FOR nearly 50 years, the Tannahill Weavers have brought the traditional music of their native Scotland to audiences all over the world. On the eve of releasing their 20th album, the Tannies come to Dorchester Arts at the Corn Exchange on Saturday 16th May.

When they appeared at Glasgow’s famous Celtic Connections festival, a presenter said: “Formed from a Paisley pub session in 1968, seminal trailblazers the Tannahill Weavers now also rank as national treasures.”

One of Scotland ‘s premier traditional bands, they have a diverse repertoire that spans the centuries with fire-driven instrumentals and songs, and original ballads and lullabies. They have that unique combination of traditional melodies, driving rhythmic accompaniment and rich vocals that make their performances unforgettable.

Over the years they have been international trailblazers for Scottish music and their tight harmonies and powerful, inventive arrangements have won them fans from beyond the folk and Celtic music scenes. Members of the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame, in recent years the Tannahill Weavers have been joined by piper Iain MacGillivray, who has featured in many productions including Outlander and Men in Kilts, and fiddle player Alistair McCulloch, who teaches at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland when not on tour.

From reflective ballads to foot-stomping reels and jigs, the variety and range of the material they perform is matched only by their enthusiasm and lively Celtic spirits.