Tobermory Open Studios is a chance for artists to showcase their process and their work with the public. Between the 29th of March and the 1st of April, we will be host to artists as they teach us how their art comes to fruition.

You can find more information about this event on their website: https://www.mytobermory.com

Eilidh Shaw (fiddle and vocals) and Ross Martin (guitar) are probably best known for their work with two top traditional bands; Eilidh with The Poozies and Ross with Daimh, although some may recall the 2000s when they made up two-fifths of the cult folk explosion that was Harem Scarem.
Originally from the small west coast villages of Taynuilt and Arisaig, they have been at the heart of the Scottish Music scene for over 20 years, touring the world both with their own groups and as guest artists with a vast array of top performers.

Dàimh, known as ‘the Gaelic Supergroup’, have taken Gaelic music all over the world and twice won the Folk Band of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music awards and also the Best Folk Band in Europe at the prestigious Folkherbost awards in Germany. They have made 7 albums, the most recent being The Rough Bounds which was released on their own label in 2018.

Eilidh plays the fiddle and sings with pioneering folk act The Poozies, who have been a popular mainstay on the scene for many years. In 2019 she also joined the equally well-established and beloved Shooglenifty following the untimely passing of their former front man. Shooglenifty are recognised as the forerunners of fusing modern elements with Scottish music and are continuing to lead the field today. In 2020 they cemented Eilidh as their new fiddle player with the release of Acid Croft Vol. 9, featuring Eilidh and many of her compositions.

Individually they have also worked with all manner of top musicians from the Scottish scene and beyond, clocking up over 100 album appearances. Some highlights from recent years have seen touring and recording collaborations artists such as Scottish Gaelic star Julie Fowlis; Irish singers Muireann NicAmhlaoibh and Karan Casey; Breton artists Arnaud Ciapolino and Yann Fanch Kemener; and even 70’s pop crooner Tony Christie.

Together they have appeared and recorded with US artists such as Grammy Nominated fiddler Casey Driessen and alt-country legend Bonnie Prince Billy (aka Will Oldham).

In 2017 they made their first album together, Birl-esque, which was released on their own Rhubana Records label to critical acclaim. Since the album release and the launch of their duo album they have toured Scotland, the U.S., France and Germany, and performed at the Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow.

The 2020’s have required them to take on alternative career paths as a fisherman and a music teacher but they have also found some time to work on a 2nd duo album from their home in Morar, which they are looking forward to releasing and touring in 2024.

Come and join us for the reveal of our Winter exhibition. Once again, the artists of Mull and Iona will be displaying their work on our walls, treating all visitors to the beauty that can be captured by our wonderful locals. This art is for sale and the next exhibition will begin in March.

Go to www.westernisleshotel.com/gallery to check out more information.

Our halls will echo the sounds of traditional Scottish music once again, except this time on a grander scale. Join us to jam out with some of the best upcoming artists in Scotland. If you play an instrument and want to join in, feel free to come to one of the afternoon gigs to jam along.

Come and join us for the reveal of our Autumn exhibition. Once again, the artists of Mull and Iona will be displaying their work on our walls, treating all visitors to the beauty that can be captured by our wonderful locals. This art is for sale and will be there until the next exhibition in November.