Due to some techincal problems we haven't been able to update the website for quite some time. These problems have now been sorted but there is quite a considerable update to do!!
At the end of 2009 "The Elphinstone Collection" which was compiled and edited by Paul, as part of his fellowship at the Ephinstone Institute, Aberdeen University, was published. It contains previously unpublished fiddle repertoire from the north east of Scotland and the complete known works of Peter Milne, the Tarland Minstrel. It is published by Taigh na Teud in partnership with The Elphinstone Institute.
Last year Paul started work on a tv pilot called "Fiddler on the Hoof" which is now in the final stages of production. No guanantee's as to it appearing on tv schedules but it is hoped that might be aired before too long.
On Friday 11th June Paul was featured on BBC Scotland programme "Landward" with Dougie Vipond. He was interviewed at home, near Tarland about his life as a fiddler and how the land inspires him as a musician and composer.
Also in June Paul played at a reception in Edinburgh castle to celebrate the upcoming 80th birthday of Sir Sean Connery. The event was hosted by The Scottish Government as part of the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Sir Sean was presented with a framed copy of two specially composed tunes - Farewell to Edinburgh and Sir Sean Connery. Guests included Scotland's first minister Alex Salmond, Ugly Betty Star America Ferrera and Sir Patrick Stewart.
During June and July Paul was in Boston, New England and New York. Amongst other things he gave concerts, workshops and played for scottish country dancing. He was a tutor at the Pinewoods Scottish country dancing run by the Boston branch of the RSCDS near Plymouth, Mass.
The day after returning from America Paul was one of the headline artists at The North Atlantic Fiddle Convention in Aberdeen where he gave worshops, played at concerts and compered the Grand Concert at Aberdeen's Music Hall. The event which was organised by The Elpinstone Institute was once again a great success with over 60 artists from all over the North Atlantic rim.
On the 5th August Paul performed at a historic twinning ceremony between the Deeside village of Aboyne and French town Martignas - Sur-Jalle. It was a tremendous event and Paul hopes to take a group of local singers and musicians to Martignas next year.
The Aboyne Games Fiddle Competition is now in it's 3rd year. Entries were up on last year and there were 11 in the junior section, 6 in the locals and 7 in the Senior Open. Pat MacAndrew and Paul were the judges and the David Anderson from Tarland was crowned "The Chieftan's fiddler" for 2010 having won the Senior section.
Paul has been involved with The Deeside Sessions during the summer. These are organised by the DMO and Paul and have been very successful. The venues, all over Desside include The Aberdeen Arms in Tarland, The Coilacriech in Ballater, The Loch Kinord Hotel at Dinnet, The Moorfield House in Braemar, The Lodge on the Loch, Aboyne and The Potarch Hotel.
The Cromar Folk is going from strength to strength with many locals turning out to support every month as well as visitors to the area. Some of the highlights have been Carol Anderson and Martin MacDonald, Sheena Wellington and Danny Couper. This month will see renowned folk singer Rod Paterson take to the stage at the folk club.
A few of the highlights for later in the year will be a trip to Dublin, some folk clubs in England,The Doric Festival, adjudicating at The Glenfiddich Scottish Fiddle Championship at Blair Castle, The Aberdeen Fiddlers Rally, The Dundee Fiddlers Rally and a hogmanay concert at Aberdeen's Music Hall.
