Black Isle Ceilidh Band

We're a Scottish ceilidh dance band from the Black Isle, near Inverness in the Highlands.

We're long established on the local music and ceilidh dance scene. Our sound is light and authentic, with a repertoire from the Highland bagpipe, Scottish country dancing and folk session traditions.

Our friendly band is Kenny Fraser (fiddle), Hugh Marwick (whistle, dance calling) and Chris Rasdale (guitar, fiddle, songs) with occasional guest member Andy Thorburn (piano).

We play for ceilidh dances at community events, weddings and other private functions around the local area of Fortrose, Rosemarkie, Avoch, Cromarty, Resolis, Munlochy and North Kessock.

We'll also travel to Inverness, Nairn, Forres, Elgin, Fort Augustus, Dingwall, Torridon, Ullapool, Tain, Dornoch and further into corners of the Highlands.

Dances we play for include the Dashing White Sergeant, Strip The Willow, Gay Gordons, Canadian Barn Dance, Virginia Reel, Riverside Jig, Flying Scotsman, Highland Schottische, Eightsome Reel, Military Two Step, St Bernard's Waltz and other popular ceilidh favourites. We have some fun dances for families with children, and some you may not have done before - we'll talk you through those!

We returned to Eden Court Theatre in Inverness in December 2025 for the third year running, for our popular festive season family ceilidh and evening dance.

Video - we played at the Botanic House in Inverness for popular ceilidh club nights.

"We've finally come back down to earth and I just want to say a massive thanks to you and the band for Saturday night. We were told by multiple people that it was 'the best ceilidh ever'! I think the fact that the dance floor was so packed the entire ceilidh was testament to how much everyone was enjoying themselves. There were several ceilidh newbies who are total converts now, so I think that proves the success..."

Read more reviews. Find out about our next ceilidhs and contact us about playing for your event. See where we've played recently.

Next ceilidhs

Lining up in 2026, we have public events at:

Drumossie Hotel in Inverness
St Mary's Hall in Inverness
Coigach Community Hall in Achiltibuie
Eden Court Theatre in Inverness
North Kessock Village Hall

...and we have private function bookings at:

Craigellachie Hotel in Aberlour
Dundreggan Rewilding Centre in Glenmoriston
Chieftain Hotel in Inverness
The Stables in Cromarty
Lower Diabaig near Torridon
Aldourie Castle by Loch Ness
Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness
Loch Ness Country House Hotel near Inverness
The Loft near Forres
Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen

Join the band at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness on the evening of Friday 23 January 2026 for a Burns Supper in aid of Maggie's. A welcome drink and 3-course meal are included, as well as the ceilidh dance, for £64 per person or £600 for a table of 10. Raffles and prizes, and an accommodation offer. Limited spaces so book today by calling the Drumossie Hotel events team on 01463 236 451 or email events@drumossiehotel.co.uk

Past ceilidhs

We've played in recent years for community social dances, charity fundraising events, weddings, birthday parties, corporate entertainment, other private functions and public events around the Highlands.

Black Isle

We played for Black Isle Christmas Ceilidhs at Findon Hall in Culbokie in December 2024 and 2025 in aid of James Support Group.

In July 2023, 2024 and 2025 we visited Achiltibuie for the Coigach Gathering dance at the Coigach Community Hall.

We were at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness for a fundraising ceilidh run by Crossfit 57 in March 2025 in aid of Highland Hospice.

We returned to Resolis Memorial Hall in March 2025 for a Resolis Community Arts fundraising ceilidh.

We've played for the North Kessock Village Hall New Year's Day fundraising dances annually from January 2023 to 2026.

In September 2024 we played for the Highland Hill Runners ceilidh dance at the Raigmore Recreation Hall.

In May 2024 we played for a community garden fundraising ceilidh dance at Croy Village Hall.

In September 2023 and January 2024 we played for community ceilidhs at Rosemarkie Gordon Memorial Hall for Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council.

In August 2022 we played for the Summer Festival Ceilidh at Brodie Castle.

We organised free Cool Ceilidhs For Kids ceilidh dance workshops
for Black Isle families with primary-age children between June and October 2022.

This project was supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. We organised another successful family Cool Ceilidhs workshop and community ceilidh dance in October and November 2024 at Rosemarkie Gordon Memorial Hall. The project was funded by Friends of Highland Music.

Reviews

"A big thanks to you, Chris and Hugh for delivering a great evening... the mix of new and familiar dances was just right and many said they had a most enjoyable night..."

Speyside

"Many thanks for a great ceilidh last night. The family were all delighted and it was a very happy ending to our family reunion..."

London

"I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for bringing the joyous tradition of the ceilidh to the delegates of the symposium... The ceilidh was met with tremendous enthusiasm... The laughter, the attempts at fancy footwork and the sheer enjoyment made it abundantly clear that everyone had a wonderful time. Many have already declared that this is something they hope to replicate in the future! Your guidance and instruction were both encouraging and crystal-clear, turning what could have been a chaotic shuffle into a spirited and elegant Highland experience. The music, lively and perfectly timed, swept everyone along and created a truly magical atmosphere. Thank you once again for your energy, patience and for sharing a piece of Scottish tradition with such flair..."

MMR

Inverness