Granville Bantock's setting of words by Harold Boulton is prefaced on the score with the words: 'The refrain of this song was actually used recently on a Hebredean Island by a singer who thereby attracted a quantity of seals to gather round and listen intently to the singing.'

The 'Hoiran, oiran, oiran, oiro' of the refrain is certainly evocative. Bantock's setting is performed here by David Barton (piano) and Ruth Carlyle (voice). The painting of the seal is by Nic Carlyle.

Song To The Seals - Granville Bantock, 1930

Celtic Radio Show from the Hebrides of Scotland

2024 CELTICSET NORMAN PATTERSON MARCH

As the exceptionally rainy Spring/Summer of 2024 heralds the Autumn chill and leaves begin to take on their golden and crimson hues, one reflects on summers past. Experiencing times with folk, the warmth and beauty on Scotland's west coast; those waterways and sunsets on this unique, famous Atlantic seaboard.

This demo ballad recalls a home coming of a Lochaber born and bred merchant sea captain. A career spent plying cargoes around the world through the maritime waterways, canals and crossing global oceans. He harbours a yearning to return to his precious native land and settle down with the love of his life who he left behind all those years ago.

If you need a reason to visit this extraordinary part of the world, here are some links to enhance your next visit! So let your journey of discovery begin and listen to the Sound of Mull and sail out onto those Hebridean waterways!

https://www.wanderwestardnamurchan.com/

https://www.ardnamurchanlighthouse.com/

https://ardnamurchandistillery.com/

https://www.ardnamurchancampsite.com/mobile/index.html

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/ardnamurchan-area-p2555641

https://www.westhighlandpeninsulas.com/about-the-peninsulas/ardnamurchan

https://heritageardnamurchan.co.uk/

https://www.ardnamurchanestate.co.uk/

https://www.moidart.org.uk/datasets/tioram.htm#:~:text=James%20Wiseman%20MacDonald%20bought%20the,is%20a%20scheduled%20ancient%20monument

http://isleofeigg.org/

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/isle-of-eigg-p246981


I would like to credit Steven Marshall Photography https://www.smarshall-photography.com/
for granting the license to use one of his photographs for this track. Please be sure to check out his exceptional work and creative talent for capturing this glorious scenery and atmosphere of the Ardnamurchan peninsula. Please consider making a purchase !

The Sound of Mull

2024 Christmas Celticset from The Hebrides of Scotland

2024 CHRISTMAS CELTICSET

2024 to 2025 CELTICSET NEW YEAR PROGRAM

CELTICSET 2025 JUNE - JULY LIVE MUSIC SPECIAL

Ruth is based in Lichfield, UK, and sings mostly classical and traditional folk music. She also writes lyrics (as Eleanor Ruth Carlyle) and collaborates on new music with David Barton http://www.davidbartonmusic.co.uk/.

She  released her first EP with David Barton in November 2020: ‘Annabel Lee Replies’.

The songs on Ruth’s SoundCloud site are illustrated by her husband Nic Carlyle https://www.twitter.com/carlyle_nic

Ruth was a awarded a Distinction for London College of Music Examinations Grade 8 Classical Singing (100%) in July 2018 and the DipLCM (upper level) in July 2019.

Enjoy listening and just occasionally singing (to myself) 'Bothy Ballads' from The North East of Scotland. Influenced in my teens by legendary folk singer Marc Floyd Ellington and Charlie Allan. 

'Written' a few very simple lockdown ballads in the 12 months since the global pandemic struck and tried to learn the guitar...it helps!

New tracks tagged #hébrides