36th Inshyra Festival 2010
by James Coutts
B&F April 2010
Saturday 13th March saw The MacDonald Inshyra Grange Hotel host the 36th NAAFC Festival. Despite the change of date to a week later than normal, we had a fantastic entry level in the competitions. This, allied with the large number of enthusiasts and traders in attendance created a great atmosphere and buzz throughout the day.
The adjudicators’ panel were extremely impressed with the standard of playing across the competitions, and it was especially pleasing to see so many new faces in the Classical Accordion classes. We also had a new competition – Open RSCDS Solo – with the new RSCDS Dance Trophy as the prize for the worthy winner, who this year was Susan MacFadyen Thank you to the RSCDS for their sponsorship.
The huge entry, the biggest for 25 years, made for hectic scheduling, but we managed to get all the solo and duet competitions finished to allow everyone to descend on the Inshyra Suits for the Bands Section. As always, this was one of the highlights of the day and it was great to see so many youngsters teaming up with some of the band scene’s experienced stalwarts. The Band section and Prize Winners concert were recorded by BBC Radio Scotland, who were delighted at the quantity and quality of the music displayed. Once again, I’d like to thank Jennifer Cruickshank and her team for the excellent coverage given to the Festival. After the concert, which was expertly compered by Dave Millward and John Caskie, Alan Gardiner’s SDB gave a great performance at the Dance, which was enjoyed and appreciated by a large crowd.
The 2011 Festival returns to its normal Saturday, which is the 5th of March. We hope to see everyone, and even a few more there again. The location of Inshyra Grange, allied with the facilities and excellent management and staff, has been a big factor in our decision to keep the Festival there for the foreseeable future.
Of course, the Festival doesn’t just happen and I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those who contributed to making the day a success. In no particular order, thanks to all the competitors, adjudicators, parents, stewards, helpers, enthusiasts, raffle donors, traders, advertisers and BBC Radio Scotland. The biggest thank-you, however, goes to Lorna Mair, Richard Ross and the rest of the Festival Committee. The time, effort and expense they give to the Festival is remarkable and it is both a privilege and pleasure to work with them all throughout the year.
Results
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Andrew Erskine (Forth)
2) Alexander Girling (Glenfarg)
3) Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Kyle Innes (Strathmiglo)
2) Scott Main (Strathmiglo)
3) Jake Laing (Windygates)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Sam Rutherford (Aberdeen)
2) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
3) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
2) Duncan Muir (Closeburn)
3) Alex Stewart (Stanley)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Duncan Muir (Closeburn) & Roy Anderson (Rosewell)
2) Magnus & Jack Westwell (Edinburgh)
3) Scott & Ewan Main (Strathmiglo)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
3) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
2) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
3) Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Alexander Methven (Clackmannan)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
2) Anne-Louise Stewart (Isle of Lewis)
3) Robin Waite (Canonbie)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
2) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
3) Erin McGinley (Thornhill)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Sam Rutherford (Aberdeen)
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
Nick Cowling (Aberdeen)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Sam Rutherford (Aberdeen)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Marie Fielding (Falkirk)
2) Andy Kain (Wishaw)
3) William Scott (Dumbarton)
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
2) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Alexander Girling (Glenfarg)
2) Mark Smith (Bishopton)
3) Kyle Innes (Strathmiglo)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Heather Clark (Paisley)
3) Beth MacPherson (Paisley)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Nicola Smith (Bishopton)
2) Craig Hart (Erskine)
3) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
2) Alistair Barr (Wishaw)
3) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Adam Gibb (Biggar) & Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Andrew & samantha Erskine (Forth)
3) Fraser Herwitt (Quothquan) & Katie Todd (Dalkeith)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Duncan Muir (Closeburn) & Roy Anderson (Rosewell)
2) Claire Black & Robbie Paterson (Biggar)
3) Nicola Edoni & Craig Hart (Erskine)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Grant McFarlane (Paisley) & Paula Kelly (Renfrew)
2) Alan Shute (Coatbridge) & David Barr (Wishaw)
3) Erin McGinley & Adele Queen (Thornhill)
Classical Polka
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Alex Stewart (Stanley)
2) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
3) Adin Graham (Windygates)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Alexander Young (Houston)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Alex Stewart (Stanley)
2) Robbie Paterson (Biggar)
3) Alexander Girling (Glenfarg)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
3) William Scott (Dumbarton)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Stuart Davidson (Tarves)
2) Sean Allan (Newmains)
3) Anna Westwell (Edinburgh)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsy’s Ceilidh Shield
1) Eilidh Anderson (Tarland)
2) Hannah Renton (Aberdeen)
3) George Davidson (Tarves)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Hannah Renton (Aberdeen)
2) Jack Westwell (Edinburgh)
3) Sean Allan (Newmains)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) Raemond Jappy (Findochty)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Anne Nicol (Insch)
2) Erin Smith (Aberdeen)
3) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Erin Smith (Aberdeen)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Shona MacFadyen (West kilbride)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Anne Nicol (Insch) & Erin Smith (Aberdeen)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Hannah Renton (Aberdeen)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) No Strings Attached
2) Kain’s Weans (Wishaw)
3) Any Westwell (Edinburgh)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
India Smith (Penicuik)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Fin Renton (Aberdeen)
The adjudicators’ panel were extremely impressed with the standard of playing across the competitions, and it was especially pleasing to see so many new faces in the Classical Accordion classes. We also had a new competition – Open RSCDS Solo – with the new RSCDS Dance Trophy as the prize for the worthy winner, who this year was Susan MacFadyen Thank you to the RSCDS for their sponsorship.
