Edinburgh Tradfest: Kathleen Macinnes

“A voice like peat smoke and good whisky, as robust, sassy and soulful as it is supple and expressive” – Kate Molleson, The Guardian

Kathleen Macinnes is among Scotland’s best and most distinctive vocalists. As a predominantly Gaelic singer, steeped in the tradition from an early age, she is revered by her peers and loved by audiences wherever she plays.

From South Uist, Kathleen grew up immersed in Gaelic language and music, attending ceilidhs and learning from local tradition bearers. She always loved singing but did not perform publicly until well into her 20s. Today the chance to sing the songs of her ancestors is a chance to be transported to another place and time.

Fresh from starring in the acclaimed production of Macbeth with David Tennant and Cush Jumbo in London’s West End, Kathleen has a long CV of film/tv appearances including Machair, Outlaw King and Robert the Bruce. She has also appeared on many screen soundtracks including Ridley Scott’s Robin Hood and The Bard’s Tale IV. A recent documentary about her life, entitled simply Kathleen, was aired on BBC Alba earlier this year.

Kathleen Macinnes’s last CD Cille Bhrìde was described as ‘an absolute masterpiece from start to finish’ featuring a thoughtfully chosen and beautifully varied set list of Gaelic songs. Over the past decade Kathleen has been asked by many (us included) when she is going to start on a follow up album. The answer is: 9 May! This gig will feature all of the songs she wants to include on the new record (and some of the old favourites). It will be recorded with some or all of the live tracks ending up on the new release. Come and be in at the start of this highly anticipated project, and enjoy an absolutely amazing gig into the bargain.

Explore more Tradfest events.

The Traverse Theatre is funded by Creative Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council.

If you have access requirements, please contact our Sales and Welcome Team on boxoffice@traverse.co.uk or 0131 228 1404 so we can arrange reserved seating for you and discuss how else we can best support your visit.