News & Notes
Tunes of the month, festival write-ups and a bit of fiddle lore from the Shetland tradition.
Latest from the Society
Reflections from our sessions, festival travels and the deep roots of the Shetland fiddle style.
Simmer Dim sessions: ferries, festivals and the light that never leaves
Midsummer in Shetland means the sun barely sets — and the fiddles barely stop. A round-up of the society’s summer, from lighthouse open days to late ferry sessions.
12 July 2026
Learning by ear: why we start without the dots
New members are sometimes alarmed that we don’t hand out sheet music straight away. Here’s the thinking — and why your ears are better than you believe.
3 July 2026
Tune of the month: Da Slockit Light
Tom Anderson’s great slow air — where it came from, what the title means, and how to play it without rushing it.
24 June 2026
Tune of the month: Da Full Rigged Ship
One of the iconic tunes from the Shetland repertoire — origins, variations, and tips on getting the bowing right.
16 June 2026
HebCelt 2025: what we played and who we met
Twelve members made the trip to Stornoway. Here's how the sessions went and which tunes came back with us.
15 June 2026
The Norse influence on Shetland fiddling: an introduction
Why does Shetland fiddle music sound different? The answer goes back to the 15th century and a lot of Norwegian fishermen.
14 June 2026
Choosing your first fiddle for traditional music
You don't need to spend a lot, but you do need to know what to avoid. Advice from our experienced players.
13 June 2026