Note: This is a list of tunes as played in 2003; it is based on a copy of Peter Budd’s tune list from 1991, updated by him at 1 May 2001 and supplemented by Peter Brown at October 2001 and January 2003. This is a living list and, from time to time, further additions will be made.

There must be a lot of other tunes we play, have played or play as part of a set with tunes already included herein. If you know of one or more then please tell Peter Brown for probable future inclusion.

The tunes and sets of tunes have been categorised as:

1. Reels

2. Jigs

3. Non-Pipe Marches

4. Hornpipes

5. Polkas

6. Waltzes

7. Mixed Tempo Sets

8. Various Other Single Tunes

9. Pipe Tunes

10. Scandinavian Tunes

Within each category, eg Reels, the most commonly played sets are listed first; ones towards the end may be played very infrequently. The key of the tune is in square brackets. The numbers at the end are references to written music and the letters to recordings.

The Edinburgh Shetland Fiddler’s Music Library is a box file which is sectioned with the same index as above. It contains paper copies of the tunes identified as “32”. These are available for borrowing.

The source list at the rear of this file has not been updated (ie neither the “written music” or “recording” sections. Some interested and knowledgable person might like to update this.

And finally, this list has been developed over decades by fallible humanoids. Please let Peter Brown (the fallible incumbent) know of any errors or omissions.

1. Reels.

Da Ferrie Reel [D] 2,47, B

Lay Dee at Dee [D] 2,47, B

Miss Spence’s Reel [D] 2,B

Jack Broke the Prison Door [G] 2,36 A,D

Donald Blue [D] 2,3,36 A,D

Sleep Soond ida Morning (Am) 2,36 A,C,D

Lasses Trust in Providence [G] 2,36 A,D

Bonnie Isle of Whalsay [G] 2, 36 A,D

John Spence of Uyeasound [A] 32,36

Hurlicks Reel (Tom Anderson) [A] 48

Robertson’s Reel [A}

The Dashing White Sergeant [D] 1

My Love She’s but a Lassie Yet [D] 1

The Rose Tree [D] 1

The Dashing White Sergeant [D] 1

Da Tushkar (Ronnie Cooper) [A] 7,13,36

Miss Susan Cooper (Ronnie Cooper) [D] 3.7.14.36

Mill Brae (Ronnie Cooper) [A] 14,36

Faroe Rum [D] 2,B

Aandowing at the Bow [G] 2,36 B

Da Forefit of the Ship [D] 2,36, B

The Flowers of Edinburgh [G] 1

The East Neuk of Fife [G] 1

The White Cockade [D] 1 or Bottom of the Punch Bowl [D] ref reqd

If I get a Boannie Lass ]G] 4, B

Jeannie Shock da Bairn [G] 4, B,C

Oot be Est da Vong [D] 4,14 B,C

Da Peerie Hoose Ahint da Burn [G] 2

Da Merry Boys of Greenland [G] 2,3,36

Wallafjord [D] 2,36

Da Road to Holigarth [D] 32

Magnie’s Matchless [D] 32

Da Laird of Gulberwick [G] 3

Mickie Ainsworth (Ronnie Cooper) [A] 36

Gordon’s Favourite (Ronnie Cooper) [G] 36

Saandie Burn Reel (Frank Jamieson) [A] 3

Trip to Windsor (Dan R Mac Donald) [A] 36

Mrs Norman McKeighan (Dan R MacDonald) [D] 43

The Devils’ Delight (Dan R Mac Donald [A] 43

Brenda Stubbert’s Reel (Jerry Holland) [Am] 36,45

The Shetland Fiddler [D] 9, 41

Dr Bob Smith (Hamilton Rant) (J Stanley Hamilton [A] 31, 36

Rosedale [D] 32

Da Lerwick Lasses [G] 3

Da Scallowa Lasses [Am} 3

Underhill [G] 3

The Duke of Perth [G] 1

Lady mackenzie of Coull [D] 11

Caddam Woods [G] once through]

Caddam Woods [A] once through 11

Fort Charlotte (Gideon Stove) [D] 3 (This is a jig)

Da Rodd ta Houll (Tom Anderson) [D]3,12

The Hillswick Wedding (Tom Anderson) [D]

The Teetotaller [D] 1,27

The Scholar [G] 1,27

The Barmaid [D] 27

Da Cross Reel [Am] ref reqd + 2 other tunes (what are they ?)

