James Scott Skinner

(1843-1927)

Born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. His father was a gardener, but after losing three fingers of his left hand, he became a left-handed fiddler and a dancing master.

James was taught cello and fiddle by his older brother Sandy, and later by his mentor the great Peter Milne. In 1855 he joined Dr Mark's 'Little Men' - a children's orchestra - and travelled the theatres with them for six years.

By 1870 Skinner was married and conducting business as a dancing master and solo fiddler, his reputation as the latter growing year by year until 1890s when he was touring the United States.

Skinner was a prolific composer, some 600 tunes being known. His tunes are generally loved by Scottish players, and many of them are played in bands and sessions in Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the US. A list of his most popular tunes might include The Laird of Drumblair, The Bonnie Lass O' Bon Accord, The Spey In Spate, Carnie's Canter, Duke of Fife's Welcome to Deeside, Tulchan Lodge, The Miller o' Hirn, Dargai, and many others.