Scotland’s High‑Energy Ceilidh Experience
Electric ceilidh, classic folk songs and floor‑filling disco
Meet Fairdin...
Jonathan Cordiner (Fiddle, Guitar, Caller, Vocals)
Jonathan began playing the violin at just seven years old, giving him nearly four decades of musical experience. Growing up in Lossiemouth, he was taught by the late James Alexander — a hugely respected figure in Scottish traditional music — whose influence shaped Jonathan’s style, technique and love for performing.
A true multi‑instrumentalist, Jonathan’s first instrument is the violin, but he is equally at home on mandolin, acoustic guitar and vocals. He is also the band’s dance caller, bringing warmth, humour and clarity to every event. His ability to guide complete beginners through ceilidh dances with confidence and ease is one of the things Fairdin is best known for.
Before co‑founding Fairdin Ceilidh Band, Jonathan co‑created and ran Double Scotch Ceilidh Band, a successful duo that performed extensively across Europe. Over the years he has shared big stages with major acts including Wolfstone, adding to his reputation as a versatile and accomplished performer.
Jonathan’s blend of musical skill, experience and natural rapport with audiences is at the heart of what makes Fairdin special. Whether he’s leading a packed dancefloor, performing a slow air during a wedding ceremony or delivering a rousing Address to the Haggis on Burns Night, he brings professionalism, passion and a genuine love of the music to every event.
Russell Birkett (Drums)
Russell has been behind a drum kit for as long as he can remember, bringing a lifetime of musical experience to Fairdin. A highly accomplished Grade 8 drummer, he combines technical precision with an instinctive feel for rhythm that comes only from decades of dedicated playing.
Over the years he has performed across a wide range of genres, adapting his style effortlessly to whatever the moment demands. But what audiences notice most isn’t just his skill — it’s his enthusiasm. Russell loves to play, loves to perform and loves being part of creating an unforgettable night for everyone on the dancefloor.
His energy, musicality and commitment to every performance make him an essential part of the Fairdin sound. Whether driving the band through a fast‑paced ceilidh set or adding subtle dynamics to a slower tune, Russell brings passion, professionalism and a genuine joy for the music to every event.
Dennis Morrison (Keys)
Dennis is one of the North East’s most accomplished and versatile pianists, with a lifetime of experience shaped by both traditional music and decades of performing at the highest level. He began piano at the age of eight, progressing quickly through to Grade 8, and added accordion at twelve — the start of a musical journey that has taken him around the world.
By eighteen he had already made his first BBC radio broadcast, and since then he has featured on countless programmes, including decades of appearances on BBC Radio Scotland’s Take the Floor. His playing has been heard with many of Scotland’s top dance bands, and he has accompanied some of the country’s finest fiddlers, including Douglas Lawrence, Bryan Gear and Ian Powrie.
Dennis’s touring career has taken him across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the Far East, as well as extensive travel throughout the USA with the renowned Irish group Brock McGuire Band. Wherever he goes, his ability to lift a tune — whether through expressive accompaniment, sparkling improvisation or the occasional burst of honky‑tonk piano — leaves a lasting impression.
A uniquely talented musician with an instinctive feel for any style, Dennis brings depth, creativity and a genuine love of playing to every performance. His musicianship is a defining part of the Fairdin sound
Your Night
Every event is unique — and we love that. No two celebrations are ever the same, and no event is too big or too small. We perform at intimate family gatherings, large‑scale functions and everything in between, tailoring our set to suit the atmosphere you want to create.
Typical Set?
Our standard booking is a 3‑hour set, made up of two 80‑minute ceilidh sessions with a short break in the middle. But don’t worry — we don’t expect your guests to dance non‑stop. We like to alternate a couple of dances with a couple of folk songs, giving everyone a chance to catch their breath while keeping the energy high.
The songs we include fit our folk’d‑up style, with favourites like Wagon Wheel, The Gambler, Galway Girl and Country Roads. We’re not a covers band in the traditional sense, so if you’re after big chart hits, that’s not quite our jam — but if you want a lively, folk‑inspired sound, you’ll be right at home with us.
Ceilidh / Disco Package
If you’d like to extend the party, we can add an hour or two of disco to create a 4 or 5 hour evening. You can leave the music choices to us, or we can mix in your preferred genres or playlist to make the night feel even more personal.
Let’s plan your perfect night
We’d love to chat through your plans in more detail — timings, format, arrangements, costs and anything else you need. Drop us an email at fairdinband@gmail.com and we’ll get in touch to arrange a time to talk about how we can help bring your event to life.