Duncan Strachan // Artistic Director

Cellist and composer Duncan Strachan hails from Roy Bridge, about 25 miles east of Glenfinnan. He began learning to play the cello at the young age of 4 with local teacher Audrey Scott. He subsequently studied at St Mary's Music School, Oxford University and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He is now based in Edinburgh and enjoys a busy freelance career as a soloist, chamber musician, composer and teacher.

Rachel Spencer // Festival Chair

Rachel hails from Holmfirth in West Yorkshire and is a professional violinist and singer. Based in East Lothian, she plays with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and is an active chamber musician and soloist. In addition, Rachel enjoys a freelance career as a music educator and vocal coach, leading workshops for young people across Scotland with organisations such as Red Note Ensemble, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Starcatchers, with whom she performed a children's music concert in the Lincoln Center New York. She is mum to two young children, Ellen and Laurie, who keep her very busy and very happy.

Rachel Walker // Publicity Officer

One of Gaelic singing’s great talents, Rachel has won numerous awards and performs across the world. Rachel is the conductor for Lochaber District Gaelic Choir, and has helped them to win and retain the Margrat Duncan prize for District Choirs at the last three Royal National Mòd’s, most recently enjoying a home win in Fort William.  She also won the An Comunn Gaidhealach Gold Medal for solo Gaelic singing in 2017.

Steve Taylor // Treasurer

The festival’s Treasurer, Steve Taylor is Head of the Centre for Recreation and Tourism Research at the University of the Highlands and Islands. His work is centred on collaborating with international partners on the development and implementation of sustainable tourism projects (www.whc.uhi.ac.uk/research). He also co-organises the annual International Adventure Conference, the next event being held in New Zealand.  Rather closer to home, he sits on the committee for the Glenfinnan Gathering and is a director of Slow Adventure Ltd.  In his spare time he can found wandering the highlands on foot or on his bike.