Young fiddler contest attracts record numbers

A record number of entrants are taking part in the Young Fiddler of the Year competition this weekend.

More than 100 are taking part in the event at Mareel which will culminate today with the finals and a closing concert this evening.

The adjudicators will decide who to name Young Fiddler of the Year before the junior and intermediate winners perform in the concert. Entries from the open section will also be performed along with the winning tunes from the Shetland Folk Society Tune Competition.

Compere will be Valerie Watt. She said it was great to have so many entries and added that many teachers were keen to show how talented their students are.

Before the event she said: “We are really looking forward to showcasing all our young fiddlers in the Mareel Auditorium. The high quality of fiddle instruction provided in schools across Shetland is something to be proud of.”

Next week’s Shetland Times will include a report, photos and interview with the Young Fiddler of the Year.