Leveneep Head [A] ref reqd

St. Anne’s Reel [D] ref reqd

Calum Donaldson [A] ref reqd

Maid Behind the Bar [D] ref reqd

The Scholar [D] ref reqd

The Reconciliation [A] ref reqd

Da Alamootie [G] ref reqd

De’il Stick da Minister [D] ref reqd

Pit Hame da Borrowed Claes [G] ref reqd

Batchelder’s Reel [F] ref reqd

The Auld Fiddler (Billy McGuire) [A] ref reqd

The Rocket [F] ref reqd

Willie Hunter tunes in Eb (played by Helen Brown) details reqd

Moving Cloud [G], 32

Dwyer’s No.1 [G], 32

Jim Seery’s [G], 32

Put me in the great chest [D], 32

Barrowburn Reel [D], 32

The Anvil (Ronnie Cooper) [A], 32

On the wings of a scorrie [G], 32

Dr. MacPhail’s reel [A], 32

Elizabeth’s eightsome reels

Breakdown [A], 32

Fairy Dance [D], 32

Mrs MacLeod [A], 32

Staten Island [D], 32

Davy Nick Nack [G], 32

Dancing Bear [Em], 32

Soldier’s Joy [D], 32

White Cockade [G], 32

Jenny Nettles [Am], 32

Trip to Sauchiehall Street (Jenna Reid) [D], 32

Boy fae da “Bid” (Jenna Reid), [D], 32

2. Jigs

Garster’s Dream[G] 3,4,48

Da Brig {D] 2,42

The Shaalds of Foula [G] 3,48

(Dan the Cobbler [D] 1) not often played

The Blackthorn Stick [A] 1

The Rakes of Kildare [Am] 1

Father O ‘Flynn [D] 1

Cherish the Ladies [D] 27 for a more correct version; we only play asimplified corrupt version

The New Rigged Ship [D] 37

Off she Goes [D] 1

The Mucking of Geordies Byre [D] 19

Teviot Brig [A] ref reqd

Da Sooth End (Willie Hunter Snr) [A] 3,18

Peter’s Peerie Boat [D] 4,48

This set may be occasionally extended (Lotta and Lena and the Hamefarers)

Mavis Grinnd [A] (source unknown) 32

Jenny Slater (Tom Anderson) [D] 4

Da Smugglers [G] (played by Elizabeth Peploe) ref reqd

Da Aald Hill Grinnd [G] 3

Fram upon Him [D] 3

Cumberland Reel [D] 1

Captain White [D] 1

Roaring Jelly [D] 1

Fort Charlotte [D] ref reqd

Shetland Wedding [A] ref reqd

Cataroni [G] ref reqd

Da Sooth End (Willie Hunter, senior) [A] 3,18

‘Sam’s Jigs’

The Braes of Elchies? [D ] 32

Pet of the Pipers [A] 1

The Banks of Allan [D] 1

The Hills of Glenorchy [Em] 1

The Drunken Parson [G] 1

A Hundred Pipers. Sam often played a set including this which nobody could ever remember afterwards.

Scarce O’ Tatties [Am] 36

Calliope House (Dave Richardson) [E] ref reqd

The Cowboy Jig [A] (set from playing of Alasdair Fraser) ref reqd

Banished Misfortune [D], 32

Merrily kissed the quaker’s wife [G], 32

Random [D], 32

3. Non-Pipe Marches

The Headlands (Ronnie Cooper) [A] 13

Mangister Voe (Tom Anderson) [A] 7

Caledonian March [D] 1

The Lovat Scouts [A] (J Scott Skinner) 7

The Duke of Fife’s Fareweel to Deeside (J Scott Skinner) [A] 30, E

The Barren Rocks of Aden [D] 11

The 79ths Farewell to Gibraltar [A] 5,10

Da Guizer’s March (Gideon Stove) [D] 3

Airthrey Castle (Tom Anderson) [D] 2

The Cameron Highlanders (J Scott Skinner) [A] 7

The Hens march to the Midden. [D] 2

Hamnataing [D], 32

Bridal March (G.Peterson) [G], 32

4. Hornpipes

The Liverpool Hornpipe [D] 1

Harvest Home [D] 1

The Boys of Blue Hill [D] 27

The Trumpet Hornpipe (Millicent’s Favourite) [D] 1

The Redesdale (The Underhand) (James Hill) [G] 8, F

The Home Ruler [D] ref reqd

The Friendly Visit [G] ref reqd

The Cambridge Hornpipe [A] ref reqd

The Galway [D] F

The Cliff [D]

Rights of Man [G]

City of Savannah [A]

5. Polkas

The Orkney Polkas

Norwegian Polka [D] 28 (known as The Bergen Polka in Norway)

The Old Polka [D] 28

(sometimes) Peter Pratt’s Polka [D] 28

The Bluebell Polka (Jimmy Shand) [G/C] 41 or 42?

