Edinburgh Tradfest: Rebellious Truth 25: Joy Dunlop + Fraser Fifield

Brought up in an English speaking household in Connel, Argyll, Joy Dunlop was introduced to Scottish Gaelic at nine years old, when the Royal National Mòd was held in Oban. This performing opportunity grew into a love for Gaelic singing and an unexpected foray into Gaelic immersion learning that changed the course of her life completely.

No word of a lie, up until that moment the young Joy had been planning to pursue a career in medicine. This volte-face resulted in her studying at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (the Gaelic college on Skye), competing in the Royal National Mòd (it took her four years of entering to secure the coveted gold medal) and becoming the passionate advocate for her Gaelic language and culture she is today.

The talk will give insight into her own Gaelic journey; from learning Gaelic songs phonetically, to being the face of multi-platform learning brand, SpeakGaelic. Joy will discuss her journey to fluency, and both the opportunities and challenges that she encountered on the way.

Today Joy is known as a Gaelic singer, broadcaster and Scottish step-dancer. With her trademark poise and depth of knowledge, Joy’s warmth and enthusiasm have made her increasing in-demand in television and radio broadcasts alike; from presenting the weather on both BBC Scotland and BBC Alba to hosting the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year.

As a fluent Gaelic speaker, with an honours degree in Gaelic Language and Culture, audiences are often surprised to learn that she is did not grow up with the language at home. For anyone who has considered learning Gaelic (or any other language) she is the perfect role model.

The event will also include a smattering of music from Joy, and special set by University of Edinburgh Traditional Artist in Residence, in Celtic and Scottish Studies, Fraser Fifield.

You can attend in person at The Traverse or join us online on the day. Livestream link will be announced nearer the time.

Explore more Tradfest events.

Rebellious Truth is presented in partnership with Celtic and Scottish Studies at the University of Edinburgh. Find out more from celtscot.ed.ac.uk

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.