Duan Nollaig

August 2007

Taking a break from recording Fiona said, "This is a totally unique project and a very exciting one at that. I have been bombarded by requests from all over the world as well as from teachers in schools in Scotland for material to use at Christmas but until now there has been nothing available.”

Fiona is keen that this album will appeal to all ages and tastes in music, not just those with an interest in Gaelic or traditional music. Whether your taste is for classcial carols; Ciuin an Oidhche (Silent Night), Anns an Dubhlachd Gheamhraidh (In The Bleak Midwinter), Country & Western, traditional Gaelic carols or rock, there will be something to suit. To achieve this, she managed to secure the services of Irvin Duguid to produce the album. Irvin, although brought up playing traditional fiddle in Macduff, now works in rock and musical theatre in Glasgow and throughout Britain, currently as Keys 1 for The Producers national tour, and is bringing a bright, fresh and very different flavour to the album whilst still respecting the tradition. He has persuaded some of the very best musicians from all over Scotland to guest on the album including, John Goldie, Ed Macfarlane, Jim Drummond, as well as Simone Welsh, Gary Innes, Ronan Martin and singers Maggie Macdonald, James Graham, Anna Massie, Hamish Napier and Fiona’s daughter Katie who also sings and plays clarsach. Capercaillie's Karen Matheson also guests on two tracks.

The Highland Council’s Chairman of the Gaelic Committee, Councillor Hamish Fraser said, “Fiona and her fellow musicians are doing something very unique that will appeal to lots of people, even those who would perhaps not normally choose to listen to Gaelic traditional music. The festive CD will highlight the wealth of talent we have in the Highlands and will further enhance the excellent reputation we have of being at the fore of contemporary Gaelic culture. I am sure many copies of the album will be unwrapped on Christmas day.”