Songs written by Josie Duncan and Pàdruig Morrison and vocal harmony band Sian to raise cash as tribute to Keir MacGruer who was a former pupil at Inverness Gaelic School
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A Gaelic arts organisation is spreading festive cheer with three new songs in aid of a children’s hospital care charity and in memory of Keir MacGruer, a former pupil at Inverness Gaelic School.
The songs were written by contemporary Gaelic musicians including Radio 2 Young Folk award winner Josie Duncan, Pàdruig Morrison of Uist-based group Beinn Lee, and vocal harmony band Sian.
Accompanying videos will be shared with schools and the 47 local fèisean which Fèisean nan Gàidheal supports, in recognition of the extra effort from schools and communities this year during the pandemic.
The Miracle of Snow was written and performed by Josie Duncan and Hamish Macleod, and was inspired by a poem by Aonghas ‘Dubh’ MacNeacail called The Great Snowbattle.
Fosgail an doras agus leig a-staigh mi! (Open the door and let me in!), composed by Pàdruig Morrison and performed by Pàdruig and his Beinn Lee bandmate James Stewart, uses a traditional New Year chant as the basis of the lyrics.
The third song, The New Year Wind, looks ahead to what the turn of the year might bring, and was written and performed by Sian band members Innes White, Eilidh Cormack, Ellen Macdonald and Ceitlin Lilidh.
Eilidh Mackenzie, of Fèisean nan Gàidheal, said: “We commissioned three new songs as we thought children and their families might appreciate some new music for this special time of year. We are absolutely delighted with the songs from such talented young Gaelic musicians.
“We hope to raise money for the Archie Foundation in memory of Keir, who accomplished so much in his short life. The songs, with accompanying videos, will also be shared with schools this week before the end of term as a present from us to all children and teachers in the Gaelic medium sector.”
Keir’s mum, Angela Cran, said: “Keir spent a lot of time in Raigmore Hospital between 2010-12 after being diagnosed, aged five, with a rare and incurable lung condition, pulmonary hypertension.
“In early 2012 he started fundraising for the Archie Foundation by drawing cards of his signature superheroes, and was thrilled to raise over £2000 through card sales and his fundraising art exhibition.
“Sadly, Keir died two weeks later, in September 2012, but his connection to the Archie Foundation endures with his wonderful artwork that brightens the entrance to the new children’s unit at Raigmore Hospital that was funded by the charity.
“Thank you Fèisean nan Gàidheal for supporting the Archie Foundation in Keir’s memory. It means a lot.”
The songs can be downloaded for a minimum of £1 each from here.