The huge entry, the biggest for 25 years, made for hectic scheduling, but we managed to get all the solo and duet competitions finished to allow everyone to descend on the Inshyra Suits for the Bands Section. As always, this was one of the highlights of the day and it was great to see so many youngsters teaming up with some of the band scene’s experienced stalwarts. The Band section and Prize Winners concert were recorded by BBC Radio Scotland, who were delighted at the quantity and quality of the music displayed. Once again, I’d like to thank Jennifer Cruickshank and her team for the excellent coverage given to the Festival. After the concert, which was expertly compered by Dave Millward and John Caskie, Alan Gardiner’s SDB gave a great performance at the Dance, which was enjoyed and appreciated by a large crowd.
The 2011 Festival returns to its normal Saturday, which is the 5th of March. We hope to see everyone, and even a few more there again. The location of Inshyra Grange, allied with the facilities and excellent management and staff, has been a big factor in our decision to keep the Festival there for the foreseeable future.
Of course, the Festival doesn’t just happen and I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those who contributed to making the day a success. In no particular order, thanks to all the competitors, adjudicators, parents, stewards, helpers, enthusiasts, raffle donors, traders, advertisers and BBC Radio Scotland. The biggest thank-you, however, goes to Lorna Mair, Richard Ross and the rest of the Festival Committee. The time, effort and expense they give to the Festival is remarkable and it is both a privilege and pleasure to work with them all throughout the year.
Results
Junior Accordion
Under 10 Traditional Accordion Solo – Islesteps Shield
1) Andrew Erskine (Forth)
2) Alexander Girling (Glenfarg)
3) Ewan Dowie (Kettlebridge)
Under 12 Traditional Accordion Solo – Pentland Cup
1) Kyle Innes (Strathmiglo)
2) Scott Main (Strathmiglo)
3) Jake Laing (Windygates)
12 and Under 16 Traditional Solo – Jim Johnstone Cup
1) Sam Rutherford (Aberdeen)
2) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
3) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
Junior Accordion Solo Pipe Music – Bill Black Cup
1) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
2) Duncan Muir (Closeburn)
3) Alex Stewart (Stanley)
Junior Traditional Duet – Angus Howie Cups
1) Duncan Muir (Closeburn) & Roy Anderson (Rosewell)
2) Magnus & Jack Westwell (Edinburgh)
3) Scott & Ewan Main (Strathmiglo)
Overall Junior Accordion Champion – Alex Little Memorial Trophy
Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
Senior Accordion
Senior Traditional Accordion Solo – Clinkscale Cup
1) Liam Stewart (Galston)
2) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
3) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Senior Accordion Pipe Music Solo – Bill Powrie Memorial Cup
1) Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
2) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
3) Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
Open Accordion Championship – Todhills Trophy
1) Gary Sutherland (Giffordtown)
2) William Scott (Dumbarton)
3) Alexander Methven (Clackmannan)
Senior Overall Accordion Champion - The Bobby MacLeod Trophy
Andrew Gibb (Biggar)
Open Buttonkey Accordion Solo – Windygates Trophy
1) Graeme MacKay (Inverness)
2) Anne-Louise Stewart (Isle of Lewis)
3) Robin Waite (Canonbie)
Trios – Jimmy Blue Trophy & Eric Goodfellow Memorial Shield
1) Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
2) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
3) Erin McGinley (Thornhill)
Bands – Overall Winner - Iain MacPhail Cup