The Shetland Polkas

Da Boannie Polka [D] 2

Seven Step Polka [G] 2,4

Sister Jean [D] 2

Auvergne Polka No.1 [D], 32

Auvergne Polka No.2 [D], 32

6. Waltzes

Starry Nights [D] 2

Isle of Gletness [G] 32

Rona’s Voe (Ronnie Cooper) [G] 17

Sunset over Foula (Ronnie Cooper) [D] 17

Margaret’s Waltz (Pat Shuldham Shaw) [A] 12

Farewell to Devon (Pat Shuldham Shaw) [A] 32

Louis’s Waltz [D] 36

Jock Halcro [A] 28

Stromsay Waltz [D] 28

The Rope Waltz [D] 32

Rosemary Brown [A] (as played by Aly Bain)

Centennial Waltz [Bb] (as played by Sean McGuire ?)

The Dolphin Waltz [A] ref reqd

My Love is Like a Red, Red, Rose key/ref reqd

A Rosebud by my early walk key/ref reqd

Ye Banks and Braes [G] 10

The Cradle Song [D] 5

The Cradle Song (By My Ain Fireside) (J Scott Skinner) [A] 6

Unknown third waltz

Country Waltz (American, from Graham Dolan)

7. Mixed Tempo Sets

The Full Rigged Ship (Am) 4,36,B

The New rigged ship (A) 4,36,B

Da Auld Resting Chair (Tom Anderson) [G] 2,42 A,D

Hamnavoe Polka (Tom Anderson) [G] 2,A

Da Rodd Ta Houll (Tom Anderson) [D] 2,3,48A

Da Slockit Light (Tom Anderson) [D] 4, A

Hakki’s Polka (Tom Anderson) [D] 4

Spootiskerry (Ian Burns) [G] 35, 41

Da Auld Noost (Frank Jamieson) [G]32

Far From Home [G] 48

Da Rodd Ta Houll [D] 2,3 A

Orkney Reel and Strathspey Signature Tune [D] 28

Gairsay [D] ref reqd

Lament for Prophet (Tom Anderson) [G] 4

The Alamootie (Tom Anderson) [G] 4

Leaving Lerwick Harbour (Willie Hunter Jr) [Bb] 32

Violet Tulloch’s Hornpipe 4 [Bb]

Unst Bridal March [G or A] 2

Da Bride’s a Boannie Ting [G or A] 2

Da Greenland Man’s tune [A] 3

Christmas Day i’ da Morning [D]

Da Day Dawn [A]

Janne’s Reinlander [G] ref reqd

Three Drunken Fiddlers key/ref reqd

Oliver Jack [G], 32

Da Black Hat [D] ref reqd

Up Helly Aa Tunes [?]

The Guizers song (Gideon Stove) [?]

The Galley March (Gideon Stove) [?]

Port Skioba [Am] (slow waltz) ref reqd

Elizabeth Peploe [D] (Kris Hughes) ref reqd

Andy Lyons set

Tune No.1 [??] ref reqd

Da Fashion o’da Deltin’ Lasses [?] ref reqd

The Halting March [G]

John macNeill’s Reel [A] ref reqd

Father Tom (hornpipe) (Davy Tulloch 1974) [Eb], 32

Veronique’s Reel (Davy Tulloch 1980) [Eb], 32

Isle of Vaila [D], 32

The Glendinning Reel [D], 32

Da Bride’s March [G], 32 (from Jenna Reid ?)

Du’s bon lang awa an a’m tocht land ta see du [G], 32

Kiss her an clap her [D], 32

Paddy Fahy’s reel [G] (from playing of Martin Hayes, Kilconnell, Galway)

(recorded by Terry Moug)

8. Various Single Tunes

Twa Fiddles by da Fireside (Tom Anderson) [G] 4

Michael’s Mazurka (Michael Ferrie) [G/Gm/G] ref reqd

Ronald Cooper (The Shetland Two step) Frank Jamieson) [A/D/A/G/A] 32

Da Silver Bow [Am] 32

Margaret Ann Robertson [A] 3

Mist Covered Mountains [Bm] 5,10

Ian S Robertson [?] (as played by Dick Rutter) ref reqd

Big Dougal [F/Fm] (Ian Powrie) ref reqd

Mrs Helen Robertson [G] ref reqd

The Hut on Staffin Island (Phil Cunningham) [D] ref reqd

Miss Rowan Davies (Phil Cunningham) [G] ref reqd

Coilsfield House [?] 7

Sitting in The Stern of A Boat [?] 7

Shingly Beach (Tom Anderson) [G] 4 1987

Maggie O’Ham [A] 3,B

Maggie Watson’s Farewell to Blackhammer (J.Craigie) [D,D,G] 28 polka

Midnight on the Water (as played by Aly Bain) [D] ref reqd

The Joy of It (Catriona Macdonald) [D] J

Millie Godger [D] ref reqd

Inis Oirr (island off Galway) [G], 32 (played by Cameron Gaskell)

The Ben Nevis Tramping Song (Willie Johnson) [G], 32

John Pottinger’s compliments to Ronald Cooper [F], 32

Freddie’s Tune [Bb], 32

The Wizard’s Walk (Jay Ungar) [Em], 32

9. Pipe Tunes

Pipe Tunes are played infrequently at the moment, though there are a few ‘historical’ sets.

Glencoe March (Dan R Mac Donald) [D] ref reqd

The Jig of Slurs (6/8 jig) [D] 5,10

Paddy’s Leather Breeches (6/8 jig) [Bm} 5,10

Father John MacMillan of Barra

Mrs MacDonald of Dunach

Donald MacLean’s Farewell to Oban (A. MacNeill) [A] 25

The Hills of Perth )2/4) [A] 19,20,21

The Athole and Breadalbane Gathering [A] (2/4) 5

The Rhodesia Regiment Second Battalion (source unknown)

Burning of the Pipers Hut (2/4) [Bm] 22,23

Paddy’s Leather Breeches (6/8 jig) [Bm] 5,10

The Jig of Slurs (6/8 jig) [D] 5,10

Glengarry’s March (2/4) [A] 24

The Heights of Alma (2/4) [A] 24

Bratach Banna [D]

MacGregor’s March [D]

The Hopeful Lover [A]

Title Unknown [D]

The Piper’s Cave [D]

The Atholl Highlanders Farewell to Loch Katrine (W. Rose) [A] 5,7

The Conundrum (Donald Macleod). [A] 6,10

The Drunken Piper (Reel) [A] 5

Tam Bain’s Lum (hornpipe) [D] 5,10

Mr and Mrs Alec Ross (Hornpipe] [D] 10

Crossing the Minch (Donald Macleod) [D] 10

Mairs Hornpipe [D] 46

The Inverness Gathering (2/4) [A] 5,10

The Balmoral Highlanders (2/4) (Angus Mackay) [A] 5,10

Farewell to the Creeks (6/8) [A] 5

Dornoch Links (2/4) [A] 1,6

Burning of the Piper’s Hut (2/4) [Bm] 22,23

Greenwoodside (2/4) (Bm) 5,11

Land to Lea [D], 32 (from playing of Gibby Gray of Unst)

10. Scandinavian Tunes

Swedish Ganglat [D] ref reqd

Danish Hoppsa No.1 [G/D] ref reqd

Danish Hoppsa No.2 [D] (“hoy” tune) ref reqd

Swedish Masquerade [G] source unknown

Finnish Waltzes by Konsta

The Swallow Waltz [Am] ref reqd

“Better waltz” (name reqd) ref reqd

Icelandic tune (?)

Spaelimenninir [D] ref reqd

Swedish Bridal March

Trollens Brudenmarsch [Gm]

Swedish Polskas

Karis Pers [D] ref reqd

Varvinder Friska [Am] ref reqd

Danish

Rumle Kvadrillen [D] ref reqd

Danish

Skaeve Thorvald [?] key/ref reqd

Swedish

Schottisch fran Haveren [?] key/ref reqd

Swedish

Schottisch e. Pal Olle fran Boda [D], 32

Sources. Written Music and Recordings.

Written Music.

1. Kerr’s First Collection of Merry Melodies. Book 1.

2. Hand me Doon Da Fiddle. Tom Anderson and Pam Swing. University of Stirling. Department of Continuing Education, 1979. Book and cassette.

