St Andrew’s Day marked by kirk bells CD launch

PERTH marked St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a CD of carols featuring St John’s Kirk’s “carillon”, an instrument that controls ringing bells.

St John’s Kirk in Perth has 63 bells, the largest collection in the UK.

Eight were cast before the Reformation, including Perth’s oldest bell – the “Ave Maria” – which was made in the early 1300s.

The kirk’s largest bell – the 28 hundredweight “Bourdon” – was cast in 1506 in Flanders and provides the rich bass note of the modern carillon.

Ian Cassells plays the instrument on the new “Christmas on the Bells of Perth” album, produced by the Friends of St John’s Kirk.

John Hulbert, chairman of the Friends of St John’s Kirk, said: “Perth is fortunate in having the country’s finest carillon housed in the historic St John’s Kirk and it’s only right that we should share its special sound with everyone.

“And what better than a collection of carols to herald in Christmas 2022?”

Students and staff from the audio engineering department at Perth College, part of the University of the Highlands & Islands, recorded in the kirk’s tower and created the master tracks for the CD.

The album – released to mark St Andrew’s Day – features 26 carols arranged over 10 tracks.

“This is the second CD we have produced featuring Perth St John’s Kirk bells,” explained Hulbert.

“The first featured hymns and traditional folk songs and was widely acclaimed as one of the best ever recordings of bells.

“This collection of carols is set to attract similar praise as the ancient bells bring these popular carols to life in a unique fashion.”

Read more news and reviews on Scottish Field’s culture pages.

Plus, don’t miss Grant Stott’s credo in the December issue of Scottish Field magazine.