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Track information on Ùr:
1. Gaol Ise Gaol i / Lisnagun Jig
This is a popular Gaelic waulking song from the Western Isles. The song warns the girls against giving their underlying love to a man.
Lisnagun Jig was written by Brendan Ring, Lisnagun is where he first kissed his (now) wife.
2. Tha M’ Aigne Fo Ghruaim
This beautiful melody is from the Captain Simon Fraser Collection and translates as ‘The Gloom Is On My Soul.’ It has a number of Gaelic verses linked to it including the words by Duglad Buchanan where he reflects upon a skull.
3. Lost Little Children
This moving song was written by Tim O’Brien. It describes the fears of emigrating to the new world from a child’s point of view. In this
instance, the children’s parents have emigrated first then sent money back to the children so that they can cross the ocean to join them.
4. An Toiseachd / Biodag Air MacThomais / Dunse Dings A’ / Còta Mòr Ealasaid
A set of old strathspey and reels. An Toiseachd (Ferintosh) is in Easter Ross and is home to the famous Whisky of the
same name. Biodag Air MacThomais (Thomas’ dirk) and Còta Mòr Ealasaid (Elizabeth’s big Coat) are both puirt-a-beul.
Dunse Ding A’ means ‘Duns surpasses all’ and refers to a small ancient town of Duns high in the border hills.
5. Ghlass Ault / Cailleach Mhòr Stadhlaigh
This song is from North Uist and was written by Iain MacMhathain. It is a satirical song aimed at people who
believed in ghosts – the bard is telling the story of his encounter with the big, horrible old lady ghost of Staghlaidh, whom he beats in a fight. Ghlass Ault (grey burn) was written by Pipe Major William Ross.
All tracks Arrangements copyright
Eilidh Munro and Eilidh Steel © Ⓟ 2014.
Recorded by Mark Neal at The Sonic
Lodge recording studio, Edinburgh.