Rachel Walker is a Gaelic singer, songwriter and piano player based in Lochaber. She has extensive performance and recording experience as a solo artist, with bands such as Skipinnish and Cruinn, and as a duo with well known multi-instrumentalist and singer Aaron Jones.

Rachel has worked with many singing groups and choirs, creating bespoke arrangements and passing on her passion for Gaelic song. In 2023, on International Women’s Day she was named in The Scotsman and Hands Up For Trad’s list of 12 women in music and culture and has been added to the Scottish Poetry Library’s list of poets in recognition of her work as a Gaelic Songwriter. As well as being a busy touring musician, Rachel lectures music at UHI North, West and Hebrides, and is the Gaelic song tutor at the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music in Plockton.
For more information see: www.rachelwalker.co.uk / www.rachelwalkerandaaronjones.com

In this workshop Rachel will teach you a few songs, going through the pronunciation of the words and going over the songs slowly and repetitively so everyone goes away able to retain and enjoy singing them. No prior knowledge of Scottish Gaelic needed. You will be given the lyrics to take home. She will be joined by the other half of her duo, Aaron Jones who will give accompaniment to the songs.

The workshop will take place at Helensburgh Baptist Church Hall on Sunday 6th October, 2pm – 4pm..

• Book your place by emailing [email protected] Cost – Pay as you can on the day of the workshop. All ages welcome – under 16s must bring a guardian.

Accessibility – the workshop will take place on the ground floor, there is a ramp into the building (no stairs) and the venue has a disabled toilet. If you need any assistance or further information please get in touch by email.

This workshop has been made possible by support from the Maoin nan Ealan Gàidhlig fund.
Mòran taing gu Alba Chruthachail, Bòrd na Gàidhlig agus Fèisean nan Gàidheal. Taing gu Eaglais Bhaisteach Baile Eilidh cuideachd // Huge thanks to Creative Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Fèisean nan Gàidheal for making running this workshop possible, and also to Helensburgh Baptist Church for kindly providing the venue.

This is running in association with the Helensburgh trad music session which happens on the first Monday of the month in the cafe bar at the Commodore Hotel, Helensburgh 7-9pm. All welcome (including under 18s) to join in or listen.