Historic 275-year-old fiddle linked to Robert Burns to star in concert for Burns club's 200th anniversary

Frazer McLellan, chairman of Dalry Burns Club
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


One of the oldest Burns Clubs in the world is preparing to celebrate their bicentenary this year with a concert featuring the Gregg Fiddle - owned by Robert Burns' dance teacher - and the fiddle of Niel Gow.

Dalry Burns Club is the longest continuously running Burns Club in the world, having been founded in 1825 - just 29 years after Burns’ death.

To celebrate their 200th anniversary this year, the club are planning a range of activities including the installation of a commemorative plaque at the site of their first meeting, flower planters in Dalry and The Twa Fiddles concert.

Permission has kindly been given by the National Trust for Scotland to use the Gregg Fiddle - a decorated baroque fiddle of naïve construction which is around 275 years old and is believed to have been owned by William Gregg, dance teacher of Burns.

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Niel Gow - whose fiddle will also be used at the concert - was a prominent musician in the 18th and early 19 centuries and is credited with composing around 87 pieces of Scottish country dance music.

Burns and Gow met in Dunkeld during Burns’ Highland tour and the concert will feature music from both men in a “one-off” evening in St Margaret’s Church on Friday, March 7.

Dalry Burns Club chairman Frazer McLellan is looking forward to the concert which is set to be one of the highlights of their bicentenary year.

The Burns violin, before its restoration, at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum near Ayr
The Burns violin, before its restoration, at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum near Ayr -Credit:Ayrshire Post
Dalry Burns Club is the longest continuously running Burns Club in the world, having been founded in 1825 - just 29 years after The Bard's death
Dalry Burns Club is the longest continuously running Burns Club in the world, having been founded in 1825 - just 29 years after The Bard's death

Speaking to Ayrshire Live, Frazer said: “We have a few things planned that are permanent commemorations of our bicentennial year.

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“For example, a plaque where our first meeting was held and flower planters that will enhance the town and community of Dalry.

“However, the main one in my term as chairman is a concert in Dalry St Margaret’s Church called The Twa Fiddles.

“The concert features the Gregg Fiddle and the Fiddle of Niel Gow played by Alistair McCulloch from Ayr and Pete Clark from Dunkeld.

“It is a concert featuring the music of Gow and Burns, depicting the time they met in Dunkeld during Burns' Highland tour.

“Being a player of traditional music myself, when the chance arose, I jumped at the chance of getting these two fantastic musicians together with the legendary instruments in a one-off concert.

“From a musical standpoint, what better way of bringing together all lovers of traditional music through the collections of Gow and Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns.

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“Burns used many of Gow’s collected tunes as the basis of his own songs, rescuing many that would have faded into obscurity over time.

“I have been in contact with the National Trust for Scotland who are the caretakers of the Gregg Fiddle and they have kindly allowed it to be used by Alistair for this special occasion. Pete has also been allowed to play the Gow Fiddle.

“The Gregg fiddle was recently featured in the Hoolie at the Hydro where Gary Innes showcased it along with Capercaillie and other top Scottish bands.”

Tickets for the concert are free and are available at the Dalry Burns Club website or by emailing dalryburnsclub@gmail.com.

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