Celtic Fiddle Guru

I'm writing this from Argyll, a few miles from where I grew up — and in a few weeks I'll be on Cape Breton Island, the western shore of the same story.

The tunes that left these lochs on emigrant ships in the 1800s are still played in Mabou kitchens today. At the Artfilled Wellness Retreat (Aug 16–23) you don't study that history — you sit inside it.



https://celticfiddleguru.com/art-and-wellness-retreat-cape-breton

Every morning of the Artfilled Wellness Retreat begins the same way: outdoors, unhurried, moving together — daily Tai Chi with Dr. Michelle Greenwell, one of Canada's most respected teachers, at her famously gentle pace.

If you're the one who usually teaches the class — this is the week you take it.

August 16–23 • Mabou, Cape Breton • 15 places only.



https://celticfiddleguru.com/art-and-wellness-retreat-cape-breton

To the musicians who play in hospitals, hospices, and care homes: compassion fatigue is an occupational reality, not a weakness.

The Artfilled Wellness Retreat (Aug 16–23, Cape Breton) is the mirror — sound baths played FOR you, movement guided FOR you, music happening around you. Nobody needs anything from you for eight whole days.


https://celticfiddleguru.com/art-and-wellness-retreat-cape-breton

The tunes of Scotland and Ireland crossed the Atlantic with settlers who travelled rivers just like the James.

This August, we're bringing that music home to the water.

Float & Fiddle on the James · August 29–30
James River Runners, Scottsville VA

Float the 3-mile Warren-to-Hatton stretch by day. Let the river set your pace. Then gather at the campfire as the sun goes down for Celtic fiddle, stories, and an open fireside circle where everyone gets a turn.

One night. One river. One fireside circle.

🎻 All levels welcome — from first-time fiddlers to experienced players
🎸 Other instruments welcome at the fireside circle
🌊 Float, workshop, campfire, and breakfast the next morning
💰 Adults $95 · Teens (14+) $65

🔗 Full details & booking: https://celticfiddleguru.com/float-and-fiddle-james-river

The Cabot Trail. The sound of a Cape Breton session spilling out of a community hall. The salt air off the Atlantic.

There are places in the world that do something to a musician. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia is one of them.

This August I'm heading there for eight days — and there are still spots open on the Artfilled Wellness Retreat (Aug 16–23, Mabou).

Co-facilitated with Dr. Michelle Greenwell of the Greenwell Center for Holistic Health, the week weaves Tai Chi, fiddle, sound, movement, and art into something you genuinely can't get anywhere else.

$800 + tax. Flights into Halifax or Sydney. Hire a car and let the island do the rest.

🔗 https://celticfiddleguru.com/art-and-wellness-retreat-cape-breton

Tag someone who needs a week like this 👇

Have a look at the Irn Bru vending machine just as you are about to exit or enter Edinburgh airport.

You might might a picture of Donald Dinnae on the from of an Irn Bru can.

On this day in 1837: Legendary strongman Donald Dinnie was born in Birse, Aberdeenshire. His name became immortal in 1860 when he carried two massive granite boulders – the legendary 'Dinnie Stones', weighing a combined 733lbs (332.5kg) – across the 17ft width of the Potarch Bridge barehanded.

As well as being a local legend, winning the Highland Games 21 years in a row, he was also a 19th-century global superstar, travelling the world taking part in wrestling, weightlifting and hammer-throwing contests. Check out those medals! He is the original strongman who featured on Irn Bru cans.

Replicas of the Dinnie Stones are still used in International Strongman competitions, and strongmen and strongwomen are still invited to lift the original 'Dinnie Steens' and walk with them as far as possible 💪