Music-making in the Glenkens

Did you know that traditional ballads were being sung in Galloway until at least the mid 20th century?

...Or that an 18th century fiddler’s notebook from Gatehouse ended up in the Glenkens?

...Or that BBC collectors came to Dalry in the 1950s and recorded the fiddling of Jock McCutcheon in Carsphairn, and the singing of William Wallace at Fingland Farm?

There is much to discover about the history of music-making in the Glenkens and the Glenkens Story history group is presenting an afternoon of expert talks and live and recorded performances at CatStrand from 2-5pm on Sunday 17 March.

Dr Jo Miller will provide an insight into the musical culture of the Glenkens, focussing on the period following World War One. She will discuss how it compares with music making in the rest of Scotland at the time and ask who were the musicians, and where and when did they perform.

This is a fragile history, often relying on oral sources. Finding information can also be elusive, since many folk made music at home. However, families have also kept images, as demonstrated in the wonderful selection now appearing on the ‘Memories of the Glenkens’ Facebook page. Collections of written music and recordings can also provide resources for further research.

Anna Campbell’s overall theme is the joy that music brought into the lives of a remote rural community. Her talk will draw on the letters, diaries, newspapers, photographs and other records held in the archives of Carsphairn Heritage Initiative…and the occasional legend.

Christopher Wright of the School of Scottish Studies will introduce his research interests in Galloway song, illustrated by case studies. He'll discuss larger resources for exploring the music of SW Scotland: what’s in ‘national’ archives such as Tobar an Dualchais/Kist o Riches, and what don’t we know?

The afternoon will conclude with an open discussion among speakers and audience, chaired by historian and singer Dr Lizanne Henderson, on preserving our musical heritage. Following interest in the ‘Music of the Glenkens’ exhibition staged at CatStrand over recent months it’s hoped that local people will share their musical memories, and discuss how best to gather, organise and conserve an archive of local music and dance.

Tickets are available from CatStrand www.gcat.scot or 01644 420374.