Arts / Musical talent shines at young fiddler of the year competition
WINNIE Johnston was announced the 44th Shetland Young Fiddler of the Year in Mareel on Saturday night.
She won the senior open event, while Maisy Nicolson (15) won the senior traditional competition.
Fifteen-year-old Johnston was the competitor with the most points over both competitions, entitling her to the Shetland Young Fiddler of the Year title and the Frank Jamieson memorial trophy.
She also took home the Martin Laurenson memorial trophy for the best played slow air.
Johnston will perform at the Shetland Folk Festival this weekend, and she will also be invited to perform at the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention alongside internationally acclaimed artists. Nicolson will be invited to perform at the folk festival too.
Competition was said to be close between the five finalists – Ollie Jamieson, Winnie Johnston, Andrew Nicol, Sinead Jamieson and Maisy Nicolson – on the night.
Johnston won the open section with Nicolson second and Blance third. In the traditional section Nicolson’s win was followed by Johnston in second place and Nicol third.
Jamieson was also awarded the Catgut and Ivory trophy for the best played reel.
James Johnstone (12) was winner of the young fiddler intermediate with Hamish McLeman (12) second and Zara Nicolson (13) third.
Johnstone also won the traditional intermediate with Hamish McLeman second and Julieanne Nicolson (13) third.
McLeman was also awarded the Lell Robertson memorial trophy for the best played waltz.
Junior young fiddler went to ten-year-old Eilidh Chittick with Ava Garrick (10) second and Mara Lise Riddell (10) third.
Garrick took home the junior traditional prize with Riddell second and Chittick third.
Barry Nisbet, who joined for his third year as a judge, said: “It’s been great to watch the fiddlers develop their music and progress.
“Their dedication and love for music is inspiring.”
Fellow judge Laura Harrington, who was returning for a second year, added: “The standard of playing is always so high, and this year was no exception.
“What an absolute joy and privilege it is to hear the huge talent of the next generation.
“I’m delighted that Winnie will be taking Shetland music to an international stage and joining us at the North Atlantic Fiddle Convention in Aberdeen from 24–28 June as part of our exciting 25th anniversary line-up, alongside artists including Natalie MacMaster, Alasdair Fraser and Duncan Chisholm.”
The third judge was Stewart Grains, who said: “My first year as a judge in the competition was an entirely new experience – quite a challenge and a privilege to be involved.
“A special mention must go to the committee, tutors and accompanists for all the effort they put in. I will look forward to next year to see how each competitor has progressed.”
Judges of the Shetland Folk Society tune competition, Pauleen Wiseman and Kirsten Gifford, performed the winning tunes.
Ami Grains won the junior competition with her reel Tonisdale Rant. Andrew Nicol was second and third with his reels Braeside and Da Hoop.
The senior Shetland Folk Society tune competition was won by Christine Hughson with her reel The Jelly Baby Dash. George Spence was second with The 43rd Shetland Folk Festival Raffle Reel and Christine was also third with Da Brochside Jig.
Kaela Jamieson won the best reel in the Shetland style with The Chocolate Dog.
The audience were also treated to a performance by last year’s winner, Ami Grains, which organisers said showcased how her playing has progressed during her busy year as the Shetland Young Fiddler of 2025.
Organisers also hailed sponsorship from the Shetland Musical Heritage Trust, with senior, intermediate winners and runners up will receive free tuition at Shetland Fiddle Week in August.
They also gave thanks to the Shetland Musical Trust, Shetland Charitable Trust and Shetland Arts for financial support.
Shetland Folk Society Secretary Valerie Watt added: “All of the Young Fiddlers who have performed this weekend should be proud of their contribution. They have all developed as performers and have played their part in ensuring our musical community is vibrant and thriving.”
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