Gemma Donald is first musician to retain Amber Fiddle Award

Isles fiddler Gemma Donald has again scooped first prize for her writing in the the Amber Fiddle Award, which took place as part of the Perthshire Amber Festival.

Gemma, who now lives in Falkirk, repeated her success of last year and is the first person to have won the award twice. She wins £1,000 and possession of the Neil Gow Trophy for one year. Her successful tune was called The Laird O’ Strathmill.

In second place was Karen Steven from Thurso, who wins £500 and third Iain Anderson from Falkirk who wins £100.

The award, previously known as the Neil Gow International Fiddle Composition Award, was launched in 2008 to encourage creative fiddle competition and has attracted entrants from around the world.

Last Wednesday’s award ceremony had a guest performance from The Wrigley Sisters (Jennifer and Hazel) Wrigley from Orkney and the concert was promoted by The Fiddle Tree in association with Perthshire Amber Festival.