With talent of this calibre, it's difficult to see how Skelbo could fail - and they don't.

The Living Tradition

Veronique Nelson - Fiddle / Viola

Veronique was a founder-member of Curlew (Fiddle Music From Shetland And Beyond (Topic)) and also played with Spaelimenninir (A Ferd) from the Faroe Islands. Her university thesis on Galician pipe music resulted in her being asked to be a musical adviser for Pelicula Films in Glasgow and she has played in Berlin for the 7.84 Theatre Company. Veronique's playing is characterised by a driving, rhythmic style influenced by the Shetland fiddle tradition.

Iain Strachan - Guitar / Vocals

Having made albums with Anthony Griffiths (Solar Sound) and Scottish / Donegal band Malin Head (Munich) Iain has continued to work as an accompanist and songwriter since moving to the Highlands. His performances, both solo and with Skelbo, are characterised by his driving, DADGAD guitar style. Iain has released a C.D. of his songs entitled Evelix and is currently in the studio with Erik working on a follow-up.

Erik Knussen - Double Bass

Erik has played with most of the top Scottish Orchestras (including extensive recording and tours of Germany and Spain with the Scottish National Orchestra) as well as playing in rock bands in his native Glasgow. His more recent work in Fife schools sees him teaching a whole range of musical styles. Erik has been playing with Iain and Veronique since the late eighties when they featured in a weekly Fife pub session. Erik was very much involved with Iain's Evelix CD and is currently back in the studio working on the follow-up. He also plays in Vasco da Gamba and with The Crawstep Ceilidh Band

Eddie Scott - Spoons / Bodhran

Eddie is an Irishman who has lived in the Highlands for many years playing on the Scottish scene and, for the past nine years, with Iain and Veronique. His spoons workshop at Glasgow's Celtic Connections Festival has been one of the most highly attended since the Festival's conception.

Special guest on the Skelbo CD:

Frank McConnell - Step Dancer

Frank is a modern dance performer, choreographer, step dancer and teacher. He has taught dance to the Netherlands Opera Company and has solo performances at the Edinburgh Festival to his credit. Frank was formerly Dancer in Residence in Ross-shire in the Highlands and his contribution has been enjoyed in communities in the Islands and Highlands.

Special guests on the Evelix CD:

Notker Homburger - Dobro Guitar

Notker lives in Konstanz on the German/Swiss border. He has made several CDs with Notty's Jug Serenaders, a band which plays early blues and incorporates brass and jug music with Notker's Dobro and vocals.

Steve Kettley - Soprano Sax

Steve is a highly respected saxophonist who lives in Edinburgh. He is a member of the bands Salsa Celtica and the Cauld Blast Orchestra.

Andy Thorburn - Hammond Organ, Piano

Andy is a musician, composer, producer and arranger based in Evanton, Rosshire. He is a member of Blazing Fiddles and Salsa Celtica as well as playing regularly with fiddler Ian Hardie (Jock Tamson's Bairns).

Alasdair Fraser - Low Whistle, Scottish Small Pipes

Alasdair lives in Achiltibuie in the north West Highlands where a piping school has recently opened. He teaches pipes and regularly takes part in local Highland piping competitions. In the mid 1980's Alasdair was flown to Munich to play on a track by the band Kissing The Pink.

Sarah Scott - Additional Vocals

Sarah is from Rothes and is working in the Highlands with the popular band Sold On Soul. During the last couple of years she has been working in Majorca and her lead vocals can be heard on several club mix records.

Finlay Grant - Drums, Percussion

Finlay is from Elgin and has been playing drums in the Moray area for longer than people can remember! He drums for Sold On Soul and has played on numerous sessions including the first Crannog CD.