Bennachie Tunes Project

Bennachie has been the subject of song and verse for centuries. The Bailies have always taken a strong interest in the commemoration of our iconic hill and our publications are full of stories and poems. Traditional musicians have composed tunes on many aspects of the hill and its history, with special music written to mark occasions such as our founders being awarded MBEs and for our 25th anniversary.

In keeping with that tradition, the Bailies have undertaken two musical projects - the commissioning of a new piece of original piano music and the editing and compilation of Bennachie and Bailies- themed traditional music.

Professor Phillip Cooke was commissioned to write ‘Bennachie – Scores and Stories for the Piano’. This six-movement suite covers many aspects of the hill and its history and was premiered by Tara Leiper at the Bailies Golden Anniversary Celebration at Inverurie Town Hall on May 20th, 2023.

Kemnay musician, Ian Thow, has been composing traditional tunes all of his life, including many themed on Bennachie. These have been used as the centre of a collection of tunes about Bennachie, alongside tunes written by others such as Bert Murray, A.B. Bain and Paul Anderson. Joe Stollery has created new editions of the scores with accompanying audio files. A selection of the tunes was played at the Anniversary celebration by the Garioch Fiddlers.

The Bailies are indebted to Phillip, Ian and Joe, Tara and the Garioch Fiddlers for their help in bringing this project to fruition. We are also indebted to the two composers who have agreed to allow their music to be downloaded free of charge and thereby spreading the Bennachie story around the world.

Please enjoy our 35+ tunes celebrating and inspired by Bennachie and the surrounding area. These tunes are part of our Celebrating 50 Years Of The Bailies of Bennachie for other related projects.

These scores digitised by Joe Stollery.

Marches

Waltzes

Hornpipes

Slow Airs

Reels

Strathspeys

Jigs

Two Steps

Also see Celebrating 50 Years Of The Bailies of Bennachie for other related projects.

These scores digitised by Joe Stollery.

Please also see our other Projects information.