Strathbogie Fiddlers return for 36th annual rally concert
THE Strathbogie Fiddlers are all set to take to the stage at the Gordon Schools hall in Huntly for their annual rally concert on March 16.
The concert promises an evening filled with traditional Scottish music, with around 40 fiddlers from around Aberdeenshire playing along with guest artistes Barbara Anderson on the fiddle and compere and singer Moira Stewart presenting Doric songs.
This year's rally holds special significance for the group, as it marks the first performance without their founding member and longtime leader, Ian Wilson, who passed away last year. Margaret Ramage, who took over the reins as the leader in November, expressed a mix of excitement and anxiety about organising the event.
She said: "I'm really looking forward to it and I'm really hoping folk will come along. The music's good, and we've got great guest artistes, so I'm just hoping that plenty of folk will come along and support us."
The Strathbogie Fiddlers have been a staple in the community since their establishment in 1983 and the annual rally, now in its 36th year, has been an annual tradition since 1987, with the exception of 2021 due to the pandemic.
The annual concerts are vital for keeping the group operational. "Because we mostly play for old folks' homes and pensioners' clubs, we don't make very much money at all. We play in places from Mostdloch to Kintore to entertain folk," Margaret added.
The concert will begin at 7pm on March 16. Tickets for the concert are priced at £12 and can be purchased at Raeburn the Butchers, Rizzas Ice Cream Shop, Morrisons, or by contacting Margaret at 07713978158.
