9th - 14th September 2025
On the Easter Ross Peninsula
Inspiring A Community With Creativity
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Event Details
Live Music Concert featuring, Traditional Fiddler Laura Wilkie accompanied by Jen Butterworth and Scottish Harpist Jennifer Port
Sunday 14th September 7.30pm—9.30pm
Doors Open at 7:15PM
From 7:30PM to 9:30PM
Tickets £12 + booking fee
on sale from 29 July 2025
Venue:
The Collegiate Church, Tain, IV19 1AJ
Laura Wilkie and Jenn Butterworth
Laura Wilkie is a hugely popular professional fiddle player from right here in Tain. She has a unique style rooted in the Highland fiddle traditions but is influenced by an eclectic range of music from all genres. Laura is currently studying traditional Gaelic waulking songs (women’s working songs) and she will include some this evening. Laura has toured internationally with various projects including Kinnaris Quintet and is a founding member of Fat-Suit, being inspired by improvisation in different styles. Collaborations include Shooglenifty and Man of the Match.
Laura will be accompanied by Jenn Butterworth, widely recognised as one of the UK's leading exponents of traditional folk guitar. Based in Glasgow, Jenn is a central figure in the thriving Scottish folk music scene and is a key member of the award-winning powerhouse Kinnaris Quintet and performs regularly in duos with Laura-Beth Salter and Will Pound.
Photo of Jenn by Alan Campbell - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95813005
Jennifer Port
Join local award winning Clarsach player, Jennifer Port, in the stunning setting of the Collegiate Church, Tain. Jennifer will perform a variety of music on her Clarsach (the Scottish harp), and, as she put it in her typically modest manner, “will sing some songs”. Jennifer’s exceptional voice and accomplished playing will soar, soothe and transport the listener. Since graduating with an Honours Degree in Scottish Music, Jennifer has won numerous awards for her Clarsach playing and singing, winning Gold medals at the Royal National Mòd, and reaching the final of the BBC Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year. Jennifer played the Clarsach at Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s wedding reception in Skibo Castle resulting in her becoming an Ambassador for VisitScotland. From nearby Golspie, Jennifer balances family life with a professional career. For more info visit www.jenniferport.co.uk
Music with Ruairidh Gollan
Ruairidh Gollan has supported live author events during the St Duthac Book and Arts Festival since our humble beginnings in 2021.
Ruairidh Gollan is a fiddle player and accordionist from Edderton in Easter Ross. He teaches and performs across the Highlands and works freelance for Fèis Rois.
We are delighted that Ruairidh will be a part of the festival again in 2025 he will be playing prior to two events on our programme namely the Mary Paulson Ellis event on Friday 12th Sept in St Duthus Bowling Club, Tain from 6.45 p.m. and on Wednesday 10th September in St Duthus Bowling Club, Tain from 6.45 p.m.
To book tickets for either event please click here
Music with Anne and Archie
Anne and Archie have been supporters of the St Duthac Book and Arts Festival since the very beginning of our journey.
They have popped up at our events over the years and this year is no different.
You can catch this wonderful couple at the Jess Smith event on Tuesday 9th September from 6.45 p.m.
To book Jess Smith click here.
Music with Alasdair Murden
With thanks to the Nigg & Shandwick Friendship Group, Alasdair Murden will play a mixture of pieces on the grand piano for around 40 minutes after Jason Ubych of Tain Museum and the Clan Ross Centre gives his captivating talk on the history of Fearn Abbey, an institution as enduring as the Earls who founded it.
From its early 13th-century origins under the warrior-patriarch Ferchar mac in tSacairt, to its turbulent role during the Reformation, Fearn was more than a place of prayer, it was a political instrument, a cultural beacon, and the beating heart of Ross family ambition.
Set within the ruins of the Abbey itself, this illustrated talk brings to life the story of a once-mighty monastery: from royal charters and rebel alliances to local legends and lost relics. Discover why this sacred site still matters — not only to Clan Ross, but to anyone interested in the hidden histories of the Highlands. Following the talk there will be teas and baking provided by Nigg Friendship Group (no charge but donations welcome).
Henry Fosbrooke — Mindfulness Drumming
Wednesday 10th September
11.00am—12.00noon
The Collegiate Church, Tain IV19 1AJ
on sale from 29 July 2025
Let the stresses of the day drift away as you lose yourself in an hour of Mindfulness Drumming with the inimitable Henry Fosbrooke. Let the rhythms and vibrations of Henry’s handmade large drums and soft beaters lift your spirits and soothe your soul as you join in to create music in the setting of the ancient Collegiate Church, Tain. If the weather is fair the session will take place in the grounds of the church, if wet it will be inside. Woodworker Henry has been making and using musical instruments all his adult life, sharing his love of all things wood, running courses in wooden house construction, and visiting schools and Care Homes with his handmade instruments.
Music with Eric Bell
Eric Bell will be delighting not one but two audiences during the festival run.
Eric began playing the accordion aged 7, and went on to win the All Scotland Traditional Accordion Championship aged just 16. Since then, Eric has played on TV and radio broadcasts and shared his musical magic from Shetland to the Middle East. Whether playing at a dance, Ceilidh or funeral, Eric creates memorable moments.
Eric also teaches accordion from his home in Easter Ross and is happy to offer lessons to beginners and those who wish to improve their musical skills.
Eric will be providing music from 6.45 p.m. on Thursday 11th Sept at Tain Golf Club prior to the Donald S Murray event and again from 6.45 p.m. on Saturday 13th September at the Graeme Macrae Burnet event in St Duthus Bowling Club, Tain.
To book tickets for either event click here.
