A Speyside musical stalwart will step on stage for a concert to celebrate the impact he has made on the region.
James Alexander, from Fochabers, has inspired thousands of youngsters to pick up the fiddle to keep traditional music alive.
For nearly 40 years he taught in schools, during that time forming the Fochabers Fiddlers group and establishing the annual Speyfest extravaganza.
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Now the 63-year-old will appear in two special concerts next week as part of the Arc Sessions with some of his closest musical friends making guest appearances.
However, organiser Mhairi Marwick found that persuading the fiddle player to step into the limelight was not an easy task.
Mr Alexander said: “Mhairi asked me to do one of these when she started the Arc Sessions three years ago. I just kept saying no until I eventually relented, she must have caught me on a bad day.
“It’s going to be a one-off. As I’ve got older I’ve began to focus more on recording rather than performing live. The guest are some of the best players in Scotland though so it should be no problem.”
Mr Alexander first picked up a fiddle when he was eight years old. After his passion was ignited he began performing at festivals and competitions across the north of Scotland.
More than 1,000 people attend the annual Speyfest bash every year he established, which has recently celebrated its 23rd incarnation.
Mr Alexander was made an MBE in 2011 for his dedication to his passion and has also been inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame.
The fiddle player will be joined for the two concerts by Charlie McKerron, from Hopeman, who performed in Capercaillie, Raemond Jappy, from Findochty, and Paul Anderson, from Tarland, who are both former Scottish fiddle champions, as well as multiple fiddle championship winner, Douglas Lawerence, from Buckie.
Miss Marwick said: “When I started the Arc Sessions I was very keen for James to do his on concert – just because he’s inspired so many people and has been instrumental in promoting traditional music.”
James Alexander will be performing at the Fochabers Institute with friends at 7.30pm on Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20. Tickets can be bought at Christie’s Chemist in the village.
