of Joan Baez, Shirley Collins, Pete Seeger, and a young Bob Dylan. Closer to home, the Cottage Theatre in Cumbernauld introduced her to the talents of The McCalmans, Matt McGinn, and The Humblebums during their folk nights. The rise of Scottish traditional music acts like The JSD band, Ossian, and Silly Wizard only served to intensify her passion.
A turning point in her life came in the early 1980s when she and her husband, Iain, along with their young children, embarked to the Isle of Arran. This relocation, a long-held dream come true, would be the catalyst for Frame’s immersion in the island’s vibrant cultural tapestry and her unwavering commitment to nurturing its musical traditions.
Arran, with its distinct cultural identity, language, and music, had long been a magnet for musicians of all genres. However, upon her arrival, Maggie noticed a concerning lack of young people learning to play traditional music and carry on the legacy of the island’s historic ceilidh bands. Determined to bridge this gap, she played a crucial role in establishing the Arran Folk Festival in 1989, dedicating years of hard work to this endeavour.
When Iain inherited his grandfather’s fiddle, both he and their eight-year-old daughter, Gillian, were eager to learn the instrument. Rather than enduring long journeys to the mainland for lessons, Maggie decided to bring tutors to Arran. This decision led to the creation of the Arran Fiddle Club, which began offering tuition from the gifted Davy Tulloch and Tony McHugh.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Maggie’s awareness of the Fèisean movement sparked a realisation of the potential benefits it could offer Arran’s young people. With her signature determination, she assembled a committee and founded Fèis Arainn in 1993, providing invaluable opportunities for budding musicians to learn and flourish.
Now retired from teaching and having entrusted the organisation of the Arran Folk Festival and Fiddle Club to a new generation of passionate volunteers, Maggie remains deeply committed to Fèis Arainn. A recent visit to the Orkney Folk Festival offered a much-needed respite, allowing her to immerse herself in the music without the burden of responsibility. However, upon her return, she immediately plunged into preparations for the upcoming Fèis Arainn in July, energised by the overwhelming response and increased registrations.
With a fresh wave of eager young learners ready to embrace their musical heritage and a talented cohort of older players poised to refine their skills, Maggie is heartened by the presence of younger committee members who are not only dedicated to carrying on her work but also to guiding it in exciting new directions.
Through her tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, Maggie Frame has become a pillar of Arran’s musical community, ensuring that the island’s rich cultural heritage continues to thrive and inspire generations to come.