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Heidi Talbot at Birnam Arts
Thu 29 Oct
Heidi Talbot | Auditorium
20:00 - 22:00
Doors Open 19:30

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Martyn Bennett

Musical Memories of Martyn Bennett

3 October 2026

"Martyn was the boy who did it first and who did it best — the ultimate fusion of traditional roots and contemporary grooves, whose daring, humour, imagination and sheer ability set his music head and shoulders above the rest… a true musician and a beautiful soul." — Maryann Kennedy, BBC Scotland

Cutting-edge, steeped in tradition, innovative and inspirational, Martyn Bennett came from a long line of Skye tradition-bearers. Piper, fiddler, composer and endless experimenter, he was one of Scotland's most prodigiously gifted and beloved musicians until his untimely death at the age of 33.

This celebration of his life, work and spirit is introduced by Martyn's mother — singer, folklorist and author Margaret Bennett — who shares a collection of photographs, memories and music, alongside previously unreleased recordings. A rare and intimate glimpse into other facets of Martyn's character and musicianship, including a Paganini duet played by Martyn and the inimitable Hester Dickson.

Joining Margaret is Quinie — the performance name of Scottish artist Josie Vallely, whose music blends traditional Scots song with bold, experimental arrangements. Drawing inspiration from Scots Traveller singer Lizzie Higgins, poet Marion Angus, and the interwoven traditions of Scotland and Ireland, Quinie engages with the living questions of how songs are learned, remembered, adapted and sustained across time. Her third album Forefowk, Mind Me, released in May 2025, was named Folk Album of the Year by The Guardian — marking her as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary Scottish folk.

To bookend the performances, we'll have DJ CABLECAR - one half of legendary West Highland DJ duo baile/baile - spinning tracks in the café-bar. 

An evening of music, memory and experimentation, in the spirit of a man who changed Scottish music forever.

Planning Your Visit

Links to our Cafe, opening times and directions.

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Quinie
(Credit: Anthony Rintoul)
Martyn Bennett
(Credit: Manon Rousso)
Margaret Bennett
Margaret Bennett
Margaret Bennett
Margaret Bennett
Quinie
Quinie
Quinie
Margaret Bennett
DJ CABLECAR (baile/baile)

Other Events This Month

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Sat 31 Oct 2026

Tutored Life Drawing

Arts Workshop   |   Studios   |   10:00 - 12:30
Tutored Life-Drawing with Luisa Ramazzotti at Birnam Arts
Sat 31 Oct 2026

Halloween special - Free Portraits

Arts Workshop   |   Gallery   |   18:00 - 20:00
Halloween special - Free Photographic Portraits with Graham Robb at Birnam Arts
Sun 15 Nov 2026

Make Your Own Textured Silver Ring

Arts Workshop   |   Studios   |   12:00 - 15:30
Make Your Own Textured Silver Ring with Kristina Merchant at Birnam Arts
Sun 22 Nov 2026

The Art of Keum-Boo

Arts Workshop   |   Studios   |   11:00 - 15:00
The Art of Keum-Boo: Make your own Gold & Silver necklace and earring set at Birnam Arts
Map showing Birnam Arts and conference centre in Scotland

Opening Times

Box Office
Open periodically throughout the week | Book online 24/7


Cafe
Daily | 09:00 - 17:00



Birnam Arts
Station Road
Birnam Dunkeld
PH8 0DS
admin@birnamarts.com
Tel: 01350 727 674

Reading Room

Star Star Star Star Star

My alternative office, my morning cup of coffee, the place where we run our workshops, meet friends, come to concerts ... Without Birnam Arts our community would lose a bit of its soul.

Jamie Jauncey   |   Crowdfunder #savebirnamarts 2020

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Entrance

Welcome to Birnam Arts, a boutique multi-purpose arts, conferencing and entertainment venue.

Highlights

Pop in to the Foyer Cafe for breakfast, grab a delicious coffee with a selection of our homemade baking or enjoy a light lunch whilst browsing on the free WiFi. Wander upstairs to view the latest of our monthly art exhibitions before visiting the world of Beatrix Potter, or the Gift Shop to purchase a special gift for your loved ones or yourself!

Star Star Star Star Star

I have enjoyed taking part in events such as Scots Opera before we came to live in the area. Since then we have enjoyed both attending events and the splendid cafe In the foyer. It is a brilliant example of a local/regional community arts initiative and must not be allowed to falter.

Christopher D Morris   |   Crowdfunder #savebirnamarts 2020

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Beatrix Potter Garden

Opening times

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Star Star Star Star

Such lovely memories of coming to Birnam as a wee one, visiting the garden and the exhibition then exploring the woods that inspired Beatrix Potter.

Graham Webster   |   Crowdfunder #savebirnamarts 2020

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  • Entrance

  • Kinnaird

  • Cafe

  • Beatrix Potter

  • Shop

  • Gallery

  • Studio