Aberdeen Theatres: J. Scott Skinner

James Scott Skinner (1843-1927) was a violinist and composer born in Banchory-Ternan. He was a regular performer on the stages of the North-East and beyond.

During his career he toured extensively including in North America. He performer as part of Walker & Company, the local cinema pioneers, and his playing was recorded many times.

Skinner was also a prolific and influential composer of violin music, particularly slow strathspeys. He wrote over 700 tunes, some of the most famous include The Bonnie Lass o' Bon Accord, The Cradle Song and The Miller o' Hirn.

He died on 17th March 1927 at his home at 25 Victoria Street, Aberdeen, after an exhausting tour of American. He is buried in Allenvale Cemetery. He wrote about his life in a book called My Life and Adventures.

This photographic portrait of James Scott Skinner is by Morgan of Aberdeen. Skinner stands dressed in formal Highland garb and holding his violin and bow. The image is the frontispiece of an edition of The Harp and Claymore. Underneath the photo his signature is accompanied by the quote "My age is a lusty winter, frostly but kindly".