When three young women were commissioned to perform songs by female Gaelic bards at Scotland’s Blas Festival in 2016, they didn’t expect to be celebrated as the Gaelic singing trio Sian a decade later.

“We enjoyed those first gigs so much, and there seemed to be an appetite for more, so we ran with it,” recalls Eilidh Cormack.

All three members share strong Highland and island roots with family ties to Inverness, Lewis, North Uist, and Skye. Music – Gaelic song in particular – permeated their lives early on.

“We have all been involved in music from a very young age,” Cormack explains. “Our families had a huge interest in – and knowledge of – Gaelic song. We got involved through Gaelic festivals, such as the Fèisean movement and the Mòd, and that is how we first came across one another, too.”

That sense of heritage forms the basis of the band. “We have inherited a love of the legacy which we share with others,” continues Cormack. “That drive to preserve and push forward the tradition, whilst breathing new life into it, keeps us going.”

That spirit, she adds, has carried the trio forward. “Making a living from the job is tricky, as musicians battle social media algorithms, streaming platforms, and the rising costs of touring just to get our music out there.”

Setbacks aside, their love for their roots and emerging talent gave them gratitude and opportunity. “We feel very lucky to dig deep into these traditional songs, stories, and composers, as well as taking the Scottish Gaelic language and culture to new audiences. We are bringing these traditional songs to a new generation of Gaelic speakers, whilst encouraging others to learn and engage with the language.”

To that end, Sian experiments with modern translations of well-known Gaelic songs, composes their own original material, and teams up with others. “Collaborations over the years with other Celtic exponents, such as Niteworks, Breton band Eben, and Welsh indie rock group Adwaith, have shown us the possibilities of marrying tradition with a fresh and forward-looking sound.”

While Sian’s hallmark three-part harmonies and arrangements form the core of their artistry, the band also reflects the many influences that have inspired their work. “Our latest release, ‘araon,’ meaning ‘as one’ in Gaelic, has our very own Innes White co-producing alongside Niteworks and LUSA’s Innes Strachan, who has pushed our boundaries and introduced some more electric and electronic elements into our music.”

The group also made their first music video, for the track Pèidse Fir Ròdhaig. “It was a huge highlight for us in the run up to the album’s release, and we are so pleased with how excited it made people about a lesser-known waulking song.”

Sian’s unique blend of deep-rooted customs and fresh creativity has led to some defining moments, including appearances at Glasgow’s Hydro and Barrowlands, and with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. In one of their most memorable performances, the group scaled a corrie in the Cuillin mountains with dresses on their backs to record for Skye Live’s online festival during the pandemic. Yet ultimately, for Cormack, connecting with the audience is key. “We simply couldn’t do it without them, and definitely feed off their energy during our performances, which usually contributes to our dodgy stage chat!”

Building a rapport with fans starts with the songwriting, where the trio focuses on the myth behind the music.

“It’s always the story behind the song and the way the song is constructed around that story. I love a good Gaelic rhyming scheme! Often, Gaelic songs aren’t totally narrative as well, so there is a little left to the imagination.”

Buoyed by the positive response they have received as a Gaelic-singing trio, Cormack is optimistic about the Celtic musical landscape, despite some weak spots. “The Celtic music scene is in a good position at the moment, but it is still a precarious one. The music scene is intrinsically connected to language and culture, and you simply cannot have one without the other. So, whilst we enjoy an increase in the number of people engaging with our music, we have to ensure they engage with and support the Celtic languages and cultures that the music stems from, too.”

For now, the band is eager to take to the road touring aaron across Scotland in November. “Here’s hoping the album will lead on to new venues and new places to visit in 2026 and beyond!”

www.sianmusic.com
@sianceol