SFF 2025 - Evening Concert - Saturday 15 November

Information

Doors open at 7:00pm

Saltfishforty are a fresh and dynamic duo hailing from the Orkney Islands in the north of Scotland. Douglas Montgomery (fiddle/viola) and Brian Cromarty (songs/guitar/mandola) combine the rich traditional music of Orkney with original compositions.

The powerhouse partnership have won a devoted following throughout the UK and beyond, brilliantly transcending the duo format’s conventional confines. Linchpin figures in the currently flourishing revival of Orkney’s traditional music, they unite these deep-rooted sources with an exhilarating breadth of influence and expertise, catalysed by a creative empathy born from decades of friendship. The result is a sound of equally thrilling raw attack and multi-dimensional richness.

A partnership forged back in 2002 – more by accident than design – the two knew each other since primary school, and played together in sessions and various bands, until they were booked in a four-piece for a charity gig, and only the two turned up: “We decided to go on and just make as much noise as two people possibly could – which is kind of how it’s been ever since” they say.

Years later, Saltfishforty have delighted audiences at many of the world’s top folk festivals including Celtic Connections, Cambridge, HebCelt, Shetland, Lorient in Brittany and Canada’s Celtic Colours, as well as touring to the US and throughout Europe. Their focus on Orkney music takes in traditional, contemporary and original material, boldly cross-fertilised with influences from Americana to East European folk, plus a high-octane whiff of heavy metal.

The duo are working on a sixth studio release, and have five previous albums to their name: BERE (2017) LIVE (2013), Netherbow (2010), Orkney Twister (2005) and Goose Music (2003).

In 2024, The Creelman (Netherbow) was revealed in VisitScotland research as one of the top ten most popular Scots trad songs on Spotify.

Strathspey & Surreal

Get ready for high-energy traditional music like you’ve never heard before! The Strathspey and Surreal Fiddle Orchestra brings together 12 talented musicians - 6 professionals mentoring 6 promising students - in an exciting celebration of Scottish fiddle music that honours tradition while pushing creative boundaries.

This dynamic ensemble specialises in reimagining classic strathspeys and reels for the modern age. Expect innovative arrangements of beloved tunes including “Deil Amang The Tailors,” “Cluny Castle,” and “Bluebell Polka,” all performed with fresh energy and contemporary flair while respecting their traditional roots.

At the heart of this project is mentorship - experienced musicians sharing their knowledge and passion with the next generation of traditional players. The result is an electrifying fusion of wisdom and youthful enthusiasm that brings new life to Scotland’s musical heritage.

The orchestra previously captivated audiences at Celtic Connections in 2017 and the Scots Fiddle Festival in 2016, and we’re thrilled to be returning to showcase how tradition and innovation can come together in perfect harmony.

Prepare for a fun, exciting, and unforgettable musical experience that proves Scottish traditional music is as vibrant and relevant today as it ever was!

Our Youth Engagement Project (YEP) is an expanding part of our Festival.

From a small beginning many years ago, tutored by Eilidh Steel, we are gradually increasing the scale and scope of the YEP; giving an expanded programme of tutoring, with the YEP Group featuring as part of the Saturday night concert at the Festival itself.

This year’s tutor is the wonderful Lauren MacColl, and in the past we have been lucky enough to have Graham Rorie, Patsy Reid and Adam Sutherland in the role.

YEP is free to the participating students, and is intended to be an opportunity to progress not just in the playing of the fiddle, but also in the practical issues of music choice, arranging and playing as part of a bigger group, stagecraft and the performance itself.

It’s a stepping stone to considering fiddle music as a future option; be it as a career or as an enthusiastic amateur - and is a noteworthy event on any musician’s CV .

PS - Did we mention that it’s also a huge amount of fun?!