Skipinnish Records is a new and exciting record company based in Spean Bridge in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Formed in 2003 by Angus MacPhail of Tiree, and Andrew Stevenson of Achnacarry, both musicians steeped in the traditions of Highland music, this small but growing company has made considerable progress in its short life span.

Initially, Skipinnish Records was formed in order to release recordings of Angus and Andrew's own band Skipinnish. The success of their debut CD, and their acclaimed follow up "Sgurr Mor to Skerryvore" suggested a strong demand for home-grown music from the heart of the Gàidhealtachd.

To this end, Skipinnish Records proceeded to approach various bands and artists whose music and performance was in line with their desire to produce and sell the very best products that the hugely rich and vibrant musical culture of the Highlands could offer.

Skipinnish with the Gillespie Brothers at the Mull Festival 2004

The choice of their first artist to record was an obvious one. Gaelic singer Rachel Walker from Kinlochewe has recorded as a guest singer on both Skipinnish recordings, performs with the band on a regular basis and is the wife of Skipinnish Records partner Andrew Stevenson. Infinitely more important than these details is the fact that Rachel has a stunningly beautiful voice, and her singing is held in the greatest regard by many of the most highly respected critics of Gaelic song.

Since its release in June 2004 Rachel's debut recording Bràighe Loch Iall (The Braes of Loch Eil) has received wide spread radio air play and much acclaim from the traditional music industry and from the public. Rachel was recently nominated into the final of the Gaelic Singer of the year category of the Traditional Music Awards.

On Thursday 9th December, Skipinnish Records released the C.D. "Fully Wrapped and Standing". This is a digitally re-mastered edition of a classic recording of legendary entertainer Norman MacLean, the undisputed Highland King of comedy. The release was marked with a launching ceremony at the Park Bar in Glasgow. Future recordings to be released by Skipinnish Records include long awaited solo CDs from both piper, Allan MacDonald of Glenuig, and fiddler Archie MacAlister from Campbeltown as well as fresh new talents The Gillespie Brothers, Deoch an Dorus, Calum Alex MacMillan and Gary Innis. Gary has recently finished the recording of his album with producer Donald Shaw at Secret Music in Glasgow. With guest musicians including Anna Massie, Jen Butterworth, Darren MacLean and a host others, this CD is set to be a cracker and will be released in March this year.

On top of this, the company also plan to record and release the first in a series of albums featuring the best of male Gaelic singers, of which there is currently a definite dearth on the traditional music market. The first of these will contain Gaelic songs related to the rich maritime traditions of the Highlands and Islands.

Skipinnish Records are committed to producing and selling recordings of the highest quality, and will not skimp on production and promotional costs to achieve this. In this way they hope to nurture young talent and showcase the very best of established artists, while building a reputation for quality.

In March of last year the Skipinnish Records Partners were placed second in the Argyll final of the Shell Live Wire "Young Entrepreneur of the Year" competition.

Credits
Photography by Eddie MacKinnon, Angus MacPhail and Andrew Stevenson
Website design by Ronan Martin
Logo by Dave Millsop