Fine tuning is taking place ahead of a milestone weekend music event in Angus.
Angus Strathspey and Reel Society will take to the Webster Theatre stage in Arbroath, for what will be the group’s 50th fiddlers’ rally and a celebration of the talents which have delighted generations of fans.
Fiddlers from other Scottish orchestras, as well as accordionist Wayne Robertson and violinist Claire Telford, will be joining the society, with popular compere Robert Lovie set to make a regular return to Angus for the date.
The strathspey and reel society will be under the baton of Forfar’s Frank Robb, the group’s conductor for more than 30 years, who has enjoyed the privilege and pressure of putting together the half-century anniversary programme.
Frank said the society had enjoyed many highlights since being founded by renowned fiddle player Angus Cameron, among them a 1970s performance alongside the legendary Yehudi Menuhin amid the historic grandeur of Blair Castle.
The Angus musicians have also played by royal appointment on a string of memorable occasions, including the Queen Mother’s 80th birthday celebration at her childhood home of Glamis Castle.
“We have toured in Ireland, Wales and played in many other places but our bread and butter is still performing for local groups,” said Mr Robb.
The society has a thriving membership, with up-and-coming youngsters maintaining the group’s reputation.
At the other end of the age scale, Bob Spalding, in his nineties, will be among the Saturday night performers, having been a regular since the formation of the society.
“Because it is the 50th rally, we will being doing the first set that Angus Cameron wrote, as well as music from well-known figures such as Sandy Ingram and Gus Scott,” added Frank.
Tickets are available from the Webster Theatre.