Born in Kirkwall, John Mason was a prolific composer, visionary co-founder of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, and a passionate advocate for traditional Scottish music. His newly published collection – spanning over 600 original compositions – is now being gifted to educational and musical institutions globally to preserve and promote traditional Scottish music around the world.

A remarkable compilation of compositions by John M Mason MBE, is being gifted to people all over the world to inspire future generations and foster a deeper appreciation for Scottish traditional music. 

The John M Mason Collection, spanning two volumes and over 600 compositions, is being donated to educational institutions and musical organisations globally in celebration of the late musician’s contribution to the genre.

A leading advocate for the promotion and preservation of traditional Scottish music – especially fiddle music – Mason played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Scottish cultural heritage, making his compositions invaluable to the traditional music community.

Mason composed and arranged many pieces in the traditional style, adding to the living repertoire rather than merely preserving old works. Through concerts, recordings and broadcasts, Mason helped introduce Scottish fiddle music to new generations and to audiences abroad.

Musician and Broadcaster, Gary Innes, said,

“John Mason was a true legend in the world of traditional music – the visionary behind the world-renowned Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and the vibrant musical legacy that it inspired. 

“It has been a pleasure to share his music, arrangements, and compositions on BBC Radio Scotland’s Take the Floor over the years, and it’s wonderful to see his legacy immortalised in this book celebrating his life and work.”

The charitable donation – by The Rev James Currie Memorial Trust of 1000 hardback copies of the John M Mason Collection – is intended to support the publication and preservation of Mason’s works. The collection is also available for free download on dedicated website www.thejohnmmasoncollection.co.uk ensuring its accessibility to a wider audience. 

A Spokesperson for JDC Publications Ltd. publishers of the collection, said, 

“We hope this collection will continue to inspire and educate.

“He ensured that fiddle music held its rightful place on the world stage. His musical influence is woven into the fabric of the music of Scotland extending around the world from his homes in Orkney, Wigtownshire and Ayrshire to Canada, China and everywhere in between.”  

John Mason, MBE, musician and solicitor, was born on January 21, 1940. He died of cancer on January 22, 2011, aged 71. Mason was appointed MBE in 1987 for his services to Scottish traditional music and to charity. In 1993 the Princess Royal agreed to become patron of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra and they played at her 50th birthday party at Windsor Castle and at the Queen’s 80th birthday party at Balmoral. A group of them also played at the inauguration of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in 1999.

The donation of the John M Mason Collection is intended to ensure his legacy lives on. Mason was as important as a modern custodian and champion of traditional Scottish music as for his composing and arranging, and without his work, some aspects of the tradition would undoubtedly have had a less vibrant presence today.