Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Great value Unlimited Broadband from an award winning provider  

 

Back Together On Stage - August 2005

26th August 2005

Photograph of Back Together On Stage - August 2005

Mackay's Dance Band from the fifties to the seventies together again and on stage August 2005. The three Mackay brothers, (left to right) James, Nichol and George took to the stage in Auckengill Hall on the 27th August 2005. "Mackay's Dance Band" first Auckengill appearance was in 1958. The band was formed during the fifties; the three brothers were the core band members and performed on numerous occasions throughout Caithness and Sutherland. Numerous fellow musicians from the area augmented the band during that period.

George is the only member that stays in Caithness, James and Nichol reside in Inverness and play in the well-known "Jim Mackay Dance Band"; with Jim (James) the bandleader.

The recent reunion was prompted by a photo of the band which appeared on the Caithness.org website. The site also asked about the members and what had happened to them; hope this brings you up to date.

Jim Mackay Dance Band Today
The current "Jim Mackay Dance Band", joined by George completes the generations of the Mackay family. The members are back row left to right; Jim, Nichol and George. Front row left to right; Tom Mackay drummer in the band since 1975 (Tom is Jims' son). Stephen on the fiddle and Graeme on another three-row morino; (Stephen and Graeme are Toms' sons).

The band had an excellent evening of music and dance in Auckengill hall on the 27th August '05.

The band is based in Inverness, the current line-up comprising of three generations has been together for about five years. The band travel throughout Scotland guesting at Accordion and Fiddle Clubs; playing for Ceilidh and Scottish Country Dance functions.

During '05 the band had a busy summer season at the Macdonald Resort in Aveimore, a visit to Princess Street Gardens for Scottish Country Dancing in addition to weddings and dance venues.

A couple of photos can be seen here.