Pioneering traditional music school marks 25 years

A major milestone in Highland musical education is to be celebrated with a special concert in Inverness.

The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton is celebrating its 25th anniversary and on Thursday (19 June) past and present students will come together at Eden Court Theatre in a showcase of the very best from the Scottish traditional scene.

Known as Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd, the Centre has been a cornerstone in nurturing some of the country’s most talented young musicians while preserving Scotland’s rich musical heritage. This celebratory performance highlights the Centre’s legacy as the only one of its kind in Scotland.

Highland Council vice convener Cllr Biz Campbell said: “Congratulations to Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd, the national centre of excellence in traditional music based at Plockton High School.

“The school has done such marvellous work to support traditional music and culture in our region and what better place to have this precious asset than at Plockton High, in the heart of the Highlands.

“Some of our very best musicians have come through the school and it is fantastic to see them teaming up with the next generation to celebrate the 25th anniversary. Here’s to many more.”

The concert will feature a stellar line-up of alumni who have gone on to forge highly successful careers. Returning to perform alongside current students are:

• Innes White (originally from Dingwall & he will be the Musical Director the event), multi-instrumentalist known for collaborations with Julie Fowlis, Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, Sian, Siobhan Miller and many others
• Kim Carnie (Oban), singer-songwriter, member of popular folk group, Mànran, and TV presenter
• Ewan Robertson (Carrbridge) and Conal McDonagh (Poolewe) of award-winning folk group, Breabach
• Catriona Hawksworth (Perthshire) and Megan Macdonald (Lairg), members of six-piece band, Heisk
• Malin Lewis (Skye), acclaimed piper and instrument maker
• Mairearad Green, Achiltibuie musician, composer and artist
• Charlie Grey (Fort Augustus) and Joseph Peach (Achiltibuie), celebrated fiddle and piano duo
• Deirdre Graham (Breakish, Skye), Gaelic singer and tutor at the Centre, who will also act as Bean an Taighe (host) for the evening

These musicians will be joining the current intake of talented young musicians back in Plockton for rehearsals prior to the event, where the future generation will learn from the alumni.

The concert will also mark the official launch of the Centre’s 24th album, Mic’d Up, featuring performances by the current students. Recorded last year, the album is a collection of traditional and contemporary material that showcases the skill, creativity, and collaboration at the heart of the Centre’s work.

Mike Vass, Centre Manager, said: “It’s a real honour to celebrate 25 years of the Centre with so many of our talented alumni and current students.

"This event is not just a celebration of our past, but a testament to the strength and future of traditional music in Scotland.

"The fact that so many former students have gone on to successful careers - and are now returning to perform - is incredibly moving and a powerful reminder of what this Centre is all about.”

The Centre opened in May 2000 with just nine students, including Breabach’s Ewan Robertson, who returns as both tutor and performer, offering intensive training led by some of Scotland’s foremost traditional musicians.

Today, the Centre continues to offer exceptional musical education, with tuition from a team of renowned tutors such as fiddler Gordon Gunn; Gaelic singers Deirdre Graham and Rachel Walker; singer-songwriter Siobhan Miller; multi-instrumentalist Hamish Napier; fiddle player/guitarist Innes Watson; harpist Ingrid Henderson; pianist Mhairi Hall; and composer/producer Mike Vass, who also serves as Centre Manager.

The 25th anniversary celebration takes place at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, on 19th June.

Tickets are available now online via the Eden Court website.

For more information about the Centre, visit www.plocktonmusicschool.com.

About The National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music

• Sgoil Chiùil na Gàidhealtachd (National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music) is the only Centre of Excellence in Scotland dedicated exclusively to Scottish traditional music.
• The Centre offers first-class tuition and a comprehensive learning experience including individual instruction, ensemble work, masterclasses, performance, recording, and music history.
• The Centre aims to provide high-quality education, support career pathways in traditional music, and foster strong links within both the local and wider traditional music communities.
• In 1999, the Scottish Executive established its Excellence Fund for education, and invited the 32 Scottish local authorities to submit bids for appropriate projects. Recognising the wealth of traditional music activity generated by the Fèis movement and others, The Highland Council submitted a bid for a residential Centre of Excellence specialising in traditional music.
• The bid was successful, and the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music was established at Plockton High School in May 2000 with funding of £500,000 over three years from the Scottish Executive’s Excellence Fund, with additional input from The Highland Council.

Issued by Katie Mackenzie PR and by Highland Council