Tarland Fiddle Gathering
With the greatest of pleasure, we welcome you to
the first Tarland Fiddle Gathering on 18th April 2026.
This one day event welcomes all fiddlers to enjoy a learning experience based on traditional aural learning. Notation will be provided at the end of the event.
We welcome fiddlers of all ages and abilities to our Village. Come and immerse yourself in the music with like-minded fiddlers and musicians.
We welcome you to engage in a full day of learning new music from our experienced tutors crossing a variety of styles.
Please absorb the atmosphere of our scenic Village. And when you leave, leave inspired to play and come back again!
Tutors
Ross
Couper
• One of the foremost fiddle players of his generation from one of the fiddle capitals of the world, Shetland. • Has played the fiddle for around 30 years • A member of Scottish dance legends Peatbog Faeries since 2012 and plays in a duo with great Devon born guitarist Tom Oakes • His own band ‘Ross Couper Band’ released a critically acclaimed album called ‘The Homeroad’ in 2023 • Teaches at various music events each year
Ewen
Rorie
• Orcadian fiddle player and member of Skeldro, an exciting young traditional band who regularly feature at the Orkney Folk Festival • Has performed internationally with Hjaltibonhoga, including appearances in Avanches, Düsseldorf, Oslo and Sydney • Finalist in the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician Award 2026 • Has 10+ years’ teaching experience, offering private fiddle tuition • Received tuition from one of the world’s leading fiddle players, Jennifer Wrigley • Attended the Orkney West Mainland Strathspey and Reel Society, developing a strong grounding in traditional Orcadian repertoire and style
Margaret
Robertson MBE
• Festival Curator and Tutor • Tutor of over 40 years experience • Musical Director of Hjaltibonhoga International Fiddle Community • Musical Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers • Education Manager of Scottish Cultures and Traditions (SC&T) Youth, Aberdeen • Nominated for Tutor of the Year 2013 • Hands up for Trad Hall of Fame for Services to the Community 2018 • MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2020 for Services to Scottish Music
Dr Paul
Anderson MBE
• One of Scotland's leading traditional fiddle players and composers, • Composer of over 800 pieces including a symphony. • Fiddle teacher of note - three pupils have won the coveted Glenfiddich Scottish Fiddle Championship which Paul won himself in 1995 • Received formal violin training while at Tarland Primary School and Aboyne Academy from Andy Linklater of Aboyne • Had private tuition in Scottish fiddle playing from Angus Shaw of Banchory and then Douglas Lawrence while a member of the Banchory Strathspey and Reel Society • Has performed all over the world including at Celtic Connections, St Paul's Cathedral and guest of honour at the Australian Celtic Festival • Received both an honorary doctorate of music from Robert Gordon University and an MBE in 2021
About Tarland
Tarland is a picturesque and historic village in rural Aberdeenshire. Nestled in the Howe of Cromar, a natural basin on the eastern edge of the Grampian Mountains near the Cairngorms National Park. It is located approximately 5 miles northwest of Aboyne and 31 miles west of Aberdeen.
Known for its rich history, including the Iron Age Culsh Earth House and the ancient Tomnaverie Stone Circle. Tarland offers beautiful scenery for walkers, nature lovers and a cycle trail for the more energetic.
Peter Milne (1824-1908) was known as the ‘Tarland Minstrel'. He mentored Scotland’s most prolific fiddler and composer, James Scott Skinner. Tarland can claim to be one of the richest, historical centres for Scottish Traditional fiddle playing. The Tarland Fiddle Gathering signature tune is from the pen of Peter Milne – John MacNeil’s Reel.
Accommodation
There are several options to stay both in the Village and the surrounding area. Here are a few suggestions:
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The Commercial Hotel - in the Village Square, Tarland
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The Aberdeen Arms - in the Village Square, Tarland
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Tarland Camping and Caravaning Club Site - on the outskirt of the village, a short walk away
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Douneside House and Health Club - to the east of the Village within two miles of the Village Square
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The Boat Inn - Aboyne, 5 miles southeast of the Village
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Loch Kinord Hotel - Dinnet, 6 miles from Tarland
Venues
The MacRobert Hall - The Gathering Hub
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In the Village Square.
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It will provide two teaching spaces, the dining area and the concert venue in the evening.
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In the Village Square.
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Will provide a teaching space, supply our evening meal and provide the bar during the evening concert.
The Pavilion
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In the Village Park and is situated only a few minutes from the Village Square.
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It will provide a fourth teaching space.
The Gathering Day
Welcome @ The Gathering Hub (The MacRobert Hall)
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Registration 9am
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Opening 9.30am
Classes
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10am • 11.15am • 1pm • 2.15pm
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all classes are 50 minutes long
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each level will stay in its own venue with a session from each tutor
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information about our levels will help you choose which is best for you
Food
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lunch and dinner provided
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included with your day pass
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served @ The Gathering Hub
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dietary requirements will be taken into consideration
Late Afternoon Chillout
3.45pm - 4.30pm
You have the choice of three options:
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Migvie Kirk
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with Ross Couper & Tom Oakes
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please note this is a short drive out of the village
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The Musical Walk
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with Paul Anderson
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House Concert @ Caberfeidh
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with Ewen Rorie & Margaret Robertson
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this is a short walk within the village
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Evening Concert
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7.30pm (doors open at 7pm)
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included with your day pass or available separately
Class Levels
You should consider where you will have the most comfortable learning experience.
All teaching will be by ear with music available afterwards.
(Please note The Gathering is not suitable for absolute beginners, some playing ability is essential).
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Starter by Ear
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if you have never learned by ear before or are nervous about your skill level at learning by ear or haven’t been playing for very long, this is the class for you!
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Developer by Ear
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if you have had some experience of playing by ear and have been played for some time, this is your class!
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Achiever by Ear
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things will step up a little in this class both in terms of the complexity of the tunes and the speed of learning
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Skilled by Ear
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this will be the class that moves fastest so will be the most demanding, come to this one to learn more repertoire as an experienced player and ear learner.
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The Gathering Concert
Join us in the evening to gather and celebrate! This is a public event where all are welcome.
Please note: if you have purchased a Day Pass, your Gathering Concert ticket is included.
Key Details:
📍 The MacRobert Hall (The Gathering Hub)
🕖 7.30pm (doors & bar open from 7pm)
There will be a raffle and merchandise on sale.
Tickets:
🎟️ Pay what you can - with a guide of £10 per adult
Click Here to Book:
Ticket prices are subject to a Ticketsource booking fee (currently 7% + VAT) added at checkout.
Featuring:
Ross Couper and Tom Oakes
Supported By:
Skeldro (featuring Ewen Rorie)
Join In
Full Day Pass
Full Price
£90
Students & Over 60's
£80
Under 18's
£70
Ticket prices are subject to a Ticketsource booking fee (currently 7% + VAT) added at checkout.
Full Day Passes include:
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all four classes
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lunch & dinner
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the Late Afternoon Chillout
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free entry to the Evening Concert
During booking, you will select which level of class you will attend:
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full details about our levels can be found in our information about class levels
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please check which level will give you the most comfortable learning experience
Contact Us
Or, complete this form: