Charlie Mckerron and Friends with Kathleen MacInnes
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Capercaillie and Session A9 fiddle player, Charlie Mckerron is joined by his friends Ross Ainslie, Marc Clement and Cailean Mckerron in a series of gigs to celebrate another very special friend of his.
“My faithful friend, my fiddle, turns 150 years old this year. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that the best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles, and I think he may well have been right about that”, says Charlie. The fiddle came to him after his original instrument was stolen from the Capercaillie van whilst on tour in the late 1980’s. “The fiddle has an interesting background and it has been part of my musical career over the last 30 years, and hopefully will be for a few more”.
Ross Ainslie and Marc Clement bring a world music backdrop to many of Mckerron’s compositions. There is a musicial soulfulness, and the fury of the up tempo madness and incredible improvisiation make each night a different experience. They continually push and challenge each other, “I love the improvisation thrown in, there is freedom within the music”, comments Ross Ainslie.
“I am also excited to invite my son Cailean to join us” says Charlie. “Cailean is a very talented young man and I know he will bring some of his energy to our music and we might even get a Gaelic song from him”.
Charlie is at the moment working on his solo CD, which features some of the music from this line-up, as well as contributions from other Celtic and World musicians. “These intimate gigs are the perfect way to introduce some of our new music”, says Charlie.
You can expect amazing music and entertainment from these award-winning musicians. Their virtuosity and the sheer joy of performing together will always shine.
Kathleen MacInnes is a leading Scottish Gaelic singer and broadcaster known for her distinctive voice and commitment to Gaelic language and culture. Originally from South Uist and now based in Glasgow, she has developed a wide-ranging career in music, theatre and broadcasting.
She appeared as the featured vocalist in Macbeth (2024–2025), directed by Max Webster and starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo. She also appears regularly on Transatlantic Sessions alongside artists such as Alison Krauss, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham and her vocals featured on Ridley Scott's Hollywood Film Robin Hood 2009 starring Russell Crowe
Her albums Òg Mhadainn Shamhraidh and Cille Bhrìde were produced by Iain MacDonald, with Òg Mhadainn Shamhraidh earning Gaelic Singer of the Year and LiveIreland Newcomer of the Year.
She is also a broadcaster for BBC Scotland and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, the Gaelic voice of Mummy Pig, and a contributor to BBC Alba. In 2026 she was recognised in the Hands Up for Trad Women in Music and Culture 2026 list for her contribution to Scottish culture.
“My faithful friend, my fiddle, turns 150 years old this year. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that the best tunes are played on the oldest fiddles, and I think he may well have been right about that”, says Charlie. The fiddle came to him after his original instrument was stolen from the Capercaillie van whilst on tour in the late 1980’s. “The fiddle has an interesting background and it has been part of my musical career over the last 30 years, and hopefully will be for a few more”.
Ross Ainslie and Marc Clement bring a world music backdrop to many of Mckerron’s compositions. There is a musicial soulfulness, and the fury of the up tempo madness and incredible improvisiation make each night a different experience. They continually push and challenge each other, “I love the improvisation thrown in, there is freedom within the music”, comments Ross Ainslie.
“I am also excited to invite my son Cailean to join us” says Charlie. “Cailean is a very talented young man and I know he will bring some of his energy to our music and we might even get a Gaelic song from him”.
Charlie is at the moment working on his solo CD, which features some of the music from this line-up, as well as contributions from other Celtic and World musicians. “These intimate gigs are the perfect way to introduce some of our new music”, says Charlie.
You can expect amazing music and entertainment from these award-winning musicians. Their virtuosity and the sheer joy of performing together will always shine.
Kathleen MacInnes is a leading Scottish Gaelic singer and broadcaster known for her distinctive voice and commitment to Gaelic language and culture. Originally from South Uist and now based in Glasgow, she has developed a wide-ranging career in music, theatre and broadcasting.
She appeared as the featured vocalist in Macbeth (2024–2025), directed by Max Webster and starring David Tennant and Cush Jumbo. She also appears regularly on Transatlantic Sessions alongside artists such as Alison Krauss, Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham and her vocals featured on Ridley Scott's Hollywood Film Robin Hood 2009 starring Russell Crowe
Her albums Òg Mhadainn Shamhraidh and Cille Bhrìde were produced by Iain MacDonald, with Òg Mhadainn Shamhraidh earning Gaelic Singer of the Year and LiveIreland Newcomer of the Year.
She is also a broadcaster for BBC Scotland and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, the Gaelic voice of Mummy Pig, and a contributor to BBC Alba. In 2026 she was recognised in the Hands Up for Trad Women in Music and Culture 2026 list for her contribution to Scottish culture.
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Croy Live, Inverness, United Kingdom
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Host or PublisherBlas Festival
