Rare Rabbie fiddle to take centre stage at groundbreaking shows in Scotland and the States

An 18th century fiddle thought to be played by Robert Burns will be taken to two of the world’s biggest stages for the first time thanks to a special partnership between Hoolie in the Hydro and the National Trust for Scotland.

The Gregg fiddle, which was reportedly played by Burns’ dance teacher William Gregg more than 250 years ago, will be played by two of Scotland’s most accomplished players in some of the globe’s grandest music venues – the OVO Hydro in Glasgow and Carnegie Hall in New York – in an exclusive tie-up.

The ancient, decorated baroque fiddle is kept safely on display in the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, where the Bard was born. Ayrshire fiddle players, Alistair McCulloch (Royal Conservatoire Scotland) and David Moore (Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra) have been the only people with permission to play it – up until now.

History will be made when Lochaber multi-instrumentalist Ewen Henderson plays the Gregg fiddle in front of thousands at Hoolie in the Hydro, Scotland’s biggest night of traditional music, in December. Celebrated fiddle player and composer Duncan Chisholm will then take up the special instrument in the esteemed Carnegie Hall for Hoolie in New York in April 2025.

Ahead of the record performances, Ewen and Duncan have travelled to the museum in Alloway to learn the intricacies of the precious instrument from its guardians.

Constructed around 1750, the fiddle was thought to have been played at the Bachelor’s Club in Tarbolton where Burns was learning dance steps, and was named among the 25 Objects That Shaped Scotland’s History by VisitScotland. The Gregg fiddle is only played a handful of times a year and has never been played in front of audiences of this size and in arenas of this scale before.

Now in its third year, Hoolie in the Hydro has quickly become a world-renowned event and is commemorating 100 years of Scottish music with Hoolie 100 on Saturday 7th December 2024. The beloved cultural extravaganza will then cross the Atlantic for an unprecedented event in the Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of NYC Tartan Week on Saturday 5th April 2025.

Spearheaded by treasured musician and broadcaster Gary Innes, the events seek to preserve and promote Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, making the National Trust for Scotland a natural event partner.

The Trust is Hoolie 100’s official charity partner and the collaboration, which has led to this special performance of the Gregg fiddle, reflects a shared commitment to honouring Scotland’s rich musical history while celebrating the incredible talent that defines its modern music scene.

The National Trust for Scotland is Scotland’s largest conservation and membership charity. The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA is an independent non-profit organisation that engages with a dynamic group of supporters across all fifty states. It is the only organisation established to support heritage in Scotland with a permanent and professional base in the US. Both are committed to the protection of Scotland’s heritage and natural beauty, now and for generations to come.

The timing of this partnership is especially fitting; Hoolie in the Hydro is celebrating 100 years of traditional music as the Trust looks forward to its upcoming centenary, and while Hoolie in NYC launches, NTSUSA will be celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Hoolie in the Hydro organiser, broadcaster and musician Gary Innes, said: “Robert Burns is an unparalleled figure within Scotland’s culture, so to be able to bring part of his legacy to the Hoolie stages, both at home and across the Atlantic, is remarkable. With the Hoolie brand, I am always looking to break new ground and create memories, reflecting the excitement, energy and heritage of Scotland’s vibrant traditional music scene. To be able to work with the National Trust for Scotland on something as special as this feels like a landmark occasion – I hope it will create a moment of magic for both the musicians and our audiences.”

Ali MacLeod, Head of Fundraising at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “This is an exciting partnership celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Scotland. It’s a unique opportunity to blend entertainment with heritage, creating an enriching experience for all involved.

“Amongst the places and objects we seek to protect and promote are the birthplace and archive of Robert Burns, including the extraordinary Gregg fiddle, and the archive of Gaelic language and song amassed by John Lorne Campbell and Margaret Fay Shaw on the isle of Canna in the Inner Hebrides. These are just two examples of ways we protect and share the heritage of Scotland’s vibrant traditional music scene. By joining forces with the Hoolie events, we can make a significant impact on cultural preservation and engagement.”

Alistair McCulloch said: “The Gregg fiddle is steeped in history and has its own unique character and charm. Over the years I have learned to adapt to its little quirks. It’s a joy to share my experiences of playing the instrument with two of Scotland’s greatest fiddlers.”

Duncan Chisholm said: “I am incredibly honoured and proud to have been asked to play the Gregg violin, an instrument that played a daily part in Robert Burns’ life. To perform with it in such an iconic space as Carnegie Hall in New York will be a truly special moment and something I will remember for the rest of my life.”

The line up for this year’s Hoolie in the Hydro features some of the most forward-thinking talent on the scene, with each celebrating landmark years of Scottish music making. They are luminary pioneers Capercaillie, the iconic Skerryvore, multi award-winning group Mànran, leading instrumental lights RURA and innovative trio Talisk. The prestigious The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo have also joined the star-studded line-up as it celebrates its remarkable 75th birthday. The event will also pay tribute to the late Fergie MacDonald MBE, with a line-up of special guests performing some of his most-loved tunes and songs.

Over in the Big Apple, Hoolie in New York promises an unforgettable evening of vibrant Scottish music and culture, showcasing world-renowned talent from throughout Scotland. Celtic supergroup Mànran will perform along with internationally renowned vocalist Julie Fowlis and the legendary Dougie MacLean, among others, with the evening compered by the incomparable Alan Cumming. Both events will feature as special programmes on BBC ALBA.

Hoolie in the Hydro 2024 will take place on Saturday 7th December 2024. Tickets are available at www.sec.co.uk/events/detail/hoolie-in-the-hydro-2024

Hoolie in New York will take place on Saturday 5th April 2025. Tickets are available at www.carnegiehall.org/calendar/2025/04/05/scotlands-hoolie-in-new-york-0800pm