Fiddle Frenzy’s annual scholarship for young fiddlers has been extended to include a rising star from Orkney. Each year Shetland Arts, who organise the combined fiddle school, cultural event and music festival, grant free places to talented young fiddle players.

6th year pupil Claire Wilson from Sanday in Orkney was recommended for a scholarship by her fiddle teacher Douglas Montgomery, himself a skilled musician who recently appeared in the band “The Chair” at this years Shetland Folk Festival. Mr Montgomery says that Claire, who is a member of the band “Had Her Gaan” and has represented Scotland at Netball, “Gives everything 100%, whatever she does”.

This year places were offered to Shetlanders including senior section winners of the “Young Fiddler of the Year” competition, Maggie Adamson and Ryan Stevenson, together with six young tutors from Shetland Arts’ “Young Tradition Bearers” programme through which fiddlers learn tunes and techniques from older players in order to pass them on to the next generation.

Bryan Peterson, Shetland Arts’ Music Development Officer:

“The Fiddle Frenzy Scholarships provide an opportunity for young fiddlers to gain experience and receive tuition from some of the most skilled exponents of the Shetland style. Many of this year’s tutors rarely get a chance to teach in Shetland due to commitments out with the isles, such as Catriona McDonald, Jenna Reid and Mark Laurenson.

Then there’s the wealth of talent based in the Shetland who will be holding workshops this year including Bryan Gear, Violet Tulloch, Margaret Scollay, Bernadette Porter, Eunice Henderson, Pauleen Wiseman and Jim Leask. Additionally we have two visiting guest tutors; Annbjorg Lien from Norway will be holding classes in Hardanger fiddle and Kevin Mackenzie from Scotland will be teaching guitar accompaniment skills together with Shetlander Ryan Couper

Fiddle Frenzy attracts students from all over the world, so it’s an ideal chance for musicians to meet, socialise, expand their repertoire and exchange ideas

All in all it’s a pretty intense but immensely enjoyable week”

Fiddle Frenzy takes place between 4th – 10th August with classes, concerts and cultural events in Lerwick, Walls and Unst.

The full programme can be found on the Fiddle Frenzy website www.shetlandfiddlefrenzy.com  or you can call Shetland Arts on 01595 743 843 or email carol.duncan@shetlandarts.org