"An engrossing, evocative listen" - Big Issue
"A remarkable initiative" Morning Star
"Quietly beautiful" Songlines
Heal & Harrow brings together two of Scotland's foremost traditional musicians and composers - Rachel Newton (harp, vocals) and Lauren MacColl (fiddle). Their musical collaboration pays tribute to Scottish women persecuted as witches in the 16th and 17th centuries. With stories of traditions and beliefs from Shetland to the Solway, Heal and Harrow draws from Scotland's diverse musical heritage in Gaelic and English evoking feelings of empathy, anger, hope and pride, creating a sense of intimacy with lives lived long ago.
Rachel Newton (The Shee, The Furrow Collective, Spell Songs) and Lauren MacColl (Salt House, Rant) have collaborated with each other for many years. Their performance features newly composed music with accompanying visuals by Alison Piper to highlight this fascinating and important subject. In 2022, the BBC Alba Scots Trad Awards named Rachel and Lauren joint winners of ‘Composer of the Year’ for their Heal & Harrow project.
Rachel Newton and Lauren MacColl with guests Margaret Bennett (Gaelic song) and Morag Anderson (poetry)
Part of Birnam Book Festival 2023
CAFE OPENS AT 11AM
Due to staff holidays and illness we are extremely short staffed. As a result, today the cafe will not open until 11.00am. We are also operating with fewer tables.
We thank you for your understanding.
Our shop and the Beatrix Potter and art exhibitions are open as usual from 10.30am until 3.30pm.
.