Friday 2 March 2007

Friends of Wighton update

Latest Friends of Wighton update from Sheena Wellington ...
The sweet sound of the Scottish Smallpipes will be heard at the Wighton Heritage Centre on Wednesday 7th March when pipe maker Ian Kinnear will give the Friends of Wighton Lunchtime Recital. The recital runs from 1.15 -1.45 pm, admission is free and the Centre is in the Local Studies Department of Dundee’s Central Library.

Ian Kinnear lives and works in Forfar, Angus. He began playing pipes at the age of 10, when he was taught by John McDougall and David Taylor. Whilst studying geography at Edinburgh University he continued playing pipes with Scottish Gas pipe band and Edinburgh University OTC pipe band. During this time he also tutored at the University Bagpipe Society and the innovative Adult Learning Project in Edinburgh.Ian began making Scottish Smallpipes in Edinburgh in 1993. Piping has taken him to many parts of the world where he has given solo performances and played as a member of pipebands, and smallpipes and folk ensembles (Brittany, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Ireland and USA). He has also been privileged to judge piping in Brittany.As business increased, so spare time decreased. He finished his competitive playing with Lothian and Borders Police pipe band in order to keep up with demands of work. The move from Edinburgh to rural Angus was a result of having 2 children and the good fortune to have a career that allowed the move! He still plays regularly (Highland pipes less frequently than Smallpipes). There is a healthy traditional music session culture in Angus - Ian can be heard regularly at these sessions and also plays with a folk band. As well as making and playing Ian enjoys teaching.
More details about Friends of Wighton can be obtained by e-mailing secretary@friendsofwighton.com - and look at the website at : www.friendsofwighton.com