So many of our melodies in Shetland are said to have come directly from the playing of the ’Trows’. Whether is be a close encounter or just stumbling upon a Trowie dance among the ‘Dal Reek’ at dusk then local fiddlers of note have, for hundreds of years gleaned melodies and inspiration from these fantastical creatures. Perhaps the Trows are a distant relative of the Trolls of Norway. Similar in many ways but much smaller in stature and choosing to live small layers under the ground. The small mounds scattered around the countryside where the Trows homes are located are known as Trowie Knowes. With this tune I wanted to pay homage to the Trows and, in a small way, give a little back for all that they have given to Shetland’s rich and wonderful musical tradition.
* ‘Dal Reek’ - The morning mist hanging in the Valleys. Literally means ‘Valley Smoke’.
