May 2009 saw Shona McMillan launch her People and Songs of the Sea exhibition and release of the project’s compilation album she produced with Greentrax, Cockenzie. Hogmanay marked the end of the 14 venues successful exhibition tour along the Forth which had been seen by over 10,000 visitors. Snowed in at home on Hogmany, Shona was more than surprised when her phone rang and an excited voice shouted, “You’ve done it, you’ve won!.”
From the biggest Celtic Music station in the world, DJ Bill Margeson was phoning from Chicago to tell her People and Songs of the Sea was Liveireland’s Compendium Album of the Year 2010. And, broadcasting over the internet and on air to America, Canada and Ireland - news of the award spread quickly through the station’s 1 million listeners a month. Within the Awards 1hr broadcast, Shona had received 270 messages.
Shona said: It’s all been a bit surreal but very exciting! The album presents 21 tracks from top Celtic artists and a booklet full of photos and stories. Yet I think, critical to this global appeal are the ‘real People of the Sea,’ those I involved from the communities along the Firth of Forth and the 100 who joined me in recording “Will Your Anchor Hold”. Hearing local voices, singing to me over the airwaves from America was so special. I always had the vision my project was more than ‘just’ great music and photos. I wanted it to reflect the story of Scotland’s fishing in a celebration of the fishing community, by the community. I wanted to create a legacy project to be enjoyed by all who share a connection to the sea.
From the Thorburn fishing family of Fisherrow, Shona explained: “everyone feels connected to the place they call home but the sea doesn’t recognise geographical boundaries and those who make their living from the sea are united in the danger they face. When I started my research in 2006, I learnt about my great–grandfather surviving Eyemouth’s 1881 disaster, when 189 fishermen drowned. I saw immigration in times of hardship to Canada, America, Australia, New Zealand. Now, I am sorting through many invites to tour my exhibition abroad. And how emotional, to read heartfelt letters to me from those who have not forgotten East Lothian’s fishing community. Amongst them, Eileen, a Fisherrow Thorburn, who emigrated with her family 50 years ago, now finding me through this’.
In 2010, People and Songs of the Sea continues to flourish, with Shona now set to travel and share East Lothian’s fishing heritage with the wider fishing family around the world.
Further information can be found on: Shona's myspace page
And also: Fisher Folk UK's myspace page
To purchase the album visit : The Listening Post