3. Da Mirrie Dancers. Shetland Folk Society. 1970 and an extended edition in 1988.

4. Ringing Strings. Tom Anderson. Shetland Times limited. 1983.

5. Scots Guards. Standard Settings of Pipe Music. Volume 1. Paterson’s Publications.

6. Scots Guards. Standard Settings of Pipe Music. Volume 2. Paterson’s Publications. 1981.

7. The Fiddle Music of Scotland. James Hunter. Chambers 1979. New Edition in 1989 with bowings by Alistair Hardie.

8. Northumbrian Pipers Second Tunebook. Northumbrian Pipers Society. 1981.

9. The Edcath Collection.

10. Ceol Na Fidhle. Highland Tunes for the fiddle. Volume 1 Christine Martin. Harpstring House 1985.

11. Ceol Na Fidhle. Highland Tunes for the fiddle. Volume 2 Christine Martin. Harpstring House 1986

12. Ceol Na Fidhle. Highland Tunes for the fiddle. Volume 3 Christine Martin. Harpstring House 1988?

13. Shetland Music. Ronald Cooper. Volume 1. Shetland Times 1971.

14. Shetland Music. Ronald Cooper. Volume 2. Shetland Times 1972

15. Shetland Music. Ronald Cooper. Volume 3. Shetland Times 1972

16. Shetland Music. Ronald Cooper. Volume 4. Shetland Times 1972

17. Shetland Music. Ronald Cooper. Volume 5. Shetland Times 1974

18. Dance Music from Shetland and the North East. Volume 1. Shetland Times 1975.

19. John MacFadyen Collection. Volume 1.

20. Scottish Pipeband Association. Book 2.

21. John Wilson Collection Book 2.

22. William Ross Collection Book 4.

23. Royal Scottish Piper’s Society.

24. Kerr’s Caledonian Companion.

25. The Caledonian Companion. Alastair Hardie 1981.

26. Bulmer and Sharpey. Volume 1 Celtic Music 1974. Nb Zetland Fiddlers play a distinct Shetland version of St Anne’s Reel.

27. Allan’s Irish Fiddler. Published by Mozart Allan.

28. Fiddle Music and Songs of the Orkney Isles. Compiled by the Orknety Reel and Strathspey Society. J.D.C Publications 1977.

29. 1001 Gems The Dance Music of Ireland. O’Neill.

30. The Scottish Violinist. J.Scott Skinner (‘The Pink Book’).

31. Hamilton Rant is a very similar mainland tune and I have a transcription of this.

32. I have a transcription of this

33. Unassigned

34. TheShetland Violinist. Gideon Stove. Shetland Times

35. Spootiskerry. Music from Shetland by Ian Burns

36. Ho-Ro-Gheallaidh. Session Tunes for Scottish Fiddlers. Christine Martin and Anne Hughes. Taigh na Teud (Harpstring House) 1990

37. Kerr’s Third Collection of Merry Melodies

38. Elizabeth Peploe has a tape of Willie Johnson playing this set

39. Unassigned

40. Unassigned

41. First Ceilidh Collection for Fiddlers. Christine Martin and Anne Hughes. Taigh na Teud (Harpstring House) 1989

42. Second Ceilidh Collection for Fiddlers. Christine Martin and Anne Hughes. Taigh na Teud (Harpstring House) 1990

43. The Heather Hill Collection. The Music of Dan R MacDonald. ? Cranford Publications. Undated probably 1990

44. Ceol na Fidhle . Highland Tunes for the fiddle Volume 4. Christine Martin Harpstring House 1991

45. Jerry Holland’s Collection of Fiddle Tunes. Cranford Publications. 1988

46. Middletons Selection of Strathspeys

47. Ho-Ro-Gheallaidh Volume 2 of session tunes for Scottish Fiddlers. Christine Martin and Anne Hughes. Taigh na Teud (Harpstring House) 1998

48. Cruinn Còmhla. The well Travelled Fiddler’s Collection. Traditional and contemporary tunes. Compiled and Arranged by Christine Martin and Anne Hughes Taigh na Teud (Harpstring House) 1999

Recordings.

A. The Silver Bow. Shetland Folk Fiddling Volume 1. Topic 12TSS281. LP.1976.

B. Shetland Folk Fiddling Volume 2. TOPIC 12TS379. LP. 1978

C. Scottish Tradition Volume 4. Shetland Fiddle Music. School of Scottosh Studies. TANGENT. TNGM LP 1973.

D. Aly Bain. Whirlie 001. 1984 LP

E. Willie Hunter 1982 CELTIC Music CM1010 LP

F. Tom Hughes and His Border Fiddle. SPRINGTHYME SPR1005. LP

G. Shetland Fiddlers. LEADER LED 2052. LP 1973

H. Haand me Doon Da Fiddle. Tom Anderson and Pam Swing. University of Stirling. Department of Continuing Education, 1979. Book and cassette

I. Da Mirrie Boys. Folktracks Audio Cassette No. 60-068. Folktracks Publications 16 Brunswick Square, Gloucester, GL1 1UG. No Date probably 1970s. 56 Shetland Fiddle Tunes. Recorded by Pat Shuldham Shaw in the 1950’s

At 1 May 2001 I have no information as to whether any of these are available on CD.

Based on a copy of my 1991 file retyped in 1 May 2001. Original Computer copy had disappeared.