Sam Rutherford (Aberdeen)
Runners Up John Fairbairn Memorial Trophy
Steven Todd (Dalkeith)
Nick Cowling (Aberdeen)
Band – Rhythm Section - Arthur Easson Memorial Trophy
Sam Rutherford (Aberdeen)
Own Composition – Willie Wilson Cup
1) Marie Fielding (Falkirk)
2) Andy Kain (Wishaw)
3) William Scott (Dumbarton)
RSCDS Open Dance – RSCDS Trophy
1) Susan MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
2) Matthew MacLennan (Kiltarlity)
Under 12 Classical Solo – Kelso Cup
1) Alexander Girling (Glenfarg)
2) Mark Smith (Bishopton)
3) Kyle Innes (Strathmiglo)
Under 14 Classical Solo – Aberdeen Cup
1) Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Heather Clark (Paisley)
3) Beth MacPherson (Paisley)
Under 16 Classical Solo – Dundee Shield
1) Nicola Smith (Bishopton)
2) Craig Hart (Erskine)
3) Rebekah Mitchell (Paisley)
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1)
2)
3)
Open Classical Solo – Jimmy Clinkscale Shield
1) Grant McFarlane (Paisley)
2) Alistair Barr (Wishaw)
3) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
Under 13 Classical Duet – Beith & District A&F Club Cups (Willie Wilson Memorial Trophies)
1) Adam Gibb (Biggar) & Emma Dickson (Dolphinton)
2) Andrew & samantha Erskine (Forth)
3) Fraser Herwitt (Quothquan) & Katie Todd (Dalkeith)
Under 16 Classical Duet - Alex MacArthur Cups
1) Duncan Muir (Closeburn) & Roy Anderson (Rosewell)
2) Claire Black & Robbie Paterson (Biggar)
3) Nicola Edoni & Craig Hart (Erskine)
Open Classical Duet – Dunfermline Cup
1) Grant McFarlane (Paisley) & Paula Kelly (Renfrew)
2) Alan Shute (Coatbridge) & David Barr (Wishaw)
3) Erin McGinley & Adele Queen (Thornhill)
Classical Polka
Under 14 Classical Polka Solo – Newtongrange Shield
1) Alex Stewart (Stanley)
2) Adam Gibb (Biggar)
3) Adin Graham (Windygates)
Open Classical Polka Solo – Tign-Na-Gorm Cup
1) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
2) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
3) Alexander Young (Houston)
Under 14 Classical Musette Accordion Solo – John Laidlaw Memorial Trophy
1) Alex Stewart (Stanley)
2) Robbie Paterson (Biggar)
3) Alexander Girling (Glenfarg)
Open Classical Musette Accordion Solo – Christine Hunter Memorial Trophy
1) Craig Paton (Milnathort)
2) Paul Capaldi (Galashiels)
3) William Scott (Dumbarton)
Fiddle Sections
Under 12 Fiddle Solo – NAAFC Musselburgh Festival Trophy
1) Stuart Davidson (Tarves)
2) Sean Allan (Newmains)
3) Anna Westwell (Edinburgh)
Junior Fiddle Solo – MSR – Strathspey and Reel Association Cup & Kirsy’s Ceilidh Shield
1) Eilidh Anderson (Tarland)
2) Hannah Renton (Aberdeen)
3) George Davidson (Tarves)
Junior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Dougie Welsh Cup
1) Hannah Renton (Aberdeen)
2) Jack Westwell (Edinburgh)
3) Sean Allan (Newmains)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Strathspey, MSR – St. Boswell Cup
1) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
2) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
3) Raemond Jappy (Findochty)
Senior Fiddle Solo – Slow Air – Ron Gonella Cup
1) Anne Nicol (Insch)
2) Erin Smith (Aberdeen)
3) Shona MacFadyen (West Kilbride)
Open Fiddle Championship – Banchory S&R Society Trophy
1) Erin Smith (Aberdeen)
2) Maggie Adamson (Shetland)
3) Shona MacFadyen (West kilbride)
Overall Fiddle Champion - The Angus Fitchet Trophy
Anne Nicol (Insch) & Erin Smith (Aberdeen)
Overall Junior Fiddle Champion – Judith Linton Trophy
Hannah Renton (Aberdeen)
Open Fiddle Groups – Lesmahagow Quaich
1) No Strings Attached
2) Kain’s Weans (Wishaw)
3) Any Westwell (Edinburgh)
Youngest Girl Competitor – John McQueen Medal
India Smith (Penicuik)
Youngest Boy Competitor – John McQueen Medal
Fin Renton (Aberdeen)