Congratulations to Shona donaldson who have been nominated in Citty Finlayson Scots Singer of the Year sponsored by TMSA in the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2016. Vote now!
We asked Shona Donaldson of Shona donaldson the following questions.
Tell us about yourself
Originally from Huntly but now living in Tarland I am a fiddle player and scots singer. I grew up surrounded by music and song and went on to study Scottish music at university. I teach scots song, mainly north east repertoire, perform at concerts solo and along with my fiddler husband Paul Anderson and compete in traditional singing competitions.
Why are you involved in Scottish music?
Scottish music has always been such an important part of my life. At family parties it was normal to be singing for hours with my granny on the piano, spoons, fiddle and pipes and our very own Donaldson family song book with all the favourites! It has always been a natural thing for me to sing and especially in Doric as it's the language I use everyday. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't sing,be it at a concert or competition, practicing when doing my housework or bedtime songs to my two boys! I find singing and teaching local songs, songs in which I can relate directly to having known the area all my life particularly rewarding and it helps to nurture a sense of community which, to me, is invaluable.
Any particular career highlights?
A particular highlight has to be winning the Bothy ballad champion of champions competition in Elgin in 2016. Bothy ballads can be a male dominated tradition so it was a real joy to be the first woman in its 34 year history to win. To win the bothies had been an ambition of mine since I started singing so you can imagine how chuffed I was!
What are your plans for the future?
Hopefully I will keep singing, performing, competing and teaching north east songs and there may be plans for a new cd sometime in the future!
Read more about Shona donaldson
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If you would like to come along to the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in Dundee’s Caird Hall call the Caird Hall box office on (01382) 434940 or buy online.