Elgin Strathspey and Reel Fiddle Festival hears from North East’s top young talents

Published: 12:07, 28 April 2025

Many of the best young musicians from the North East participated in the Elgin Strathspey & Reel Fiddle Festival at the weekend.

The day-long annual event, which has now been staged no fewer than 53 times, began at 9am in the Williamson Hall in Elgin.

Several hours later it culminated with an evening concert in the neighbouring parish church.

Results:

Nine and Under entrants alongside Claire Thomson, the Rotary Club’s President Elect. The top three-placed youngsters are seated on the bench.

Nine and under – (Kim Murray Trophy)

1st: James Gibson (Aberdeen)

2nd: Estelle Amon (Aberdeen)

3rd: Emily Morrison (Dufftown)

10-12 years – (McKerron Cup)

1st: Ruby Grant (Portessie)

2nd: Rosabella Smith (Nairn)

3rd: Sophia Henderson (Elgin)

Pat Cameron Chambers Trophy – Rosabella Smith (Nairn)

Bill Brian Memorial Trophy – Holly George (Keith)

The Barbara Coutts Music Group won the Secondary Ensemble category.

Secondary Schools Ensemble – (Frank Collins Trophy)

1st: Barbara Coutts Music Group

2nd: Chloe, Abbie and Laurie

13-16 years – March, Strathspey & Reel (George Moir Trophy)

1st: Chloe Campbell (Spey Bay)

2nd: Kathryn Brown (Huntly)

13-16 years Slow Air (McDonald Cup)

1st: Chloe Campbell (Spey Bay)

2nd: Kathryn Brown (Huntly)

Andy McCormack Trophy: Kathryn Brown (Huntly)

The top three in the new 13-16 Freestyle category.

13-16yrs Freestyle Class (An Comunn Gaidhealach Quaich)

1st: Chloe Campbell (Spey Bay)

2nd: Kathryn Brown (Huntly)

3rd: Olivia Rudland (New Deer)

Senior March, Strathspey & Reel (John Barr Cochrane Trophy)

1st: Bronagh Gillies (Dufftown)

2nd: Lorna Gregor (Aberchirder)

3rd: Kayden Taylor (Cullen)

Senior Slow Air (Elgin Town Council Cup)

1st: Lorna Gregor (Aberchirder)

2nd: Bronagh Gillies (Dufftown)

3rd: Kayden Taylor (Cullen)

Championship Class (William Macpherson Trophy)

1st: Amber Thornley (Mosstodloch)

2nd: Cassie Findlay (Grange)

George West won the Own Composition class. He's pictured with adjudicator Gillian Stevenson and Hilda Clark, the society's president.

Own Composition (Effie & Harry Glasgow Trophy)

Winner: George West, ‘The Finnish Jig’

Senior Ensemble (Duncan Pirie Cup)

1st: The Country Quines Band

2nd=: Fiddlers Galore and The Real Lomond Band

Evening Orchestral

1st=: Banchory Strathspey & Reel Society and N E Accordion and Fiddle Club

2nd=: Elgin Strathspey & Reel Society and Inverness Fiddlers

Local Trophy Winners

Elgin Rotary Club Bow & Shield: Chloe Campbell (Spey Bay)

Captain George Douglas Trophy: Ruby Grant (Portessie)

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Community Divert me Free Latest News Alistair Whitfield