Winners announced for first virtual Elgin Strathspey and Reel Fiddle Festival after record entries

By Lorna Thompson

Published: 14:00, 04 May 2021

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THE winners have been announced for the first ever virtual Elgin Strathspey and Reel Fiddle Festival.

Elgin's 49th annual celebration of Scots fiddle music, on Saturday, May 1, attracted record entries, from as far afield as Shetland. This year's results are listed below.

The pandemic prevented the usual gathering at Elgin's Williamson Hall again this year, but rather than cancel the event as happened in 2020, organisers ran the festival online.

Competitors submitted video recordings for adjudication.

Joint festival secretary Louise McLean said: "Almost 100 entries were submitted and we were delighted with the support we received.

"Special thanks must go to Angus Lawson, of Moray Rotaract, who has been a tremendous help to us in providing all the technical support required for staging such an event. The committee is very much indebted to him for all his assistance.

"Raemond Jappy, from Aberdeen, was our adjudicator and he certainly had quite a task on his hands. He said it was thoroughly enjoyable and exhausting. However, he did a sterling job and we appreciate the time and effort he put into all his adjudications.

"We are always very grateful for the continued support we receive from the Elgin Rotary Club."

The Rotary Club Shield and bow is awarded every year to a competitor, resident in Moray, who has given the best individual performance in the 13-16 years section. This year’s recipient was Cassie Findlay, from Grange.

Cassie Findlay, from Grange, with the Rotary Club Shield and bow.

Emma Alexander, this year's championship winner.

The festival's championship winner was Emma Alexander, originally from Buckie and now resident in Glasgow. Taking up the fiddle at age eight, Emma graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in 2015. She now teaches violin at various schools across Glasgow and performs with the Cairn String Quartet at weddings and events across Scotland.

George Duthie, from Elgin, with the Maria Senk Rosebowl.

The Bill Brian Memorial Trophy is awarded to a competitor, outwith the first three placings, in Classes 1 and 2 who has caught the adjudicator's eye – someone whose potential stands out. The trophy was claimed this year by Laurie Grigor, from Fochabers.

The Captain George Douglas Trophy, won this year by Buckie girl Seren Campbell, is handed to the best individual Moray resident and competitor aged 12 or under.

And the Maria Senk Rosebowl, for the competitor who has given the best performance in the senior section and is a member of the Elgin Strathspey and Reel Society, went to George Duthie, from Elgin.

The fiddlers hope to be back at Williamson Hall for live festivals as soon as conditions allow.