Teud - The Hebridean Fiddle Project

Review of Teud: The Hebridean Fiddle Project Concert supported by C for Craic

On Friday 26th July, the healthy audience at Gairloch Community Hall were treated to a night of traditional music. C for Craic, Gairloch High School’s traditional group supported by

teacher Rhona Sutherland, delivered an outstanding opening act. The group, featuring Isaac Baptist on piano and guitar, Iona McWhinney, Isla McWhinney, and Sofia Whall on fiddles, captivated the audience with their diverse set list. They skilfully blended traditional and contemporary tunes, including “Elliott Finn MacDonald” by Finlay MacDonald, “John

Mackenzie’s March” by Calum MacCrimmon, and “A Ribhinn Og” (Trad). Their performance was both energetic and soulful, setting the perfect tone for the evening.

After the break, Teud: The Hebridean Fiddle Project delivered an unforgettable performance that truly celebrated the rich musical heritage of the Hebrides. The concert, probably most aptly described as a “battle of the isles,” featured an eclectic selection of tunes from the musicians’ home islands of Barra, Tiree, and Skye, as well as from the wider Scottish and Irish diaspora, including Canada.

Each piece was introduced with a fascinating snippet of its history, adding depth and context to the music. Stories ranged from a disrupted wedding on Skye to the curious tale of a man with three fingers or toes, and even the whimsical “Whisky Babies.” These anecdotes brought the tunes to life, making the audience feel connected to the cultural tapestry of the Hebrides.

The concert was not just a passive experience; it included a lovely Gaelic singalong that

invited audience participation, drawing even latecomers from the streets who were eager to

join in the traditional music festivities. The repertoire was impressively diverse, featuring

Pipe Jigs, Waltzes and Slip Jigs.

Each tune was masterfully played, showcasing the musicians’ technical prowess and deep

emotional connection to their heritage. The variety of styles, from the lively Pipe Jigs to the

soulful Waltzes, ensured there was something for everyone to enjoy.

In conclusion, Teud’s concert was a resounding success, leaving the audience with a

profound appreciation for Hebridean music and culture. The only question that remains is:

which island’s offerings were your favourite?

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A native of the Isle of Tiree, Jamie MacDonald has grown up immersed in the music and culture of the island and plays with a distinct island style. Growing up he was taught by Katie England while at school, and went on to join the Còrnaig Cèilidh Band under the guidance of the late and much respected local musician Gordon Connell. Jamie continued with music after school, taking up residence in Uist to study music at UHI with Anna Wendy Stevenson and Simon Bradley. Jamie has in the past been a member of the Dun Mor Ceilidh Band and Eabhal, with whom he played for many years across the World. Jamie is now part of the team at Tiree Music Festival and as well as still performing in solo capacity as well as with various different line ups regularly.

Claire Frances MacNeil grew up in Tangasdale in Barra and Fort William, surrounded by the Gaelic and musical culture of both areas. She started on the fiddle at Fèis Bharraigh at a young age under the tutelage of Duncan Johnson. She was also tutored by Deirdre Beck and Eilidh Steele as well as many other fabulous teachers through Fèisean and school projects. Claire Frances studied music at UHI in Fort William with Rachel Walker and Alasdair Murray before heading to Glasgow to take out a degree in Gaelic.

Claire Frances is in demand as a Gaelic singer, tutor and fiddle player as well as acting in Gaelic drama and comedy for BBC Alba and Fèisean nan Gàidheal. She is currently studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with the honor of being the first student to study Gaelic Song at MMus level.

Shona Masson is from Kingsburgh in the Isle of Skye, where music was an integral part of her upbringing. Shona started playing the fiddle in primary school with tuition from Christine Martin and she soon attended local Fèisean such as Fèis an Earraich, Fèis Thròdairnis and Fèis Ratharsaigh and went on to take part in the Skye cèilidh trail as a teenager. All of these tutors and experiences sparked an interest in traditional and Gaelic music which Shona has taken with her to the present day. She attended the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music and received tuition from Iain MacFarlane in fiddle and Andy Thorburn on piano.

After school, Shona attended Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for a year to study Gaelic, and then hit the big city to further her Gaelic studies at the University of Glasgow where she received an MA in Gaelic.

Shona now lives in Uist and works for Ceòlas where she is involved in running their Summer School, Gaelic courses, classes and events.