Ceud Mile Fàilte

... A Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Since our inception in 1977 Inverness Fiddlers have always been part of the local scene, playing for public events and for charities, retirement homes and other good causes.

We also play for concerts and ceilidhs throughout the Highlands, and have close links with other fiddle societies in Scotland.

The Fiddlers have links of music and friendship with musicians in Denmark and Sweden, and these have encouraged visits in both directions, with much sharing of music.

We have also taken our music to Cape Breton, France, Germany, Poland and Ireland - and look forward to other foreign visits.

LEADERS - Successive leaders, Bill Webster, Doug Stuart and at present Duncan Dyker, have all been strong advocates of the Highland style of playing, and have guided the Society to success in performance, recording and competitions.

BILL WEBSTER - All will be sad to hear of the death of our first Leader and latterly Honorary Member of the Society, Bill Webster.

Originally from Edzell in Angus, Bill was born into a musical family, and grew up with a love of fiddle music.   He was a competitor at festivals, and played along with other local stalwarts of the music scene such as Ron Gonnella, Angus Cameron and Lindsay Ross.

His career was in the police, and after retiring as Inspector at Carnoustie in the early 1970s he moved to Aberarder in Strathnairn and later to Ness-side.   He joined the Highland Strathspey & Reel Society and then moved to Inverness Fiddlers' Society on its formation in 1977, becoming its first leader.   He brought to the post a deep understanding of the Scots fiddle tradition and a controlled playing style which helped to establish the character of the Society, and after giving up the leadership he continued as an active member, giving great encouragement to younger players.

Bill eventually moved back to Angus, where he resumed his old contacts and played with the Angus SRS, but he maintained his contact with the Inverness Fiddlers and came back for our rallies until about his 90th year.

We will remember Bill for his skill, his good nature and companionship and for his great contribution to the Society.