John Somerville –

John is looking forward to coming back to teach at the Fèis after a few years absence.

John hails from Abriachan on the north shore of Loch Ness, and began playing accordion at the tender age of ten. His unique driving and dynamic style has seen him heralded as one of the top instrumentalists in Scotland – working with artists and bands as diverse as David Byrne, Franz Ferdinand, Box Club, Croft No. Five and Treacherous Orchestra. 

He has received several national award nominations, including a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for “Best Band”. A tutor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, he has played at some of the worlds most respected venues including the Albert Hall and Queen Elizabeth Halls in London, as well as performances in Japan, Lebanon, USA and China.

Like John’s music page on Facebook

Heather is a Scottish Contemporary Artist and moved to the Isle of Arran in the early 80s after falling in love with its landscape and community.

Join Heather’s classes at the Fèis for a fun experience of art!

Lorne MacDougall –

We welcome back Lorne to teach Piping and chanter. Lorne from Carradale in Kintyre, is a contemporary piper and multi – instrumentalist known for seamlessly integrating his sounds into movie soundtracks with credits including Brave and How to Train Your Dragon.

He toured for 5 years with traditional folk band The Tannahill Weavers and co – produced and performed all releases from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

lornemacdougall.com

Becky Hill –

We are delighted to welcome back Beckie to join us again this year. Originally hailing from the West Coast of Scotland – Glasgow based traditional harpist and pianist, Beckie comes from a family steeped in traditional Scottish music. Rebecca began her musical education at an early age studying under the tutelage of Sileas Sinclair and Toni Russell. Beckie found she had a natural aptitude for music and through the Fèisean nan Gàidheal music programme discovered her love for the traditional lever harp at the early age of eight.

In July 2017 Rebecca graduated from the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Bachelor of Music (Traditional) course with an Honours Degree of the First Class. Rebecca also reached the semi-finals of the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award 2016 with harp and fiddle duo alongside BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2017 Charlie Stewart.

http://rebeccahillharp.com

Artair Donald –

Delighted that Artair is coming back to the Fèis this year.

Artair was brought up on the beautiful Hebridean Isle of Tiree and has been acting professionally for over 20 years.  He has performed on radio, stage, television and film.  He is known for his regular appearances as Coinneach on the Gaelic TV soap Machair (STV) for over 8 years and more recently, appearing on Rab C. Nesbitt and Eilbheas (BBC Scotland).  In addition to broadcast, he has also been working in theatre particularly Gaelic theatre development for many years and most recently Cartoon Theatre, touring throughout Scotland with a newly created show in Gaelic.

Artair is also the Artistic Director of the Gaelic Drama Summer School run by Feisean nan Gaidheal and also runs a Gaelic youth theatre in Glasgow.

www.imdb.com/name/nm0232011

Stevie Fivey –

Good to welcome Stevie back to teach this year. Originally from Central Scotland, Stevie attained Grade 1 competition level at only 15 with World Pipe Band Champions Denny & Dunipace Pipes & Drums.  A graduate of revered Edinburgh music college Jewel & Esk, Stevie is in great demand as a leading Scottish percussion teacher at major Scottish youth festivals (Feis Rois, Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin, Splore) and the Merlin Music Academy.

Throughout the past ten years, Stevie has toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe with a variety of bands and shows. This has included performances for Billy Connolly and Prince Charles in prestigious venues such as The Scottish Parliament and Edinburgh Castle.

The Cask Strength Ceilidh Band – YouTube

Gillian Frame –

Fèis Arainn welcomes back Arran’s own Gillian frame as tutor again this year. Gillian was herself a participant at the Fèis in the early days and has since gone on to great things. She was the winner of the Scottish Young Musician Of The Year Competition in 2001 and has since developed a highly successful performance and recording career. She has featured on a dozen recording projects including her current solo album ‘Pendulum’. Here she is performing a couple of great tunes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqFbVQoGMWQ

Growing up in a musical family on the Isle of Skye, Deirdre was steeped in Gaelic culture from an early age. She went on to study at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before moving to China and Malaysia, where she embraced the local music and traditions. Since returning home Deirdre has been active in promoting Gaelic music.

Angus Binnie –

Angus will be teaching whistle at this year’s Fèis. Born and raised in Cromarty and now living and teaching Bagpipes in Fort William, Angus began piping through the Feis movement, and was later taught by legendary piper Rona Lightfoot. He then went on to study music at Strathclyde University and Lews Castle College, Benbecula.

With a few Ceilidhs under his belt, Angus also brings a great passion for electronic music to the band.

Under the dj partnership of “Binnie and Hogg”, Angus has been organizing and playing at club nights up and down the country for years, including a dj slot at Glasgow’s infamous night club The Arches.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8us7BZoq450

Join Bobby Crowe to experience Shinty at our Fèis Week this summer. No experience required – come and give this fantastic game a go!

Calum McIlroy is a ukulele player, guitarist, mandolin player, and singer from Aberdeenshire. After reaching the final of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year competition, he released his debut EP, This Ill Deeds (2020), and was nominated for the Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year Award at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. As well as performing with his trio, formed with Ruairidh Gollan (fiddle) and Megan MacDonald (accordion), he has appeared alongside the likes of Mike Vass; Anna Massie and Angus Lyon (Blazin’ Fiddles); and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.