Shetland-Music.com

Lerwick-born of Unst ancestry, Ian Burns lived most of his life in Tingwall. Although best known as a composer, Ian was a talented multi-instrumentalist whose range included fiddle, guitar, piano, mandolin, bagpipes and drums. Indeed, he recorded his tune collection on a multi-track recorder, playing all the various instruments himself.

Ian Burns

The fiddle was his favourite instrument though, and his compositions are mainly regarded as 'fiddle tunes'. His first printed collection Spootiskerry contained the reel of the same name, by far and away his best-known tune. It was taken up and recorded by many Scottish bands, and is now known and played worldwide. In 2001 his daughter June brought out a CD compilation of his three earlier cassette tapes - Back tae Burns - which amply demonstrates Ian Burns' versatility, both as composer and player.