National Records of Scotland

Preserving the past, Recording the present, Informing the future

Simon Fraser (1773-1852)

Simon Fraser (1773-1852)

Editor of traditional music and composer

Captain Simon Fraser was born in Ardachie in Inverness-shire. He became a talented fiddler, like his father and grandfather. It was from them that he learned and collected more than 230 tunes which were published in 'The Airs and Melodies Peculiar to the Highlands of Scotland' in 1816.

Testament of Simon Fraser

National Records of Scotland, SC29/44/10 pp 97-100

His will reveals his interest in traditional music as well as in the language and welfare of the people of the Highlands.

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