I have wonderful.memories of the Heritage of Scotland summer schools in Airthrey Castle, Stirling University for 10 years in through the 1980s (with a few additional weekend ones in in the late '90s?.) The driving force behind the Heritage classes was the wonderful Robert Innes, director of continuing education at the uni. There were two singing classes,c
during 'our'week (with other instruments and dance over the summer) Ballads and Traditional Song with Jean, and Gaelic with Anne Lorne Gillies; also three fiddle classes - Tom Anderson with Shetland, Aonghas Grant with West Highland and Alasdair Hardie with North East style. What brilliant experiences we had in classes - and amazing fun sessioning till the wee sma' hoors in various hostelries, kitchens, lounges and outdoor spaces. There were people from across the world attending, sharing their own cultures and immersing themselves in ours.
Jean was an excellent and inspiring tutor
- we learned by ear and repetition, went home with the songs and harmonies carved onto our hearts. Jean had no 'ego', she just wanted to share her love and knowlege of Scots traditional song. She invited singers like Willie Scott into class. Some days we went on visits to historical sites, where Jean would sing relevant songs, we would join in, harmonise...so many more stories and memories. Many of us went home to share the songs and experiences, start folk clubs.....Heritage summer schools and Jean Redpath were truly memorable!