The Clunes Collection of Donald Riddell

Many of Donald's own compositions and other pieces that he taught us in the Highland Strathspey and Reel Society.

It is hard to believe today, that Scottish fiddle music could ever have been in danger. Post World War II, however, saw much of our artistic heritage in trouble, and it is only due to the work of a handful of folk who believed in our distinctive music and culture that we have so much to celebrate today. Donald was one of those who took that belief and actually did something about it. He taught the fiddle to hundreds, professionally as a music teacher throughout the Highlands and Islands, and in later life as a crofter, who taught purely for the love of our music and his desire for others to share in that. Donald was very much the "old style" Highland gentleman and it wasn't just the music he wanted you to know about; it was the history, the folklore and how the music fitted into the bigger picture of the Highlands of Scotland. Some of the tunes reflect momentous events in his life, such as the "Lament for King George V" (he was one of the pipers at his funeral), others were just written whilst out walking, fishing or whilst working in his cubby-hole making a new fiddle, and named it after friends, fellow musicians and family..........Bruce MacGregor.

It's wonderful to be handed down a gift so rich and long lasting from a man whose heart and soul was full of Highland music. I will always remember this and hope that we can pass a little of Donald's great music to many others in future.".........Iain MacFarlane.

Duncan Chisholm - fiddle,  Iain MacFarlane - fiddle & vocals, Bruce MacGregor - fiddle, Rory Campbell - whistles, pipes, vocals, Jonny Hardie - guitars, fiddle, Christine Hanson - cello, Brian McAlpine - piano, keyboards, & accordion.