The Edinburgh Highland Reel and Strathspey Society, the first of its kind, was formed in 1881, ’for the practice or promotion of Scottish National Music, more especially Reel and Strathspey playing in the old Highland fashion’. Until 1949, the Orchestra was composed of violins (first and second), violas, cellos and double basses. Thereafter the piano was introduced. In the early days the orchestra played the strathspeys and reels as contained in the Athole Collection and other publications available at that time, together with Scots airs. With the great interest in Scottish country dancing which occurred after 1945, the Society extended their repertoire to include sets of Country Dances arranged by John Robertson and James M. Calder who were associated, in succession, with the Scottish Country Dance Players and the Scottish Country Players who broadcast regularly on BBC Radio Scotland.
James Moray Calder has been a member of the society since 1931, and conducted the society's orchestra from 1949 to 1991. He much enjoyed his work with enthusiastic players, tirelessly seeking perfection in performance. With his outstanding musical gifts, training and experience in Classical and Scottish music James enhanced and expanded the society's orchestral repertoire. The cover illustration shows him conducting the Centenary Concert in the Usher Hall, Edinburgh.
George A. Robertson is a Life Member of the society and past Secretary, George has worked wholeheartedly at promoting the society within Edinburgh and further afield. A well-kent local fiddler, largely self-taught, George has often been described as having 'a unique style of playing'.
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