Eilean Shona is more than just a nature reserve—it’s a stage for inspiration. From artist residencies, writing retreats, music festivals and film locations, it’s a living canvas for those who wish to collaborate and create.
Music has played a vital role on the island from local musicians performing ceilidhs in the village hall to an all island music festival held in 2017.
In 2024, Malin Lewis, trans pipe and fiddle player and BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year finalist, played a homecoming concert on Eilean Shona (their childhood home). This visit was documented in an episode of the podcast “Folk on Foot” with Matthew Bannister, and featured their music and memories of their childhood on the island.
Sound Matters held listening retreat on Eilean Shona in 2018 and produced a 5 track EP. With very few permanent human residents on the island, Sound Matters were able to capture largely natural soundscapes impacted by very little anthrophony (human-made noise). After recording the indicator sounds of the island they composed music which was inspired by the sounds of the island including: oystercatchers, curlews, birds of prey, seals, larch forests, the sounds of the sea and, even, a grand piano which is located in the main house.
The Island Festival 2017
3 day music event spread over 3 main areas of the island over 4 days, 13-16 July 2017. Organised by Ivo Devereux, to highlight the beauty of the island’s natural wonders, the festival had over 130 attendees.
