Neil McFadyen

The eloquence of both George Monbiot and Ewan McLennan in raising these issues says far more than any music critic can. Breaking the Spell of Loneliness doesn’t merely tackle the issues raised, it offers solutions, it offers hope. It’s a moving, thought-provoking work that has relevance for all of us.

With Shooglenifty, Angus Grant took the spirit of the dances and dreams behind Scotland’s traditional music and catapulted that music into the 21st Century. His sudden and unexpected departure leaves a void in our music and our culture. Read our tribute with recollections from Neil and Simon Emmerson of the Afro Celts.

Eight of Scotland’s best young folk musicians are touring the country over the next three months to showcase the talent of the finalists and winner of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year Competition (2015). The tour kicks off in Helensburgh on Thursday 6th October.

Since 1996 The Scots Fiddle Festival has been promoting and sharing traditional Scots fiddle music. In its 20 years, the number of events organised by the volunteer committee has tripled, and this year over 40 musicians will present 50 events over the space of just one weekend in Edinburgh.

The term ‘Singer-songwriter’ barely scratches the surface of Ruth Theodore’s music, quirky would be an understatement – beyond the considerable instant appeal that Cactacus wields, there’s a wealth of poetry, satire and pure, natural artistry. Cactacus is a wonderful, captivating album.

Take the time to learn about the beautiful sycamore seed sculpture, created for the album cover by Cornish artist Billy Wynter, and you’ll find the embodiment of what Teyr represent. Teyr make folk music rooted firmly in the future, that future may indeed be Far From The Tree, but then, nothing grows where nothing’s been.

After a three-year hiatus, Heidi Talbot steps back into the light with her fifth solo album. It’s an album that sees her re-kindle familiar musical friendships, forge new productive collaborations and develop her own serene and assured songwriting.

A unique and enthralling project that celebrates the power of collaboration, a shared love of traditional music and The Shee’s ten years as a major force in folk music. The premiere of Continuum at Celtic Connections was an unforgettable event, the album that’s grown from it is simply outstanding.

Symbiosis sees Ross Ainslie and Ali Hutton bring their musical intuition and unity to the studio in a collection of tune sets that expertly brings their combined skills as composers, multi-instrumentalists, and arrangers to an eager audience.

The Golden Hum featured the transcendent vocal and sparse instrumentation of Brigid Mae Power, Gareth Dickson’s graceful songs and mesmerising finger-picked guitar; and event organiser Constant Follower’s début live performance.

Ruth Keggin’s passion for bringing traditional Manx songs and melodies to a wider audience shines through on Turrys. The contemporary nuances are enriched by imaginative and uplifting musicianship from her band.

The Fruited Thorn is a moving and incredibly impressive celebration of traditional song. It succeeds in combining Kaela’s love of experimentation with her love of traditional song, a truly mesmerising album.