Macmeanmna are the eighth recipients of Hands Up for Trad’s Business Limelight Award. The “Limelight’s” are a monthly initiative (launched in October 2012) that recognises the outstanding contributions made by businesses and organisations who contribute, shape and influence the arts and cultural sector in Scotland today. Macmeanmna have been trading since 1987 and have done an amazing job of promoting Scottish music and song since then.
We asked Arthur Cormack of Macmeanmna a few questions about the business.
Company name
Macmeanmna
What is your principle company activity?
Production and distribution of Scottish traditional music albums including Gaelic Song, Piping, the Moothie and Scottish Dance Music as well as some more contemporary material. Macmeanmna also engages in live events from time to time, as a promoter and organiser.
When and where did the company first start trading?
Macmeanmna was established in Skye in 1987.
What made you want to work in Scottish culture?
The company was founded by people with an interest in Scottish music. At the time, Arthur Cormack, Blair Douglas, Shona MacDonald and photographer Cailean Maclean were embarking on a ground-breaking tour with an audio-visual show entitled “Skye: the Island”. They had recorded an album of the songs and music from the show and Macmeanmna was formed primarily to sell that album. Blair Douglas, one of the founders, had previously released his debut solo album, “Celtology” on his own Redburn Records label and it was re-released on Macmeanmna. Then came his “Beneath the Beret” album and things kept on going from there.
Can you tell us of any particular company highlights?
There have been many, but we have been pleased to make albums with Gaelic singers who might not otherwise have had an opportunity to record. We originally released the Julie Fowlis debut album, “Mar a tha mo chrdihe”, as well as several by Skye-based musician, Blair Douglas. We released Cliar’s four albums, one of which won a Best Album award at the inaugural Scots Trad Music Awards. A highlight was our involvement in Cliar’s “Lasair Dhè” project. We also released Jenna Cumming’s “Kintulavaig” and she won the Up and Coming Artist award at the Trad Music Awards.
What are your company’s plans for the future?
We will continue to release albums. We are hoping the next release will be a long-overdue album by Gaelic singer, Arthur Cormack, one of the founders of the company. We will also try to keep up with the many changes in the industry and find new ways to distribute our music.
How will you celebrate receiving Hands Up for Trad’s Business Limelight award?
We’ll raise a glass to Hands Up for Trad and celebrate all that is good about Scottish music.
Arthur Cormack
Macmeanmna Ltd
Burnbrae
Staffin Road
Portree
Isle of Skye
IV51 9HP
0560 344 3776
sales@gaelicmusic.com
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