Broadcaster and singer/songwriter Frieda Morrison invites you to a concert with a difference as a unique blend of music and song is showcased alongside a special folk film.

On Sun 3 May, as part of TradFest, Frieda showcases a documentary film she made in 1993 about the changing face of the North East of Scotland, for which she also recorded original music for the soundtrack. The film, Troubled Fields, was highly acclaimed and heralded as ‘one of the most significant documentaries to come out of Scotland.’ (Scotsman)

Frieda found herself in the privileged position of seeing the wider issues affecting the countryside as a popular environmental journalist on BBC Radio Scotland, and it was at this time her interest in writing songs to reflect these issues began to stir.

Troubled Fields explores how economists had advised farmers to sell their cattle and concentrate farm business on growing grain.  Three bad harvests later, hundreds of farmers were facing bankruptcy.  This coupled with the notion amongst economists that there were too many small farms led to a mass exodus in North East Scotland.  Troubled Fields follows Sandy and Isobel Jaffrey as they prepare for their ‘Roup’ or farm sale.  The effect this mass exodus had on the Culture and language of the north is widely discussed in the film by observers like Dr Jim Hunter. 

Frieda Morrison produced the documentary with Director/Camerman Mark Littlewood – one of the leading filmmakers in Scotland – capturing, amongst others projects, BBC Scotland’s Transatlantic Sessions.  Mark will be a special guest at the screening at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on Sun 3 May at 2pm.

After the film, Frieda presents a live concert and will be sharing the songs which feature in the film, which was recorded and produced originally by Dougie Maclean. Backing Frieda on stage will be Sarah Beattie on fiddle and Delane Morrison on autoharp and harmony vocals.  A special, limited CD edition is being launched at the concert for those coming along who wish to enjoy the stirring blend of the traditional and contemporary North East Scottish melody and song over and over again.

The Lyrical Heart
Sun 3 May | 2pm (2hrs) | £10 (£8)
Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, EH1 1SR

or call 0131 556 9579