Colin Scobie, born in Edinburgh in 1991, is widely regarded as one of the most creative and compelling violinists and chamber musicians of his generation. He began playing the violin at the age of eight, and started playing with Peebles Youth Orchestra in 2000 at the age of 9. Colin was educated at Peebles High School before going to board at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh for his senior years. He continued his studies at the Royal College of Music in London, where he studied with Dona Lee Croft and Lucy Russell.

Colin’s early career was marked by notable competition successes. In 2010, he won First Prize in the Royal College of Music Early Music Competition. The following year, he became the youngest finalist in the 6th International Telemann Competition in Magdeburg, and in 2012 he was awarded First Prize in the Three Choirs Festival Masterclass Competition.

In 2010, Colin was appointed second violinist of the Fitzwilliam Quartet, with whom he performed extensively over two years, touring Europe, Africa, and the United States. Driven by a desire to further explore the string quartet repertoire and to contribute to a younger, more dynamic ensemble, he joined the Maxwell Quartet as first violin in 2013, with whom he won the Trondheim International Chamber Music Competition in 2017 and recorded a number of well received CDs of Haydn String Quartets. He was a member of the quartet for 12 years, during which time they regularly toured Europe, Asia and the USA.

Alongside his chamber work, Colin is a regular guest concertmaster and director, performing with ensembles such as the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Nordica, and the Norwegian Wind Ensemble. As a concerto soloist, he has appeared to critical acclaim across Europe and beyond, collaborating with orchestras including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Arcangelo, La Serenissima, and the Scottish Ensemble.

A highly sought-after specialist in period performance and chamber music, Colin is equally recognised for his natural affinity with traditional Scottish fiddle-playing, bringing a distinctive voice to both classical and folk traditions.

When not working, Colin enjoys spending time with his son, cycling and sailing in Scotland, the south of France and Italy.