I agree but I think the use of the harp in the band is generally used very well and probably reflects the influences of many new instruments and styles that have found their way to Shetland in the time that I have left the islands. The annual folk festival has certainly paid a major role in that and in producing some fine performers and bands and in leading many of the visiting performers astray........

I remember Dave Swarbrick giving a fiddle workshop in one of the first festivals. He was asked his opinion on how to hold the fiddle and bow and replied that as long as you were comfortable - it did not matter if you held it up your bum. Or words to that effect. This was taken as heresy and also as a bit of liberation, for the main teaching influence there at that time always insisted that everyone held the fiddle the same and also bowed together - like a classical ensemble.