The Gregg Fiddle Returns to New York
An 18th-century fiddle thought to be played by Robert Burns will return to New York City in April thanks to a special partnership between Hoolie in the Hydro, the National Trust for Scotland, and NTSUSA.
A Historic Journey
The Gregg fiddle, which was reportedly played by Burns’ dance teacher William Gregg more than 250 years ago, was recently played by one of Scotland’s most accomplished fiddlers at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow for an audience of more than 10,000. It next makes its way to Carnegie Hall for NYC Tartan Week.
The historic, intricately decorated instrument usually 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.
Ewen Henderson plays the Gregg fiddle | NTS
A Moment in Music History
History was made when Lochaber multi-instrumentalist Ewen Henderson played the Gregg fiddle in front of thousands at Hoolie in the Hydro, Scotland’s biggest night of traditional music, earlier this month. Celebrated fiddle player and composer Duncan Chisholm will take up the special instrument at Carnegie Hall for Hoolie in New York in April 2025.
Ahead of these special performances, Ewen and Duncan travelled to the museum in Alloway to learn the intricacies of the precious instrument from the National Trust for Scotland’s curatorial team.
Preserving a Cultural Icon
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 each 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 recently commemorated 100 years of Scottish music with Hoolie 100 on December 7. The beloved cultural extravaganza is crossing the Atlantic for a new event in the Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of NYC Tartan Week on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
A Shared Mission
Spearheaded by Scottish musician and broadcaster Gary Innes, the events seek to preserve and promote Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, making the National Trust for Scotland and The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA natural event partners.
The Trust is Hoolie 100’s official charity partner and the collaboration, which has led to these special performances of the Gregg fiddle, reflects a shared commitment to honoring Scotland’s musical history while celebrating the incredible talent that defines its modern music scene.
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.
Gary Innes with Alan Cumming, who will host the 2025 Hoolie in New York
Reflections from Key Voices
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.”
Duncan Chisolm | NTS
Kirstin Bridier, Executive Director of The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, said:
“We are delighted to welcome the Gregg fiddle back to New York City for its premiere at Carnegie Hall during NYC Tartan Week. The fiddle is an icon of Scotland’s cultural heritage and just one of the many places and objects that NTSUSA donors help the National Trust for Scotland to protect and share. Indeed, American supporters across all fifty states have been important and dedicated advocates for Robert Burns’ legacy, assisting in the acquisition of the Blavatnik Honresfield Library and enabling digitization of the National Trust for Scotland’s extraordinary collection of Burns manuscripts, as well as providing capital support for conservation projects at the Burns Cottage, Burns Memorial, Souter Johnnie’s Cottage, and the Bachelors’ Club.”
Duncan Chisholm said:
“I am incredibly honored 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.”
Hoolie at the Hydro in Glasgow, 2022. | Soundcafe.com
A Night of Scottish Culture
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. The event will feature as a special program on BBC ALBA.
Hoolie in New York will take place on Saturday 5th April 2025. Tickets are available now.
Supporting the Legacy
To learn more about NTSUSA’s current campaign to conserve the Bachelors’ Club and Souter Johnnnie’s Cottage, visit ntsusa.org/protect/annual-appeal