Hailing from Ayr in Scotland, Alistair McCulloch stands as one of the nation’s most renowned fiddle performers, educators, and composers, garnering frequent appearances on both radio and television. He boasts an impressive list of fiddle championships won in the past and currently serves as a fiddle instructor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he has nurtured the talents of the emerging generation of rising stars.
At the heart of the Alistair McCulloch Trio, which includes Aaron Jones of Old Blind Dogs and the former Capercaillie whistle virtuoso Marc Duff, lies a captivating synergy that consistently graces numerous tours. Alistair’s affiliations extend to the long-standing ceilidh ensemble Coila and the Iain Cathcart Scottish Dance Band. Additionally, his musical collaborations have intertwined with many luminaries within the realm of Celtic music.
Alistair’s stage has extended across more than twenty countries, spanning Australia, New Zealand, China, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Venezuela, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. His work has drawn acclaim from The Scotsman, who praises his output, saying, “As the mountain of fiddle CDs rises even higher, this one can climb straight to the summit ridge.”
His second tunebook, the ‘Alistair McCulloch Collection Volume 2,’ has recently been published, encompassing a repertoire that includes previously recorded pieces with fully scored arrangements available. Notably, he has undertaken commissions such as a suite for William Grant & Sons of Glenfiddich whisky and an orchestral composition commemorating the visit of the Olympic torch to southern Scotland.
Alistair’s influence has resonated through his direction of various fiddle groups and ensembles. Notably, he guided the spirited young ensemble ‘Innovation’ and previously served as a soloist with the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra. His playing style, noted for its vigour and precision, has been aptly described by the Living Tradition as “fresh, fiery and full of fun.”
Beyond his musical prowess, Alistair emerges as an impassioned and inspirational educator. His expertise has led him to tutor at esteemed institutions such as the Swannanoa Gathering Celtic Week in North Carolina, the Southern Hemisphere International School of Scottish Fiddling in New Zealand, Boston Harbor Fiddle School, the Akademia Muzyczna in Wroclaw, Poland, and closer to home, Feis Rois in Ullapool.
Critics have celebrated his artistry and contributions. The Living Tradition hails him as “one of the finest fiddlers and composers of his generation,” while the Scots Magazine recognizes his “masterful” second collection. A prevailing sentiment resonates in the assessment by Folk Roots, which lauds his debut album as “tremendous” from a truly outstanding musician.
A guide track for ‘Alistair McCulloch’ is available below for listening: -
The track is additionally available within the following collections and sets: -
Associated Collections: -
6/8
Ayrshire Characters
Bachelors Club
Jig
Musicians
Not Yet Recorded
The Tarbolton Collection
The Three Six Five Collection
