ONE of the world's largest traditional fiddle festivals got under way in Aberdeen yesterday.
The North Atlantic Fiddle Convention will see more than 40 performers from across the globe appear over five days.
Thousands are expected to attend the 150 events.
The festival, organised by Aberdeen University’s Elphinstone Institute and Scottish Culture and Traditions, is thought to bring more than £500,000 into the local economy.
Headline acts include award-winning duo Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas, and US fiddler, guitarist and singer Bruce Molsky.
The convention will include concerts, ceilidhs, solo recitals, workshops, demonstrations, free performances and sessions in pubs and at the Lemon Tree venue.
Festival director Ian Russell said: “It will be a tremendous gathering, with people flocking from the lowlands, Highlands and islands as well as from all over Europe, Canada and America to perform and join in this great celebration of traditional music and dance.
“Aberdeen is where it all started with the first North Atlantic Fiddle Convention in 2001 and that is because we have a wonderful fiddling tradition in the north-east.
“The best way to celebrate our heritage is by bringing people in and putting the music of this region alongside the very best the world has to offer.
“Through our unique format of a festival alongside an academic conference, the convention will highlight the way the fiddle, fiddle music, and associated dance styles, transcend boundaries of all kinds – geographical, political and cultural.”