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.

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.

Research Gallery

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

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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
Exhibition Gallery

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

View Gallery
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
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
Talks

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

Read More
Publications

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

Read More
Blog

Explore Frances Wilkins' blog from her research journey here.

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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