The Orkney Strathspey And Reel Society

Quote from 1976 album Orkney Fiddle Music "The Orkney Strathspey and Reel Society was formed in September 1948 with a membership of 28. The first President was Mr. John Silver of the North of Scotland Shipping Company, and he and Captain Moodie of the old Amelia were regular Saturday evening visitors. The first leader/conductor was the late George Stuart, and the first concert was in Harray Community Centre on 8th December 1948 was a great success, due in no small measure to the first compere-the late Jack Walls." This music is of considerable interest to Canadian listeners. The Orkneys were the last stop for the outbound supply ships of the Hudson's Bay Company from the 17th to 19th Centuries. Many HBC personnel were recruited on the Orkney Islands. The fiddle music of Canada's North, performed by members of First Nations, Iniut and Metis people has descended from the music which The Orkney Strathspey and Reel Society's music has similarly descended.