Sisters Bryony MacGregor and Jennifer Stevenson have been making music with Karen Shearer since childhood. Karen and Mariann Allan connected through their teaching careers and thereafter formed The Skirlies. They discovered a shared passion for playing in fiddle groups during their teenage years in Orkney and Shetland, taking part in ensembles like the Orkney Traditional Music Project, West Mainland Strathspey and Reel Society, the Shetland Young Heritage and Hjaltibonhoga.
You can expect fiddle accompanied by Mariann on piano, lots of harmonies and even a song. With a strong focus on great melodies, their music evokes a deep sense of place, rooted in the rich traditions of our island groups. With ten children between them, their musical collaboration offers a cherished escape from their busy careers.