Kiltearn Fiddlers

Keeping Tradition Alive: The Story of Kiltearn Fiddlers

For more than 30 years, Kiltearn Fiddlers have been a shining example of how music can bring communities together, nurture young talent, and carry Scotland’s fiddle tradition onto the world stage.

The group was born in 1990 out of the Fèis Rois Traditional Fiddle Classes, thanks to the vision of Rita Hunter and the leadership of Alpha Munro. Alpha’s aim was simple but powerful: to give young players the chance to improve their skills, grow in confidence, and share the joy of traditional music. What began as a small group of students gathering once a week in Evanton, Ross-shire, often in the local primary school and even in Alpha’s own kitchen, soon grew into an ensemble with a reputation far beyond the Highlands.

From kitchen rehearsals to world stages

Kiltearn Fiddlers quickly became regular performers at home festivals such as the Highland Music Festival, Blas Festival, and the Inverness Music Festival.

The group travelled widely, from the early days, performing at the Festival of Cornouaille in Brittany, Roskilde Festival in Denmark, the Brideswell Festival in Ireland, and the Falun Folk Festival in Sweden, taking part in the Ethno international music camp. One of their proudest achievements came at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, a world-renowned celebration of music and dance in Wales. In 2007, the Kiltearn Fiddlers, joined by Gaelic singers, Fionnar, won the Celtic Massed Ensemble Music Competition, earning the title of World Celtic Music Champions. They returned to Llangollen several times, securing further prizes and cementing their international reputation.

Music with a mission

Beyond their music, the Kiltearn Fiddlers have always believed in building connections. They’ve collaborated with musicians worldwide and even raised funds to support young players in Harare, Zimbabwe, helping provide instruments and musical opportunities for children there.

Celebrating 25 Years in Music

In 2015, Kiltearn Fiddlers marked 25 yearswith a special album recorded at Tulloch Castle in Dingwall. The CD features performances from current members alongside tracks from former Kiltearn Fiddlers as well as tutors, including Graham MacKenzie, Katie MacKenzie, Matheu Watson, and David “Dagger” Gordon. The album was celebrated on BBC Radio Scotland’s Take the Floor and received warm praise from audiences across Scotland and beyond.

It was not their first recording, earlier albums such as Kitchen Sessions, recorded partly in Alpha’s kitchen and at Foulis Castle, and Earth Wind Fire, reflect the group’s grassroots spirit while showcasing their evolving sound. Yet the 25th anniversary album felt like a moment to take stock and to celebrate how far the group had come and to look forward to the next chapter.

A Legacy Rooted in Community

Kiltearn Fiddlers’ story is also deeply tied to the local history of Clan Munro. In 2009, during Scotland’s Homecoming celebrations, they performed at Foulis Castle, the ancestral seat of the Clan, as part of a series of concerts honouring Highland heritage. For Alpha Munro, herself the wife of the Clan Chief, this was a particularly meaningful moment; blending family, history, and music in a way that captures the heart of what Kiltearn Fiddlers are all about.

Looking Ahead

Today, Kiltearn Fiddlers continue to nurture the next generation of traditional musicians in the Highlands through monthly workshops, extra rehearsals, and opportunities to travel and perform.

From kitchen rehearsals in Evanton to becoming world champions on the international stage, Kiltearn Fiddlers have shown what passion, community, and tradition can achieve.