Ishbel MacAskill

Ishbel comes from the Point area of the Island of Lewis. She was brought up with the rich heritage of centuries old Gaelic music and song which still survives in Point and indeed all over the Island of Lewis. Her particular style of unaccompanied traditional singing, her numerous radio and television performances and countless world-wide live appearances have established her position as probably the best internationally known Gaelic singer today.

Her singing takes her to venues throughout the U.K., Ireland, Europe, Asia, Canada, USA and Australia. Her recordings are always in demand at home and abroad and significantly, sell to people who have never before heard the Gaelic language. Whether her audience is Gaelic speaking or not her English introductions to these centuries old songs of love, war, sea and landscape, exile and life itself make each one a memorable experience.

Her profound respect for the tradition is gently balanced by a humorous irreverence in her witty observations on the reality of Highland life and culture.

Ishbel is deeply motivated by the rich beauty of her heritage of Gaelic music and poetry. She is especially moved by the intensely emotive quality of the poetry and, through her unique delivery, manages to convey to her audiences a feeling of involvement in the colourful history and culture of the Gael.

Ishbel MacAskill

’S ann às an Rubha, Eilean Leòdhais, a tha Ishbel agus thogadh i ann an dualchas beairteach le ceòl agus òrain Ghàidhlig a tha a’ dol air ais linntean mòra. Bidh i a’ seinn anns an t-seann dòigh, gun taic sam bith bho cheòl, agus tha i air nochdadh air rèidio, telebhisean agus air àrd-ùrlaran air feadh an t-saoghail, rud a tha a’ ciallachadh gur dòcha nach eil seinneadair Gàidhlig eile cho aithnichte rithe gu h-eadar-nàiseanta. Tha i air seinn ann am Breatainn, Èireann, An Roinn Eòrpa, Asia, Canada, na Stàitean Aonaichte agus Astràilia. Tha na clàran aice air an reic an seo agus thall thairis, agus gu tric ’s e daoine nach cuala Gàidhlig a-riamh a tha gan ceannachd. Tha ro-ràdh Beurla mu choinneimh gach òran – òrain mu ghaol, cogadh, siubhal, maise na tìre agus beatha fhèin – rud a tha a’ cuideachadh dhaoine gus cuimhne a chumail orra. Ged a tha urram mòr aice dhan dualchas, chan eil sin a’ ciallachadh nach e tè eirmseach a th’ innte agus gu bheil rudan èibhinn aice ri ràdh mu chultar na Gàidhealtachd cuideachd.

Tha i air seinn aig fèisean air feadh an t-saoghail agus tha i air a bhith aig Celtic Connections ann an Glaschu agus Fèis Celtic Colours ann an Ceap Breatainn iomadh turas. Tha an eachdraidh mhòr fhada aig ceòl agus bàrdachd na Gàidhlig a’ toirt buaidh mhòr air Ishbel agus nuair a bhios i a’ seinn bidh a’ bhuaidh seo gu math follaiseach. Cha eil an luchd-èisteachd uair sam bith fada gun a bhith a’ tuigsinn cho luachmhor ’s a tha na h-òrain seo.