The Borland Ceilidh Band
As seen on TV such as ITV “This Morning” with Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, the Borland Ceilidh Band, from Kilmarnock and Irvine, are one of Scotland’s music and cultural gems. Formed in 26 February 2011, the band started off as a three piece outfit with John C Grant on fiddle, Ewin Murray on bodhran and Alasdair MacKay on guitar. The band quickly expanded, with the line-up changing several times along the way until early 2015.
The band started with the sole purpose of being an all inclusive ceilidh band with energetic traditional music. Everyone can enjoy a ceilidh, no matter how many dances they know. Our dedicated dance instructor remains on the floor all night to ensure that everyone can fully participate. We also pick the dances, and tempo, to suit the dancers so that the ceilidh remains inclusive and fun for all.
The band members have such varied musical experiences from African gospel to punk, psychobilly and blues, that our traditional arrangements, whilst rooted deeply to the Scottish idiom, spread across all walks of life. This is the full Scottish experience, no gimmicks, no cringe – this is Ayrshire culture at it’s finest.
As seen on TV such as ITV “This Morning” with Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, the Borland Ceilidh Band, from Kilmarnock and Irvine, are one of Scotland’s music and cultural gems. Formed in 26 February 2011, the band started off as a three piece outfit with John C Grant on fiddle, Ewin Murray on bodhran and Alasdair MacKay on guitar. The band quickly expanded, with the line-up changing several times along the way until early 2015.
The band started with the sole purpose of being an all inclusive ceilidh band with energetic traditional music. Everyone can enjoy a ceilidh, no matter how many dances they know. Our dedicated dance instructor remains on the floor all night to ensure that everyone can fully participate. We also pick the dances, and tempo, to suit the dancers so that the ceilidh remains inclusive and fun for all.
The band members have such varied musical experiences from African gospel to punk, psychobilly and blues, that our traditional arrangements, whilst rooted deeply to the Scottish idiom, spread across all walks of life. This is the full Scottish experience, no gimmicks, no cringe – this is Ayrshire culture at it’s finest.
Ewin Murray
Guitarist and banjo player Ewin Murray has been a musician for over 30 years; mainly as a drummer in a variety of bands both recording and playing all over the UK and Europe.
Starting out with playing on bodhran, Ewin decided on an instrument change to develop and expand the sound of the band and hasn’t looked back since.
Ewin also enjoys the production side of recording music, working with young artists to help them start their musical careers.
When Ewin is not playing with the Borland Ceilidh Band you will usually find him playing banjo with the Crochallan Fencibles.
Guitarist and banjo player Ewin Murray has been a musician for over 30 years; mainly as a drummer in a variety of bands both recording and playing all over the UK and Europe.
Starting out with playing on bodhran, Ewin decided on an instrument change to develop and expand the sound of the band and hasn’t looked back since.
Ewin also enjoys the production side of recording music, working with young artists to help them start their musical careers.
When Ewin is not playing with the Borland Ceilidh Band you will usually find him playing banjo with the Crochallan Fencibles.
Kevin Longmuir
Borland Ceilidh Band’s accordionist, Kevin Longmuir; with over 35 years experience of performing classical, traditional and contemporary music, has recorded and played with musicians as diverse as Ocean Colour Scene, Soweto Gospel Choir to The Pogues.
His travels have taken him from Shetland to New Zealand with appearances at many UK and international festivals.
Kevin plays with Junkman’s Choir, recording and performing their own compositions. He has also worked with schools to support music within the curriculum.
Borland Ceilidh Band’s accordionist, Kevin Longmuir; with over 35 years experience of performing classical, traditional and contemporary music, has recorded and played with musicians as diverse as Ocean Colour Scene, Soweto Gospel Choir to The Pogues.
His travels have taken him from Shetland to New Zealand with appearances at many UK and international festivals.
Kevin plays with Junkman’s Choir, recording and performing their own compositions. He has also worked with schools to support music within the curriculum.
John C Grant
Traditional fiddler and published composer, John C Grant is the fiddle player and dance instructor with the Borland Ceilidh Band and additionally writes the traditional music for many of the dances.
John has played with numerous bands throughout the years over a range of musical styles all over Europe and has recorded for many bands during this time. Additionally, John has tutored at the Fèis Chill’ Mheàrnaig.
An accomplished composer of Scottish fiddle music, you can view John's extensive published works here.
Traditional fiddler and published composer, John C Grant is the fiddle player and dance instructor with the Borland Ceilidh Band and additionally writes the traditional music for many of the dances.
John has played with numerous bands throughout the years over a range of musical styles all over Europe and has recorded for many bands during this time. Additionally, John has tutored at the Fèis Chill’ Mheàrnaig.
An accomplished composer of Scottish fiddle music, John published “The Kilmarnock Collection” in 2018 and is currently working on a second collection entitled “The Tarbolton Collection“.
All the musical experiences, the varied influences and playing styles, mix to produce a bubbling cauldron of Scottish traditional music – full of vitality and energy.
We are Scotland’s Borland Ceilidh Band