The musical evolution of Old Blind Dogs began in Aberdeen in 1992 with roots that grew from the eclectic music scene that flourished in the Granite City during the early 90’s. Four musicians from very different musical backgrounds came together to create a full-time professional touring band with the aim of showcasing the rich tradition of songs and tunes of the North- East of Scotland on an international stage.

Celebrated for her velvet-voiced authority (The Scotsman), Carnie blends traditional Gaelic roots with cinematic, contemporary soundscapes. One of Scotlands most compelling musical voices, performing with her own band, as well as the lead singer of the multi-award-winning band Mnran and a founding member of the experimental folk ensemble Staran. Kims voice has captivated audiences worldwideon stage and screen alike. Her vocals feature in major film and television soundtracks, including Netflixs Outlaw King and Black Mirror. Renowned for her passion for cultural collaboration, Kim has worked with a diverse range of celebrated artists across the globe. These include Malian griot supergroup Trio Da Kali, GRAMMY-nominated kora players Seckou Keita and Kadialy Kouyate, Basque trio Kalakan, Creole musician Cedric Watson, and the Indonesian National Orchestra, TRUST. She has also shared the stage with folk icons such as Carlene Carter, Lindsay Lou, Joshua Burnside, while touring with the prestigious Transatlantic Sessions, led by sixteen-time GRAMMY winner Jerry Douglas. Named Gaelic Singer of the Year in 2021, Kim is also a sought-after composer. Her original compositions have been commissioned by the Edinburgh Storytelling Centre, the Blas Festival, Piping Live, multiple gaming companies, and the 35-time award-winning documentary Kim Carnie: Out Loud, including Best Song in a Film at the Milan Independent Awards. Following the critical success of her debut solo album And So We Gather, produced by Donald Shaw, Kim returns with A' Chailleacha bold new chapter in her artistic evolution. A STANDOUT INSTRUMENT OF HER GENERATION BBC RADIO 2 VELVET VOICED AUTHORITY - THE SCOTSMAN 'PURE SCOTTISH GOLD... INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL' - ROBERT CARLYLE 'IT CANT GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS' - THE BARRIER 'A MASTERCLASS IN HOW TO CREATE A GAELIC RECORD' - SHIRE FOLK 'SENSUAL AND SCINTILLATING' - LIVERPOOL SOUND AND VISION SHE MAKES SOMETHING SPECIAL OF EVERYTHING SHE SINGS - THE QR SHE BREATHES LIGHT AND BEAUTY INTO EVERY NOTE -LIVING TRADITION 'SOMETHING MAGNIFICENT' - SNACK MAG CELEBRATORY AND GORGEOUS' - SONGLINES LIKE A FINE SINGLE MALT- FATEA

Sian comprises three of today’s most exquisitely gifted young Gaelic singers – Ceitlin Lilidh, Eilidh Cormack and Ellen MacDonald – accompanied by multi-instrumentalist Innes White. With direct connections among the singers to Lewis, Skye and North Uist, their arrangements match deep feeling for tradition with stunning, boldly imaginative harmony work, which has seen them likened to The Staves and even Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Their self-titled debut album, produced by Donald Shaw, was released in 2020.

Capercaillie and Session A9 fiddle player, Charlie Mckerron has been playing with Marc Clement and Tim Edey for over 20 years, and after playing with Ross Ainslie at various sessions Charlie asked him to join the group around 10 years ago. Charlie explains, the combination of the 2 guitar styles of Edey and Clement are electric and can only inspire and make you want to play! The musicians bring a world music backdrop to many of Mckerrons compositions, which he likes to feature in his tours. As well as their guitars you can expect to hear the powerful voice of Marc Clement and Tim Edeys brilliance on the melodeon. Ross Ainslies introduction to the outfit has been a great development. His piping and whistle skills plus his love of contemporary, traditionally based composition is right up my street says Charlie. This combo likes to continually push and challenge each other. There is a musicial soulfulness, the fury of the up tempo madness and incredible improvisation making every night a different experience. I love the improvisation thrown in, there is freedom within the music, comments Ross Ainslie. Charlie, an award-winning composer, is at the moment working on his solo CD, which features some of the music from this line-up, as well as contributions from other Celtic and World musicians. These intimate gigs are the perfect way to introduce some of our new music, says Charlie. You can expect a night of amazing music and entertainment from these award-winning musicians. Their virtuosity and the sheer joy of performing together will always shine. A joyous evening of virtuoso musicianship ... Edinburgh Music Review ... played with emphatic vigour and precision The Scotsman

Young folk singer crowned Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2018. Building on a fast growing reputation, Hannah Rarity ranks as one of Scotland’s finest singers. Performing a carefully chosen mix of traditional, contemporary and self-penned material, she earns comparisons to Eva Cassidy and Norah Jones, whilst standing confidently in her own right.

Mama Terra is a Scottish jazz-soul ensemble founded by Glaswegian pianist and composer Marco Cafolla, known for their spiritual jazz sound released on Acid Jazz Records.

Geoff Palmer has a particular love of the cello and, since moving to Aberdeenshire has performed many well-loved cello favourites and lots of contemporary music at the University of Aberdeen and other venues in the City and Shire. In 2023 he asked the Scottish luthier Ian Grieg if he would make a new cello for him a labour of love which Ian readily undertook, and which took two years to complete. At this evenings event, you will hear the story of the creation of the resulting very special instrument. Ian and Geoff will discuss the whole creative process and share Ians comprehensive photographic record at each stage from selecting the wood in northern Italy to applying the final coat of varnish. The final stage is to listen to the voice of the new cello in the wonderful acoustic of St Margarets. Geoff will play music written from the 18th to the 21st centuries on the new cello, including JS Bach's Fourth Cello Suite and Kian Soltani's 'Persian Fire Dance. After the interval he will be joined by Imogene Newland in a performance of Brahms mighty F Major Sonata for cello and piano. The performance may also include music from Geoffs parallel career, which has taken him on many journeys in Europe and North America writing music for other people! lan Greig is a violin maker and graduate of the prestigious International School of Violin Making at Newark-On-Trent. With a passion for crafting exquisite string instruments, he specializes in creating violins, cellos and violas of exceptional quality. lan Greig's commitment to his craft and dedication to producing instruments of the highest quality have earned him a reputation among musicians and collectors worldwide. His instruments are sought after for their exceptional craftsmanship, tonal richness and playability. The pianist Imogene Newland has performed with the Silfurberg Ensemble in Iceland, Avanti Trio in Aberdeen and as part of the two pianos duo KLAT[S]CH with Bob Gilmore. She has recorded with Channel 4 and Icelandic State Television. She gained a PhD from the Sonic Arts Research Centre and the much-coveted Fellowship of the Royal Schools of Music, under the tutelage of Joseph Long and Nigel Clayton.