When tweed comes off the loom, it needs to be shrunk and softened before it can be made into clothes. In the olden days, that was done by hand by a group of women and could last all day - the tweed was soaked in ‘natural ammonia’ (yes, stale urine…) and then thumped rhythmically on a long table. The women would sing songs to keep the rhythm steady and to entertain themselves.

I have been performing with a Sgioba Luaidh, a Tweed Waulking Group, in places like the museum village in Auchindrain and at the Jacobite Day at Beinnglas. I have learned most of my songs from Rona Lightfoot whose mother, Kate MacDonald (Bean Eairdsidh Raghnaill), had over 260 waulking songs recorded for the School of Scottish Studies.

I offer waulking song workshops (waulking actual fabric but without the ammonia…) and other Gaelic singing workshops for festivals, music events, museums and more.