An Evening of Music and Memory: Battle of Culloden 280th Anniversary Series

On the 17th of April, we’ll be hosting an evening of music and memory the night before the commemoration of the 280th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden. Join us to celebrate the history and heritage of Scotland that has endured through traditional and contemporary Scottish music in honour of those that fought in what would turn out to be the final battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising.

Fiona Mackenzie has worked in the Gaelic Arts since the year 2000, when she was appointed the Mairi Mhòr Gaelic Song Fellow for Highland Council. After taking Gaelic song across the world, in 2005 she won the An Comunn Gaidhealach Gold Medal for Singing. Fiona performed and taught Gaelic song across in the UK and internationally, including time spent as the Gaelic Artist in Residence at the National Theatre of Scotland, creating her own piece of music theatre entitled "Eun Bheag Chanaigh/ Little Bird Blown off Course" focussing on the life of folklorist Margaret Fay Shaw. In 2015, Fiona moved to the Isle of Canna took up the post of Archivist at Canna House with the National Trust for Scotland. The songs collected by Margaret Fay Shaw and John Lorne Campbell of Canna, remain her inspiration.

Will Boyd-Wallis (GREENSHANKS) is a singer-songwriter, woodworker and ecologist based in Strathspey. He is also the National Trust for Scotland’s very own West Highlands Operations Manager. A finalist at Danny Kyle Open Stage, Celtic Connections 2023 he launched his first album STORMBIRD in March 2025.

Drawn from a lifelong connection with the landscapes, people and wildlife of the Highlands and islands, his songs are delivered with atmosphere, purposeful storytelling, insight, warmth and genuine passion. There is a sophistication to his guitar playing and an effortless, relaxed and conversational tone to his vocals.

With an intensely busy job as Operations Manager for the National Trust for Scotland in the West Highlands his gigs are rare and not to be missed.

Reviews:

He resonates with all the wisdom and experience of a man who has spent considerable time in the wilds - Hamish Napier

His songs are rich with honesty, emotional depth, fragility and rhythmic power - Becky Doe

He is healing, honest, authentic, pure and from a place that is true - Mayara Terra

La chanson de Will Boyd-Wallis est magnifique, l’interprétation délicieuse et l’émotion palpable - Emmanuel Boitier

Join us for this special evening of Scottish music. Tickets include entrance and refresshments.

Parking is free when you show the parking attendant your Eventbrite reservation.

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