Fiddle linked to Robert Burns to be used at gigs

The Gregg fiddle will be played by Ewen Henderson at the OVO Hydro in December

An 18th Century fiddle linked to Robert Burns is to be used again for two special concerts.

The Gregg fiddle - believed to have been owned by the poet's dance teacher - will be played at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow and Carnegie Hall in New York,

Two of Scotland’s most accomplished players - Ewen Henderson and Duncan Chisholm - will perform using the intricately decorated instrument.

It is usually on display in the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway but will be loaned thanks to a collaboration between the Hoolie in the Hydro concert series and the National Trust for Scotland.

The Gregg fiddle, dating from 1750, belonged to William Gregg and is thought to have been played at the Bachelor's Club in Tarbolton where Burns was learning dance steps.

Nowadays it is only played a handful of times a year.

Until now Ayrshire fiddle players, Alistair McCulloch, of the Royal Conservatoire Scotland, and David Moore, of the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra, have been the only people granted permission to use it.

Ewen Henderson, Gary Innes, Alistair McCulloch and Duncan Chisholm were at the Burns Initiative to announce the shows

Hoolie in the Hydro organiser and broadcaster Gary Innes said the two gigs would be a "landmark occasion".

He added: “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.

"I hope it will create a moment of magic for both the musicians and our audiences.”

Ali MacLeod, the Head of Fundraising at the National Trust for Scotland, said the partnership would help in "celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Scotland."

She explained: "It’s a unique opportunity to blend entertainment with heritage, creating an enriching experience for all involved.

"By joining forces with the Hoolie events, we can make a significant impact on cultural preservation and engagement.”

Burns is believed to have learnt his dance steps to music played on the fiddle

Duncan Chisholm said he was "incredibly honoured and proud" to play the instrument at the New York gig.

Ewen and Duncan have travelled to the museum in Alloway to learn the intricacies of playing the instrument.

This year's Hoolie in the Hydro will take place on 7 December.

The event will then cross the Atlantic next year for an event held as part of New York's Tartan Week celebrations on 5 April.