Iain MacGillivray

Well I have a lot to say, born in Inverness, raised on a large mixed farm in Easter Ross called Calrossie - world famous for their short-horned cattle. Worked on the farm all my life doing various jobs and have since then become a master shepherd at lambing season. Been brought up heavily in Scottish music, my Grandfather and Father being renowned Ceol Mor Pibroch revivalists and Gold Medalists. Also been brought up with Motown music from my Mum. Since then, have had a wide range in music, especially Celtic music. Went through the Scottish Gaelic Medium in Primary School up through Academy and am a fluent speaker of the language. Really into sport - football, rugby and Hill Racing( Junior Champion at a few Highland Games in the past). I support 'Inverness Calley Thistle' so back off or I will fight you! Just joking. Since leaving Academy have travelled round a bit - Went, on my own, to the funeral of Pope John Paul 2nd in 2005 to represent my local parish of Easter Ross. Worked in the Alaskan bush doing construction for 3 months in summer 2005. Came straight from there to attend the World Youth Day in Koln, Germany at the end of the summer. Just recently went to Benbecula College for a year doing Traditional Music and Gaelic which was an absolute ceilidh of a year. Got a lot better on my instruments(finally got onto the Pipes with one and only Iain MacDonald(Glenuig) and met so many brilliant folk there. Travelled extensively throughout the Western Isles, including cycling 78 miles from Harris to Stornoway, Lewis and climbing up Heaval in Barra. Went to Galway, Ireland with the Uist Pipe Band for St Paddy's Day this year. Played for Benbecula Football Club and scored goals. Just recently got back from a Holy Pilgrimage in Lourdes, France which was amazing. I have a huge amount of relatives in Michigan from my Mum's side, who we visit occasionally and they are just the best - Awesome folk. Also have relatives in Australia and Canada, on my Dad's side who I've never met before. I'm really interested in Scottish History, Celtic geneology, Clan traditions and Scottish independence. At the moment I play Fiddle, Highland Pipes, Bodhran, Spoons, Snare Drum and Whistle. Still need to learn Wooden Flute, Small Pipes and Harmonica and then that's it. You have to draw a line somewhere!Maybe I've even crossed it, I don't know!!