2006 Awardee: Kirsty MacKinnon
I thank the trustees … most sincerely. The clàrsach is essential for my studies in Scottish Traditional Music.
Biography
Kirsty MacKinnon has lived all her life on the beautiful Isle of Mull. Her family has a long tradition in Gaelic music, especially singing. She has been involved in many arts projects run by An Tobar in Tobermory over the years.
Now eighteen year old, Kirsty is about to leave Mull and embark on a degree in traditional music at RSAMD, specialising in the clàrsach and Gaelic singing.
Kirsty is already an experienced performer, having appeared in concerts and ceilidhs as a soloist and as part of ensembles and choirs. She also performed as lead singer with the Tobermory rock band Speechless, writing some of the lyrics and melodies for their singles. Kirsty is also a talented multi-instrumentalist, playing piano and guitar as well as clàrsach.
Kirsty is a skilled performer in many different musical genres, as well as being a talented songwriter with experience in producing. A successful career in music is a given; Kirsty is spoilt for choice as to which direction she will go in.
How the Award Helped
The Dewar Arts Award contributed towards buying Kirsty’s first good quality clàrsach.
I thank the trustees … most sincerely. The clàrsach is essential for my studies in Scottish Traditional Music.