Jamie Taylor
Interim Chair
Fiddle, smallpipes, whistle
I started going to SMG classes in the mid 90s and have been unable to kick the habit. I help to manage the Ceilidh Caleerie band and I’m a Balerno Busker, both of which raise money for SMG. By day I’m (just) still an engineer, historically mostly in wave and wind energy. I joined the board in 2019.

Paul McIntosh
Treasurer
Guitar
Paul was born in Nairn, and holds a BSc Hons Physics and an MBA degree.  He retired in 2015, having followed a technical and management career in the Information & Communications Technology and Oil & Gas sectors.  He was a director of his own small ICT consultancy for 15 years.  Paul has been involved with SMG as a student since about 2004, and plays guitar in the Ceilidh Caleerie dance band.  He has been Treasurer on the SMG Board since 2015.

Fiona Harrison
Board Member
Fiddle, guitar, singing
I have been a member of the Scots Music Group for over 15 years and sat on the Board for about ten years. Its a wonderful organisation which has something for everyone and can change lives.  I never imagined that I would play traditional music, or that I would learn to play the violin before I joined. Traditional music is addictive. For me, it led to going on to study music and composition after giving up my day job.  I have also made many friends and have had lots of great experiences. The tuition is fantastic and we are always interested in and grateful for new ideas. Being a board member is a good way to become more involved in the organisation and I would encourage everyone who might be interested in this, or other ways of volunteering, to get in touch.

Bill Savage
Board Member
Ceilidh dancer
Bill was born in England but moved to Scotland when he was three.  He went to University first in Dundee to study Economics and also gained an MBA from Edinburgh University.  Bill works as a Management Consultant primarily in Financial Services advising organisations on their risk profile and also delivering big projects. He has also worked in the Public Sector as a Director of Projects and worked for the Edinburgh Festival in Marketing.  From a very young age he was exposed to all sorts of music which has given him a lifelong love of going to concerts of all types.  For the last twenty years Bill has also enjoyed going to ceilidhs, where he met his wife, and he has become a keen dancer.   He is looking forward to supporting the SMG in delivering their goals.

Graham Hutton
Board Member
Composer, Arranger and studio owner.

After studying solo and orchestral trumpet, I took up a career in supply chain management and business change whilst concurrently working in professional musical activities, in jazz and traditional music.  Developed traditional music performance in North America for Scottish and Newcastle outlets, prior to a period as a touring singer songwriter, band member and then resident jazz singer/pianist/MD. Now looking towards postgrad studies (with Edinburgh’s role in Scottish Folk Music at the core), whilst being involved in the development of related activities in Edinburgh and the continued recording of acoustic based ensembles and audio restoration. Currently recording CD of own traditional rooted compositions, played by various professional musician friends, over various genres.

Charles Everitt
Board Member
Guitar

Charles moved from England to Scotland in 1990 to join Lothian and Borders Police. Thirty years later he retired from Police Scotland and currently works as a part-time ranger on a private estate close to Edinburgh. Charles joined the SMG around 2017 and has been an ‘ever present’ since. Not only has it significantly improved his guitar playing but, through SMG associated events, allowed him to perform in public and enjoy meeting the wider traditional folk community. Charles is also a passionate nature photographer.

Carole Ross
Board Member
Hammer Dulcimer

There being no hammer dulcimer classes on offer, I joined Sarah’s Tuesday morning mixed instrument class when I retired. That set the pattern for Tuesdays ever since – and what a fabulous, fun learning experience it has been. Like many in SMG, I played a lot when younger, had a long break, then took up again when I had the time and leisure to do so. I love that classes are just the starting point for other musical ventures – ceilidh bands, busking and the rest. It’s important to me that SMG can continue to flourish in the future and I hope I can contribute by joining the Board.