The earliest composers of strathspreys and reels whose tunes are known to us are those of the eighteenth century. These include William Marshall, Robert Mackintosh and Niel Gow. During this period the stimulus to composers was the popularity of the native Scottish dances. In the following century, dances imported from England and the Continent became fashionable, with the result that there was a decline in the interest taken in the national music. It was at this stage that a small number of enthusiasts, all deeply interested in the playing of Scots music, formed the Edinburgh Highland Reel and Strathspey Society, the first of its kind. Since then it has done much to preserve our Scottish music.
It is hoped this book celebrating the Society will foster an interest in the traditions of playing Scottish fiddle music and encourage as many people as possible to participate in preserving this priceless heritage.
