Annotation:Lonach Gathering, The

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LONACH GATHERING, THE. Scottish, March (4/4 time). A Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AAB. Composed by Scots fiddler-composer J. Scott Skinner (1843-1927).

The Lonach Highland and Friendly Society was founded in 1823 by Sir Charles Forbes, 1st Baronet of Newe and Edinglassie (1773-1849), originally to build a cairn to celebrate the coming of age of the son. Subsequently, the society found a mission in preserving Highland dress, the Gaelic tongue, and “supporting loyal, peaceful, and manly conduct; and the promotion of social and benevolent feelings among the inhabitants of the district.” The Lonach Gathering, held in August in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, commemorates the building of the cairn. There is a parade of men wearing full Highland dress, carrying pikes and Lochaber axes, accompanied by pipers, who visit local residents, sometimes accepting a dram. The Gathering also features Highland Games.

Source for notated version:

Printed sources: Skinner (Harp and Claymore Collection), 1904; p. 33.

Recorded sources:

See also listing at:
See Skinner's manuscript copy at the University of Aberdeen's James Scott Skinner collection [1]