Photo: Kat Gollock

Journey to the Isles: Marjory Kennedy-Fraser

Scotland's Year of Stories Commission

A mesmerising glimpse into the landscapes, folktales and songs that inspired one of Scotland's great early collectors of Traditional Arts.

Kennedy-Fraser began collecting Hebridean songs in 1905, fired by a desire to preserve and celebrate the musical riches of the islands' people. These disarming films, made by Kennedy-Fraser herself - provide a snapshot of her work and the culture of the people she devoted her life to studying. All the while revealing the warmth of her personality and the profundity of her passion for the rugged beauty of the Hebrides.

Joining us on this journey to the Isles will be acclaimed and charismatic live performer Marion Kenny - one of Scotland's leading storytellers; and award-winning musician, singer and songwriter: Mairi Campbell. Weaving together words, music and song alongside Kennedy-Fraser's enchanting films, Marion and Mairi will conjure the sounds and landscapes captured by this key figure of Scotland's Celtic Revival.

Performing live: Marion Kenny (storytelling, piano, flute, gu-xheng), Mairi Campbell (voice, viola)

Running time 1h 30m. All performances are seated unless stated otherwise.

Screening material courtesy of National Library of Scotland Moving Image Archive

This project is supported by the BFI Film Audience Network with National Lottery funding as part of CURIOUS.

Image credit : National Library of Scotland Moving Image Archive