Seinn SPIORADAIL

Sacred Soundscapes
of the Highlands and Islands

In January 2018, Frances started working on her latest research project, exploring the sacred singing traditions of Hebridean communities.

Putting ethnographic fieldwork at the heart of the project, Frances has been interviewing and recording singers from a variety of backgrounds across the region. The results include an extensive archive of interviews and song recordings, a touring exhibition, film, various articles, papers and public talks.

'Very interesting history. Almost a revelation about so deeply entrenched customs and the community roots.'

6 years - 10 ISLANDs - 100 CONTRIBUTORS - 300 songs

Introductory film

This eight-minute film, made by Frances Wilkins and Ronan Martin as part of the Seinn Spioradail exhibition, gives an introduction to the sacred and spiritual song traditions of Gaelic-speaking Highland and Island communities.

  • A young girl with long hair, wearing a maroon hoodie and headphones, interacting with a large touchscreen computer at a table in a room with purple carpet. A paper with text and a wooden desk are partly visible.

    Online Sound Archive

    The Seinn Spioradail digital archive was developed by the team at Open Virtual Worlds (University of St Andrews) and showcases over 300 recordings of sacred and spiritual music, recorded by Dr Frances Wilkins during her research.

    Visit Archive
  • Three people sitting on a sofa in a living room, smiling and looking at the camera, including an elderly woman in the middle and two younger adults on either side.

    Research Gallery

    Visit Frances' photo gallery from her research into spiritual singing in West Highland and Hebridean communities.

    View Gallery
  • Frances Wilkins with long blonde hair, wearing glasses on her head, is holding a paper and possibly a remote control while speaking in front of a dark wall.

    Talks

    Frances Wilkins regularly gives talks on her research. Find out more and book her for your event here.

    Read More
  • Sunset over the ocean with dark clouds in the sky and waves crashing on the shore.

    Film

    This eight-minute film, made by Frances Wilkins and Ronan Martin as part of the Seinn Spioradail exhibition, gives an introduction to the sacred and spiritual song traditions of Gaelic-speaking Highland and Island communities.

    Watch Film
  • Group of people at Seinn Spioradail exhibition, looking at displays and talking, with informational posters on the wall behind them.

    Exhibition Gallery

    Learn more about the interactive touring exhibition, Seinn Spioradail: Sacred Soundscapes of Highland and Island Communities.

    View Gallery
  • romotional poster for exhibition 'Seinn Spioradail' with a background featuring a landscape and a church, displaying logos of institutions including The British Academy, The Carnegie Trust, Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen, and Bord na Gàidhlig, along with text describing the exhibition and its curators.

    Exhibition Panel Gallery

    View the exhibition panels from the ‘Seinn Spioradail’ exhibition and learn more about Gaelic spiritual singing from the Highlands and Islands.

    View Gallery
  • A newspaper page with an article titled 'A Hebridean Christmas tradition - Taladh Chrisa' about Scottish Gaelic traditions, featuring a photograph of a smiling woman with blonde hair standing outdoors.

    Publications

    Find out more about articles, book chapters, and other writing from Frances on her research.

    Read More
  • Group of 20 adults gathered indoors for a photo, some wearing colorful jackets, with posters on the wall behind them.

    Blog

    Explore Frances Wilkins' blog from her research journey here.

    Visit Blog
  • A group of people standing outdoors on a cloudy day, some with hands in pockets, listening attentively.

    Website

    The project website, which includes more information about the exhibition and access to the soundmap and sound archive can be found here.

    Visit Website

Funded by

British Academy
Carnegie Trust
Elphinstone Institute
University of Aberdeen
Bòrd na Gàidhlig