Scotland: A Year of Song

Two and half centuries ago, the battle of Culloden in the Scottish highlands marked what seemed to be the end of the highland way of life. As bleak as things seemed at the time, though, the people and the ways of life, the clans, the stories, and the language stayed alive. At times around the edges and at the fringes, at times across the ocean. They stayed alive.

So did the music. This year Scotland is marking A Year of Song, in English, Scots, and Scottish Gaelic. You’ve met many musicians from Scotland along the music road, and there’s more to come on the music of Scotland as the year unfolds. Here is a look back at several singers with ties to the Western Isles. The links will take you to deeper information about these artists and their music.


Mary Ann Kennedy and the men of Na Seoid bring traditions from all parts of the highlands together in a work that celebrates a rising generation of men who carry on the tradition of singing in Scottish Gaelic.

Julie Fowlis has taken her singing in Scottish Gaelic around the world, and for her work was named the country’s first ambassador for Gaelic.

Kathleen MacInnes has worked as an actor and in broadcasting, but it is as a singer that the ideas of her native place in the Outer Hebrides come across most passionately.

There is more on Scottish music and Scotland's year of song to come here along the music road. Stay tuned.

you may also wish to see

Music Road: Emily Smith: Too Long Away

Music Road: Songs of Homecoming, to Scotland and other places

Music Road: Music road trip: Cape Breton

our Scottish music store at Amazon

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