Shetland Fiddlers' Society

Shetland Fiddlers’ Society are not only the oldest performer in the Festival, they are one of the handful of the still-active participants from the first festival in 1981

The group was originally conceived by the late Dr Tom Anderson to perform at the Shetland Hamefarin’ in 1960 (where ex pats return en-mass to their homeland). The group was nicknamed by Magnus Magnusson, the “Forty Fiddlers” because there were 40 musicians (39 male & 1 female in the group).  Since then the group have continued to uphold Shetland’s fiddle tradition in its purest format, encouraging traditional music making and participation for young and old alike. The group acting as the springboard for a number of great fiddle players and groups in their own right.  The society adheres faithfully to the melodies and playing style that make the traditional Shetland fiddle music unique and distinct, still going strong 57 years later.

The Society has been collaborating in the past with Shetland Folk Dance group of which shares similar traditional philosophy. In October 2014, the 9th CD  “Da Reel Thing” released featuring Shetland Folk Dance as guest artistes with their dance steps and spirit.

In July 2017, Shetland Fiddlers’ Society and Shetland Folk Dance will be travelling to Hamar, Norway for a collaborative musical and dance tour.

After 2 successful trips to John O’Groats in October 2015 and 2016, the society will continue with another return visit to the north of Scotland in October 2017.