Maggie Watson’s Farewell to Blackhammer is a popular Scottish fiddle tune composed by the Orcadian Jim o’ Deithe (Jim Craigie).
Contrary to popular belief, the title is not connected to the neolithic chambered cairn of Blackhammer on Rousay. Instead it refers to a house of the same name on the “dark side” of the island, and one of its colourful former residents, Maggie Watson, who was allegedly not popular with her fellow islanders.
The story of Maggie Watson’s Farewell to Blackhammer inspired this lino-cut showing Jim o’ Deithe playing his stroh fiddle on Rousay pier while islanders dance in celebration of her departure. Martin Laird has also recorded a rendition of the tune himself, which you can listen to via Bandcamp.
