Iain MacFarlane has become one of the most sought-after fiddlers in Scotland. Best known for his role in the dynamic ‘Blazin’ Fiddles’, Iain has been steeped in traditional music all his days being influenced by ‘greats’ such as his father Charlie, Donald Riddell, Fearchar MacRae and Evan MacRae.
Since his teens Iain has played in many musical formations and projects such as Gaelic Drama, Contemporary Dance, Radio and Television. A graduate from the RSAMD BA Trad Music course, Iain is now the principle tutor at the School of Excellence in Traditional Music and does regular teaching stints at Feisean and the Irish World Music Centre.
Much in demand as a session player he is equally at home playing for dances, ceilidhs as accompanying singers, having worked most recently with Kathleen MacInnes and Margaret Stewart. In the past he has also stood in for the great Aly Bain of "Boys of the Lough.
Iain’s current performing commitments are with the Glenfinnan Ceilidh band and also in a duo with Iain MacDonald (ex Battlefield Band/ Ossian). It was from this duo that the now seminal album “First Harvest” emerged, described in the Scotsman paper as the “best traditional album of Scottish Music to emerge in a decade from two of the foremost instrumentalists in the country.”
Iain is also a partner and engineer in Old Laundry Productions, a fantastic recording facility and record company set up with his wife Ingrid in his home area. It’s from this inspiring environment that his first solo album, ‘Gallop to Callop’ has been created with musical pals including Ewan Robertson (Breabach), Ingrid Henderson, Iain MacDonald (ex Battelfield Band) and Dermot Byrne (Altan).
“Iain MacFarlane's exquisitely lyrical, west coast accent, produced a typical heart-in-the-mouth set….with his superb technique and mellifluous tone.”
Iain uses an Accusound microphone system.