Scottish Stramash - how it came about?



 

Fiona was born in Aberdeen and comes from a family of musicians.  She started learning the bagpipes at the age of 9  (her father was Pipe Major) but then moved onto violin at the age of 10.  Fiona's playing is heavily influenced by the bagpipe sound and north-east Scottish fiddle playing from where she grew up in Fochabers, Morayshire.  In her youth, Fiona won various Scottish traditional fiddle competitions.  In Scotland she has appeared in television, radio and over the years, has made multiple recordings with multiple bands of differing genres.

​Linda, was born in Elgin and also comes from a family of musicians.  Her father, who commenced his working life as a farm labourer was well known for his Bothy Ballads; songs sung originally in the bothy. This tradition of singing these ballads is still very much part of the North East of Scotland culture.  Her brother, Ivan (an accordionist) continues to run traditional music sessions in the North East.  Linda, originally a member of the Elgin Strathspey & Reel Society performed in many concerts with her fellow players one of them being Fiona.  Fast forward 32 years  and now in Perth, Western Australia,  she reconnected again with Fiona, and    Scottish Stramash was born!