A TRADITIONAL Scottish, Celtic and Irish music gathering will take place in the Central Highlands this weekend. The inaugural event will offer music sessions, workshops and a Scottish themed dinner.

The event will be held at Miena on Friday and Saturday, February 17-18. Supported by the Great Lakes Hotel, the weekend, according to organisers is a “get-together of a group of like-minded Central Highlanders with a shared vision, strong Scottish, Celtic, and Irish Tasmanian ties, a passion for music and the performing arts, the odd fishing foray, and a wee drop of the pure and distinctive liquid amber.

“The Great Lake area of Tasmania is quietly known for its cultural characteristics and the beauty of its natural environment, a secret many Tasmanian shack owners and fishing enthusiasts are keen to keep under wraps. But what if, for one weekend in February every year, the area puts on its finest, lays out the red carpet and throws open its doors to all.’’ Visitors are invited to visit and listen to session players from all over Tasmania.

The program includes: Friday – 7pm till late – Mingling traditional music session at the Great Lake Hotel with sausage sizzle provided. Saturday– 10am onwards at the Miena Community Centre, food and bar facilities available.

A concurrent workshops with tutoring by Suzie Thomas (whistle), Tim Gleeson (bodhran), Heath Richardson (fiddle) and John Hickey (guitar accompaniment).

In the evening the event will be topped off with a dinner at the Great Lake Hotel with music provided by Iain MacLeod and friends with the Burnie Pipe Band.