Hailing from Fife, David Nicholson is a fiddle player and autism advocate who is carving a distinctive path in the traditional music scene.

David’s musical journey took a significant step forward in 2007 when he was accepted into the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music at the age of 17.

Balancing his passion for music with academic pursuits, Nicholson went on to study Law and Politics at the University of Stirling from 2008 to 2012. In 2017, David successfully auditioned for a coveted position in the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra Since then, he has been a valued member of the ensemble, performing at prestigious venues across Scotland and beyond, including Orkney, Shetland, York, Northern Ireland, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Glasgow.

In 2020, he received funding from Creative Scotland's Create: Include Fund which enabled him to perform his debut recital with the David Nicholson Trio at The National Piping Centre, marking a significant milestone in his performance career.

In addition to his solo and orchestral work, David has also made notable appearances at festivals such as Under Canvas in Inverness in 2021. His commitment to sharing his music with diverse audiences led him to join Live Music Now Scotland in January 2024, where he is actively involved in the LMNS Pathway Scheme for disabled musicians.

Beyond his musical accomplishments, Nicholson is a passionate advocate for autism. He has shared his personal experiences and insights at prestigious venues like the Scottish Parliament, the Houses of Parliament, and the UK Government office in Scotland. His advocacy work has inspired others and raised awareness about autism.

When not immersed in music or activism, David enjoys life in the countryside with a love of agriculture and curling with the Largo Curling Club.