Fiona J Mackenzie is a song leader for Scotland Sings. Read more about her.
I’m a Gaelic singer songwriter and tutor, living in the Highlands. Blessed to live in such a beautiful part of the world and one which inspires me constantly, I spend my life creating opportunities for myself and for all sectors of the community to get involved in Gaelic song activities and love what I do. Sometimes ‘on the way to work’, I have to stop on the road – be it between Dingwall and Gairloch, or Applecross or Dornoch or wherever, and remind myself that I really am ‘going to work’…..
I’ve recently completed my Masters Degree in Songwriting & Performance from the University of the West of Scotland and found the whole academic study experience a revelation! I’ve since become a fan of the ‘collage’ style of creativity – just because I’m a singer, doesn’t mean the ONLY thing I can do creatively, is sing…. Film, photography, drama and crafts are all part of my artistic pallette now.
I am currently creating ‘song lectures’ around the work of the American folklorist Margaret Fay Shaw and her husband John Lorne Campbell, who were the inspiration for my work last year in creating a show for the National Theatre of Scotland.
How rich and diverse is the Scottish Creative and Heritage canvas…..
I look forward to January and am excitied to be working on the Renewing the Tradition project with you all!