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November 2010
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St Andrews Day Festival, St Andrews
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This year I spent Scotland’s National Day in St Andrews for the annual festival organised by Rob Murray-Brown. The St Andrews Day Festival, despite being relatively young, was a huge success this year, drawing 6000 people to St Andrews. I was honoured when I was asked to perform on the opening night in the main venue, a stage built on South Street. Although already in my second year of studies here it was my first official opportunity to perform in the town, so exciting times! Although incredibly freezing it was a pleasure to hear the other musicians perform- Black Sheep Music Society, and the headline act- the Red Hot Chilli Pipers- not to mention getting on stage myself. Enjoyed the set but was scared to death by the explosion towards the end when the generator went bang! Complete wowsies to be honest.
Another highlight of the night was getting to wear the lovely clothes from La Boutique’s collection- a local shop on Bell Street, St Andrews. A huge thanks for their kind offer and to Lucy for her expert advice in choosing out my clothes. Also a huge thanks to Rose King, photographer and student at St Andrews and all those who braved the cold and made it a night to remember.
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October 2010
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Album Release
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This month has been very exciting for me, with the release of my debut album Next Market Day last week. Recorded at Castle Sound Studio in Scotland, it features the playing of Lauren MacColl on fiddle, Ewan MacPhearson on guitar and Ailig Hunter on double bass and sitar. It is very exciting to finally be packaging them up to post out to all of you after so much work and effort has been put into them. The album is a collection of British folk songs with influences from the 1960’s folk revival and can be ordered over my website. Hope you enjoy it, C.x
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August 2010
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Edinburgh Fringe
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One of the great things about life at uni is the vast summer holidays. I got to make the most of the break, going to South Wales to perform at the renowned Llantrisant Folk Club and Cardiff Meltdown. It was amazing to be greeted by such a warm Welsh welcome. On returning to Scotland I was invited to sing at Festival Folk at The Oak. My first appearance for the Fringe this Summer, followed by a performance at Princes Street Gardens the next morning. It was a pleasure for me to share some songs at Fringe by the Sea in the beautiful town of North Berwick at the Scottish Seabird Centre. Lovely to be singing so close to the sea! Off to the West Coast on the 18th August to sing at Irvine Marymass Festival. A huge thanks to Dick and Maureen for being such lovely hosts! Back to Edinburgh for the final set of performances of the Fringe this year at the Acoustic Music Centre.
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July 2010
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The Katie McKerracher Trust
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Recently I became aware of the story behind a Scottish charity called The Katie McKerracher Trust and was deeply moved. The Trust was set up by the family of Katie McKerracher, a young girl who tragically passed away at the age of eleven after being diagnosed with a Diffuse Brain Glioma. Katie's parents wanted to use her spirit to benefit others and have established the Trust to help other children who are suffering with this illness. Additionaly, to remember Katie's love of dancing the Trust awards a small grant annually to one dancer from the Borders continuing their studies in Higher Education.
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The Trust collaborated with the Scottish Design House, ANTA, to create a tartan in the name of Katie McKerracher. The pink tartan, which was launched in June, aims to help raise awareness of the cause and 5% of ANTA's sales of this tartan goes towards the trust.
I was honoured when, in early June, I was asked to model the centre-piece of this range of tartan, a full-length corseted gown.
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