Niel Gow (1727-1807). Violinist & composer, 1787, by Sir Henry Raeburn. Scotland's most famous fiddler & composer of strathspeys & reels, lived in the cottage where he had been born, just outside Dunkeld, Perthshire. Travelled all over the country playing at balls & festivities. He was known for accompanying his playing with an occasional sudden shout, which startled and excited the dancers. Poet Robert Burns visited Gow was struck by the sitter's open heartedness & honest, simple appearance.
