Alastair started the fiddle at 6. He had an early introduction to traditional music (with family roots in country and fishing villages in Aberdeenshire) had an excellent classical training and is a versatile and experienced performer. Having 'rediscovered' celtic music and the fun and sociability of traditional music sessions, he has hardly put his fiddles down !! ... especially his 'trad.' fiddle.

Violins and fiddles are not different instruments but every instrument has its own character. When Alastair picks up his 'Webster' violin it's to play classically with 'Aberdeen Sinfonietta' at concerts in Aberdeen's Music Hall and at other venues ... especially castles!.... including Balmoral Castle as part of the Queens 80th birthday celebrations in 2006!

When he picks up his 'Mitchell' fiddle it's to play from favourites from a range of really great celtic and folk tunes ... mainly from east and west Scotland, Ireland, Shetland, Spain, Sweden and Cape Breton, at weddings, ceilidhs, functions, festivals and sessions.

It's not unusual for Alastair to be playing at session into the 'wee small hours' so he's not one for packing up early when there's good music on the go!