Shetland Fiddle Society
Learn it. Play it. Keep it alive — the Shetland fiddle tradition, passed hand to hand in Lerwick.
Come to a sessionWho we are
A living tradition, not a museum piece
The Shetland fiddle has a voice all its own — shaped by Norse and Scottish folk music and carried through generations of island players. We gather every week in Lerwick to keep that sound alive, whatever your level.
Whether you've never held a bow or you've been playing reels for forty years, there's a seat for you. We share tunes, swap stories, and make sure the old style keeps finding new hands.
From the tune desk
Notes, tune breakdowns and travel diaries from the society.
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
What members get
Beyond the reading, here's what being part of the society means.
From the sessions
Players, fiddles and the odd festival stage.
Pull up a chair and play
New players are always welcome at our weekly Lerwick sessions. Bring a fiddle — or just bring your ears.