Scottish Celtic powerhouse Skipinnish have released a new single titled The Clearances Again, to help save Scottish coastal communities.
One of Scotland’s biggest Celtic bands, Skipinnish have teamed up with 64-year-old inshore fisherman, Donald Francis (DF) MacNeil for the protest song, which has been penned in response to plans to ban inshore fishing and all marine activities.
As the Scottish Government’s public consultation on the Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) enters its final stage, the band’s co-founder and fisherman Angus MacPhail was keen to give voice to the thousands of people and numerous groups across Scotland that have spoken out against the proposals.
Angus MacPhail wrote The Clearances Again after fearing the plans will cause economic, social and cultural devastation.
The song is written from the perspective of fisherman Donald Francis (DF) MacNeil from the Isle of Vatersay in the Western Isles, who makes his recording debut on the track, with emotive and powerful lyrics and vocals at the core. DF is a lifelong fisherman who has fished around Mingulay and the islands to the south of the Isle of Barra his whole life.
Angus, who is originally from the Isle of Tiree but now fishes out of Barra, said: “I believe the proposals currently being considered give zero regard to the effective local management of our waters and shouldn’t be allowed to go ahead – it’s this strong belief that compelled me to write and release this track. The song is a call to everyone that holds the future of these communities dear to make their voices heard. I hope the song resonates with others.”
The track features the voices of acclaimed Gaelic singer Rachel Walker and children from Castlebay School / Sgoil Bhàgh a’ Chaisteil on Barra.
Skipinnish and DF MacNeil will perform The Clearances Again live for the first time at the band’s Aberdeen Music Hall concert on 12th May 2023, coinciding with an annual major fishing exhibition in the city.
The single is available to download and stream on all major platforms from Friday, 14th April.