Ailein duinn (“Dark-haired Alan”) is a traditional Scottish song for solo female voice, a lament that was written in Gàidhlig for Ailean Moireasdan (“Alan Morrison”) by his fiancée, Annag Chaimbeul (“Annie Campbell”). In 1788, Ailean, a sailor, set off with his ship to Scalpay, Harris, where he and Annag would be married. In a tragic twist, the ship sailed into a storm and all on board were lost. Annag was devastated and lost her will to live, dying several months later. Her body was later discovered on the beach, not far from where Ailean’s body was found. Before she died, Annag composed this lament for her lost love.
Catriona Watt from the island of Lewis won the title BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2007 after a moving and beautiful performance at The City Halls, Glasgow. Simon Thoumire the event organiser said, “She lifted the room with her lyrical, thoughtful Gaelic singing. It was simply beautiful”.
Artist website: http://www.footstompin.com/cd-catriona-watt-catriona-watt-cadal-cuain
Single title: Ailein Duinn
Single artist: Catriona Watt
Single duration: 3:12
Record Label: Foot Stompin
Catalogue No: CDFSR17
Writers: Alan Morrison
Publishers: MCPS
Explicit?: No
Search Terms: Isle of Lewis
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