Singing the gospel

SINGING THE GOSPEL
IN NORTH EAST SCOTLAND

From 2005-2009 Frances completed her PhD in ethnomusicology at the Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen, under the supervision of Professor Ian Russell.

The subject of her research was the gospel singing tradition of evangelical Christians from North-East Scottish fishing communities, and the project led to her visit and record many different singers along the North-East coast and in Shetland and Orkney.

The research was published in numerous articles and book chapters, as well as in the form of a book in 2018.

4 years - 90 CONTRIBUTORS - 200 songs

Introductory film

This five-minute film by Frances Wilkins was made during research carried out in 2005-2007, gives an introduction to Gospel singing of the North East of Scotland.

  • Research Photos

    Visit Frances' photo gallery from her research into gospel hymn singing in coastal communities of North-East Scotland.

  • Archive Images

    A collection of archive images collected by Frances for the project.

  • Talks

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

  • Publications

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

  • Book

    In 2018, Frances’ book, Singing the Gospel Along Scotland’s North-East Coast 1859-2009 was published by Routledge. This was based on her PhD research, and explores the various different aspects of the Gospel singing tradition, both past and present.

  • Film

    This five-minute film by Frances Wilkins was made during research carried out in 2005-2007, gives an introduction to Gospel singing of the North East of Scotland.