AS PART of the Tartan Day celebrations in Arbroath on Saturday, top Scottish violinist Laura McGhee’s new work, entitled The Arbroath Suite, received its world premiere at the Webster Theatre.

“I’m delighted that the premiere of the Arbroath Suite was part of the Angus Tartan Day celebrations, especially as The Arbroath Suite starts with the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath,” said Laura, who comes from Monifieth.

“The Declaration of Arbroath was such a momentous moment in Scottish history, it seemed the perfect way to begin my musical journey through time.”

Laura (26) explained that The Arbroath Suite highlights how the music of Scotland mirrors the history of the Scottish nation.

“In the first half, the music is very traditional,” she said, adding that the suite takes in Mary, Queen of Scots, to the fighting between the clans and the Jacobite rebellions.

The suite’s second half covers the Highland clearances, mass migration from Scotland and the first world war.

“The music is still traditional but is more up tempo and there are increasingly obvious influences from other countries,” added Laura.

Laura was joined on stage by fellow musicians Simon McKerral, Wendy Weatherby, Rachel Newton, Johnny Cameron and Stevie Lawrence.