The Whigmaleerie Ceilidh Dance Band

Whigmaleerie are a very talented, entertaining, experienced and popular 6-piece band from Aberdeenshire, who specialise in performing at weddings, functions, parties, concerts, or corporate events. Their aim is to provide excellent entertainment, and leaving everyone with cherished memories.

Whigmaleerie choose ceilidh dances for their popularity, simplicity and great enjoyment factor, and the steps can be called for those unfamiliar with ‘the moves’. Carefully selected sets and repertoires are presented by skilled musical accompaniment for both the ceilidh dances and classic covers. The band is driven by a woven sound of two excellent young fiddlers, subtle keyboards, cementing guitars and direct drums with sensitive, yet strong vocals. 

Some of their clients like a variety of music at their event, and Whigmaleerie are renowned for their unique interpretation of pop/rock songs from the classic era of 50s to 70s, with additional selected covers from the later decades, coupled with classy performances of Country and Folk music favourites which provides a bit of something for everyone. Younger guests may enjoy the latest original pre-recorded chart hits played during the intermission by request.    

To help plan your event, please advise if you would prefer ceilidh dance sets (with or without caller), or the ceilidh & covers mix, or the ceilidh, covers, with current recorded music break option.  Whigmaleerie are pleased to provide all clients with an excellent, professional service from the initial enquiry to the final note of an evening of superb entertainment.

Whigmaleerie are much more than an exceptional ceilidh, concert, covers or function band, with an excellent reputation for their ‘live’ performances. They display an authentic fun-filled rapport with their audience that integrates seamlessly with musical deftness incorporating a wide variety of musical styles creating a unique crafted ‘sound’ through their modern equipment.

About the band.

John Duncan and Alistair Robertson founded Whigmaleerie in 1985, and the band have been firm favourites ever since.   Over the years, there has been several line-up changes, none more so than during the past two years, with Whigmaleerie evolving and expanding into an increasingly popular 6 piece multi-instrumentalists/vocalists ceilidh and covers band who are in high demand for weddings, ceilidhs, parties, functions and concerts.  There versatility is reflected in the fact that they are equally comfortable and competent in many musical genres – ceilidh pop/rock/country/folk/easy listening.  Enjoying ‘live’ performance with no backing tracks whatsoever; their friendly rapport with the audience is greatly appreciated. 

Jim Buchan  Bass guitar & vocals. Fraserburgh-born Jim moved to Banff over a quarter of a century ago, and has just about settled in.  In his youth, Jim played side drum in Fraserburgh & District Boys Brigade Pipe Band, and was Principal Viola* in the Fraserburgh Academy Orchestra. In his spare time, he took up the guitar, graduating to the bass guitar. He has, over the years, become a respected bassist in an extensive variety of musical genres.  Jim took time out from his vocation as a full-time grandparent to join Whigmaleerie in 2017, bringing with him 40+ years of playing experience.  * FACT CHECK – HE WAS THE ONLY VIOLA!

John Duncanof Sketraw, originally from Leith, relocated to Aberdeenshire after military service. John began playing Trombone and e flat bass at school at the tender age of 11 before progressing to playing in championship brass bands.  During his army career, he discovered traditional folk music and learned to play both guitar and mandolin. On leaving the military, John played in the local folk music scene around Aberdeenshire and Moray. ‘Big’ John continues to play guitar, calls the ceilidh dances, and shares vocals with the other band members.  A huge presence both on and off stage, it is alleged that John ensures that the other band members do as they are told..... occasionally!

Stuart Fowler, the band ‘junior’, joined Whigmaleerie in 2017. He was raised in Buckie with fiddle music sounding throughout the family home – his dad was an accomplished fiddler, and Stuart now resumes his late father’s role of playing fiddle alongside John Woodside.  Stuart has another connection with Whigmaleerie - he plays the electric fiddle previously owned and played by the late Ian Ross.  When Stuart isn’t fiddling, he likes nothing better than playing the guitar and singing – a very talented vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. 

Fiona Jamiesonwas invited to play with Whigmaleerie concurrently with Stuart.  She began playing Scottish fiddle music when she was 9 years of age and hasn’t stopped.   From years of playing in groups, meeting other musicians and courses like "The Splore" and the Applied Music course at Strathclyde University, Fiona has had brilliant experiences and a lot of fun playing and learning more about the tradition of Scottish music.  However, that’s not all - as a classical violinist she currently plays with the Grampian Concert Orchestra and the Loanhead Quartet, and she certainly knows her way around a piano, keyboard and vocals.   Having played with various traditional music groups and ceilidh bands over the years including the Garioch Fiddlers, Celtacad, Kask, and Ceilidh Mor, she is very excited to be a vital, creative part of the unique Whigmaleerie sound and style!

Leo McPherson, who hails from Moray, isthe band’s dexterous drummer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Long time drummer with the rock band Estrella, Leo was the final musician recruited for Whigmaleerie at the beginning of 2018 and greatly contributes to the band’s unique sound.  He has been playing musical instruments and writing music for about eighteen years. As a drummer and acoustic guitarist, he toured extensively throughout the UK and Europe with hundreds of popular artists, either as a band member, support act, or filling slots at some of the countries' leading festivals.

 John Woodside,Whigmaleerie’s principal guitarist, moved to Aberdeenshire nearly years ago.  He is an award winning multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, and gained much respect as a booking agent for folk artists in both Europe and UK.  In 2008, Whigmaleerie made him an offer he couldn't refuse and was responsible for expanding their original pop/rock repertoire. Equally comfortable with either acoustic or electric guitar, he also enjoys contributing some keyboards and vocals.