Who are we?

We are an informal group of amateur musicians, based in Aberdeenshire, who play traditional and contemporary music originally in the style of the Strathspey and Reel Societies of this part of Scotland (although our style is evolving into something quite unique, and we are not a formal Strathspey and Reel Society).

Alford Fiddlers were formed in September 2004 following a meeting which discussed the need for such a group based in Alford to serve the Alford, Strathdon, Lumsden, Tarland, Lumphanan, Midmar, Sauchen and Monymusk areas.

Members travel from far and wide as well as from the immediate area... we even have one member from Israel who joins us when he is visiting relatives in the area.

The group has been fortunate to have been led by a very experienced fiddler, Hugh Robertson, who is well known in the traditional music scene here in the North East of Scotland, with Bob Downie as depute leader. Sadly, Hugh is now moving from the area and we are currently hoping to recruit a new leader.

We play and perform traditional music from the North East of Scotland and further afield. Hugh has a particular passion for Cape Breton fiddle music, and many of our tunes are in that style. We welcome all ages and abilities, our youngest member was twelve, our oldest, over eighty. We have taken near beginners through to performance standard through mutual support in an environment of ensemble playing, and members find it very fulfilling to participate (and apparently our audiences have also enjoyed what we do... always a bonus!)

Our numbers continue to grow, but we are always keen to recruit new members. Currently our group consists of  two accordionists, a keyboard player, a guitarist, a mandolin player, and several fiddlers of varying standard. There is always a need for new fiddlers, and possibly a cellist or double bass player too, and almost any other folk related instrument would be considered. We are a friendly and supportive group who practise on

• Wednesday evening
• from 7.30pm
• at Howe Trinity Church Hall, Main Street, Alford

Please note that from August 18th 2010, our new venue will be Howe Trinity Hall in Main Street, Alford. A small donation will be welcome to help cover the cost of hiring the room in the Hall, which is comfortable, warm and well lit. Tea and coffee are provided. Musicians are welcome for the music and the banter!

Visiting musicians are also welcome to drop by (don't be shy to bring an instrument!).

Alford and the Howe of Alford We count ourselves as being very lucky to be able to make music amongst such glorious scenery. This photograph, taken from Kist Hill, Whitehouse, shows Alford in the middle distance, and beyond, the upper Don Valley and surrounding hills.	Where we practice.....follow the A944.....
...and turn off the main street in Alford.....	...into Mart Road and here we are....
No this is not the keyboard we use! A rather nice harmonium, one of the many exhibits in the Heritage Centre (and it still works), but not the keyboard we use as accompaniment.	Fiddle at the ready! Photograph courtesy of Fiona Bruce.

We are extremely grateful to those who have helped our group in the past (Royal Bank of Scotland, Alford; The Co-Op, Alford; Grampian Transport Museum; Alford Railway Museum) and at present (Alford Heritage Centre).

We are available to play for charities and fund raising events, please contact us via the feedback page.

Our new tune, The Alford Fiddlers......