William Cumming

One of Scotland’s most iconic paintings is that of the Laird’s Piper, William Cumming, now hanging in the National Museum of Scotland but which originally hung at the foot of Castle Grant’s Adam staircase.

The story of the laird’s pipers and their tuition will be told at the festival in the “Birth of the Modern Highlands” exhibition.  Thomas Newte wrote in 1791…

“The Cummings of Freuchie, now Castle Grant, were in the highest estimation for their knowledge and execution of Strathspey Music; and most of the tunes handed down to us are certainly of their composition…… “

Performed at the festival will be some of Angus Cumming’s “A Collection Of Strathspey Or Old Highland Reels” published posthumously in 1780.

The 2016 Fiddler of Strathspey festival and championship

This event will be held on June 25th in Grantown-on-Spey.  Grantown is the capital of Strathspey and home of Angus Cumming whose “Collection of Strathspey or Old Highland Reels” was published in 1780.  There are four competition classes: under 12, under 16, Open (any Strathspey), Open (Angus Cumming).  Maggie Adamson and Paul Anderson will be adjudicating .  Entries are welcome from any interested fiddlers.