My Biography
In The Beginning : 1970 - 1979
I began playing the fiddle at the age of 8, progressing firstly down the classical road, achieving Grade 8 at the age of 16.My Scots fiddle playing began with the Edinburgh Highland Reel and Strathspey Society in 1977. At the age of 17 I recorded my first tracks with Aly Bain on a Fiddlers Companion.
The Early Years : 1980 - 1989
In 1981 I entered Edinburgh University when together with the Marwick Brothers, formed the Spootiskerry Ceilidh band.Latest News
2010 Amber Fiddle Award
Selected from a record number of entries, my composition "The Ardgour Seamstress" was awarded 3rd place in this international event to celebrate creative fiddle composition and also the life and works of Niel Gow.
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Long Time Getting Here
review from www.livingtradition.co.ukThe title is only too appropriate. In the early 1980s, Donald Stewart's fiddle was at the core of Edinburgh's hottest young ceilidh band, Spootiskerry.Read more
Fèis London
A Fèis is a gathering of people who come together to develop skills in the Gaelic arts and traditional music on a wide range of instruments.The first Fèis London was held in 2007,and is an entirely participative experience. It’s about learning through taking part.
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