An acclaimed Scottish fiddler who has stuck to his roots despite achieving international fame will be showcasing his skills in his home county as he performs at Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms Food and Fiddle Fortnight.
Paul Anderson, who was born and raised at Tarland, in the heart of Royal Deeside, will be a familiar face at events throughout the two-week celebration of all things musical and gastronomic.
Hailed as one of the most prolific fiddlers to come out of Scotland in recent years, Paul Anderson’s playing style is rooted in the traditions of Scottish folk music.
Although only in his 40s, Paul has composed over 300 pieces in the Scots style and has performed them all over the world.
Having performed on television and for royalty, Paul’s huge contribution to the arts in Scotland is undeniable and has been recognised by two specially commissioned portraits – a life-size one in Aberdeen Art Gallery, and a study which can be seen in the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh.
During the Food and Fiddle Fortnight programme, Paul can be found at Fiddle and a Dram on Tuesday, October 15, at Lochanagar Distillery – an evening of whisky tasting at which he will pair Scotland’s amber nectar with whisky-themed songs, playing a musical segment as visitors indulge in each dram.
Paul will also attend Doric Dirl at Deeside Activity Park on Thursday, October 17, in an evening highlighting the best in traditional music, song and dance, where guests will be treated to Carrington Aberdeen Angus stovies and oatcakes. And on Saturday, October 19, Paul will feature in Concert and a Ceilidh at Glen Tanar Ballroom, where he will be joined by well-known composers Shona Donaldson and Fraser Fifield for the first part of the evening, before guests take to the dance floor for a ceilidh with music provided by Aberdeen’s very own Ceilidh Stomp.
Paul, who is passionate about Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms, was inspired to play the fiddle initially to learn traditional Scottish songs, and particularly enjoys partaking in local events which highlight his home town.
He said: “I was keen to be actively involved with the Food and Fiddle Fortnight from the moment I heard about it. I find that Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms offer me endless inspiration with their natural beauty, people and history and I am always looking for new ways to express my music. The Food and Fiddle Fortnight was the perfect opportunity for me to do what I love doing in a place that is close to my heart.”
“Food and music is a great combination and the Royal Deeside and Cairngorms area has an abundance of both. The Food and Fiddle Fortnight will be a celebration of the area’s best offerings and will give visitors a taste of the local culture.”
The Food and Fiddle Fortnight coincides with the launch of Paul Anderson’s latest album, Land of Standing Stones, which has a new composition but a traditional sound, with all songs composed by Paul himself.
He will celebrate with a launch event on October 18, at MacRobert Memorial Hall, Tarland, with guests of all ages invited to go along for a musical extravaganza.
The Food and Fiddle Fortnight will offer guests a host of musical and gastronomic treats, including concerts, ceilidhs, arts and crafts demonstrations, local produce tastings, cookery workshops and farmers’ markets.
Food and Fiddle Fortnight runs from October 12-26. Further information is available online at www.discoverroyal deeside.com or at www.facebook.com/Food FiddleFestivalInRoyal DeesideTheCairngorms