Some of Scotland’s most acclaimed traditional musicians are heading back to school this June to mark a major milestone in Highland musical education.
The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special concert at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, on 19th June and the event will bring together past and present students in a vibrant showcase of Scottish traditional music.
Known in Gaelic as Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd, the Centre has been a cornerstone in nurturing some of the country’s most talented young musicians while preserving Scotland’s rich musical heritage. This celebratory performance highlights the Centre’s legacy as the only one of its kind in Scotland.
The concert will feature a stellar line-up of alumni who have gone on to forge highly successful careers. Returning to perform alongside current students are:
- Innes White (originally from Dingwall & will be the Musical Director the event), multi-instrumentalist known for collaborations with Julie Fowlis, Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, Sian, Siobhan Miller and many others
- Kim Carnie (Oban), singer-songwriter, member of popular folk group, Mànran, and TV presenter
- Ewan Robertson (Carrbridge) and Conal McDonagh (Poolewe) of award-winning folk group, Breabach
- Catriona Hawksworth (Perthshire) and Megan Macdonald (Lairg), members of six-piece band, Heisk
- Malin Lewis (Skye), acclaimed piper and instrument maker
- Mairearad Green, Achiltibuie musician, composer and artist
- Charlie Grey (Fort Augustus) and Joseph Peach (Achiltibuie), celebrated fiddle and piano duo
- Deirdre Graham (Broadford, Skye), Gaelic singer and tutor at the Centre, who will also act as Bean an Taighe (host) for the evening
These musicians will be joining the current intake of talented young musicians back in Plockton for rehearsals prior to the event, where the future generation will learn from the alumni.
Mike Vass, Centre Manager, said: “It’s a real honour to celebrate 25 years of the Centre with so many of our talented alumni and current students. This event is not just a celebration of our past, but a testament to the strength and future of traditional music in Scotland. The fact that so many former students have gone on to successful careers – and are now returning to perform – is incredibly moving and a powerful reminder of what this Centre is all about.”
The Centre opened in May 2000 with just nine students, including Breabach’s Ewan Robertson, who returns as both tutor and performer, offering intensive training led by some of Scotland’s foremost traditional musicians. Today, the Centre continues to offer exceptional musical education, with tuition from a team of renowned tutors such as fiddler Gordon Gunn; Gaelic singers Deirdre Graham and Rachel Walker; singer-songwriter Siobhan Miller; multi-instrumentalist Hamish Napier; fiddle player/guitarist Innes Watson; harpist Ingrid Henderson; pianist Mhairi Hall; and composer/producer Mike Vass, who also serves as Centre Manager.
The 25th anniversary celebration takes place at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, on 19th June. Tickets are available now online. For more information about the Centre, visit www.plocktonmusicschool.com.