Iona Lane - 26-28 June 2025
“A real talent!” - Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2 Folk Show
‘Swilkie’, the new album from highlands-based songwriter Iona Lane, weaves ecology, conservation, islands and folklore into poetic songs and contemplative melodies. Written during three residencies on the Isle of Eigg, Isle of Mull and Sanday in Orkney, sense of place and landscape are at the core of these songs. From basking sharks to lighthouses, lichen to vanishing islands; the album was recorded in a boathouse on the west coast of Scotland and the eager listener may even hear the lapping sound of the high tide murmuring through the album. Iona’s connection to places by the sea is translated through these songs and evolving vocal melodies, subtle guitar and droning shruti box are at the heart of the album.
Iona's debut album ‘Hallival’ charted at #36 in the Official Folk Album Charts and was named by KLOF as #27 in their ‘Top Albums of 2022’. The album received wide spread press including in The Guardian, Walk Highlands, BBC Radio 2 and The Scotsman to name a few.
“Iona's lyrics and musical arrangements crackle with wide-eyed curiosity.” - Jude Rogers, The Guardian
"Iona feels like a kindred spirit with her gorgeous evocations of landscape and geeky scientific references." - Karine Polwart
“Bring The Tide In is a rather lovely ebb-and-flow quartet of poignancy-tinged songs that serve as a reminder of Iona Lane’s luminescent talent.” - Mike Davies, KLOF Mag
“Time and tide wash through this debut… delivered in a light, melodious voice and with engaging conviction” - The Scotsman