Songs written by young Gaelic speakers will be in the spotlight at this year’s Royal National Mòd in Perth.
The songs are a result of Caithream na Cruinne, a creative collaboration between Fèis Rois and NatureScot. The project has supported seven secondary pupils to write new Gaelic songs connected to Scotland’s nature and landscapes. The young people were mentored by leading traditional musicians Mary Ann Kennedy and Ewen Henderson.
Today (14 October) the new music is being released in an online songbook with lyrics and sheet music for others to learn and enjoy.
The songs reflect young people’s current concerns, with Scotland’s changing climate and its impacts on nature central to each of the songs.The pupils chose to write about themes such as rising sea levels, pollution and landslides.
They will perform their songs as part of a special lunchtime concert during this year’s Royal National Mòd in Perth on 17 October. Supporting the young people to bring their music to the stage for the first time will be Mary Ann Kennedy and Finlay Wells.
Robyn Ireland, Gaelic Officer at NatureScot said: “It is fantastic to see these compelling new Gaelic songs enriching our long tradition of music inspired by nature. It is striking that each of the songwriters were influenced by the impact that climate change is having on Scotland. This project has been a wonderful way for young Gaelic speakers to develop their creative and linguistic skills, as well as connect with nature and express their feelings about climate change.”
Fiona Dalgetty, Chief Executive of Fèis Rois, added: “Gaelic music has long taken inspiration from our surroundings and this project builds on that tradition, creating contemporary songs inspired by the hopes and concerns of young people. Songwriting is a powerful tool to let our voices be heard, and these new songs certainly achieve this. We are excited to help share the work of these young songwriters and to make their songs widely available.”
Elissa Hunter-Dorans, one of the young songwriters, reflected: “It was an incredible opportunity to work with somebody as talented as Ewen Henderson to write my Caithream na Cruinne song. I am really looking forward to performing my song at the Mòd along with the others songwriters. It is vital that we come together and raise our voices as young people, especially since the fate of the world’s climate is in our hands.”
Tickets may be purchased at https://www.horsecross.co.uk/whats-on/caithream-na-cruinne-199802
ENDS
Contact information
- Name
- NatureScot Media
- Telephone
- 0131 316 2655
- media@nature.scot
NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. We work to enhance our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it. Our priority is a nature-rich future for Scotland and an effective response to the climate emergency. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nature_scot
’S e NatureScot buidheann nàdair na h-Alba. Bidh sinn a’ neartachadh àrainneachd na h-Alba agus a’ brosnachadh dhaoine gu barrachd suim a chur ann an nàdar. Tha e mar phrìomhachas againn gum bi nàdar na h-Alba beairteach agus gun dèilig sinn gu h-èifeachdach le èiginn na gnàth-shìde. Tha an tuilleadh fiosrachaidh aig www.nature.scot no air Twitter aig https://twitter.com/nature_scot
