Mairi Campbell is a pioneering musician whose impact on Scottish music has been notable. A winner of the 2024 Scotsman Fringe First award, her performances push the boundaries of improvisation and stagecraft. In 2019 she was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame. A force of nature and soul, Mairi’s voice has stirred hearts across the globe — a voice that rang through cinemas worldwide in Sex and the City’s unforgettable New Year’s Eve scene with her evocative rendition of "Auld Lang Syne."
Kath Burlinson and Mairi Campbell are long-term artistic collaborators. They co-created the Pendulum Trilogy: Pulse, Auld Lang Syne and Living Stone and have worked together on several other shows. They have not run a Sounding Authentic workshop since 2018, but in 2027 they are back with this very special offering, combining Mairi’s skills with voice, sound, song, rhythm and frequency with Kath’s focus on embodiment, artistic expression and creative self-realisation.
Sounding Authentic takes place on the beautiful island of Lismore, on Scotland’s west coast. During the creative retreat, solo, pair and group processes will be used to activate what is resonating in the collective field. You may come with a particular idea for creative development, or just immerse yourself in what the moment brings.
We will work with the power and beauty of the land as inspiration and eat communally, nourished by delicious and nutritious vegetarian food provided by Ada Francis.
There are only 10 places available on this retreat. If you wish to apply, please complete and return the Expression of Interest form to kathburlinson@gmail.com by 1 October. We will let you know asap if we are able to offer you a place.
Key Information
When: 10-17 April 2027 (arrive 10 April, work 11 through 16, leave 17). Where: Carnie Cottage Studio, Lismore, PA34 5UG. Transport: Ferry from Oban or Port Appin to Lismore. Course fee: £750. Accommodation not included. You are advised to book accommodation early since there are limited options on the island. Catering: Ada will prepare lunch and evening meals. Breakfast DIY. Shared food costs not included in course fee.
I don’t know where the time goes, but here we are, nearly two weeks into the Edinburgh Fringe, schools going back and the early signs of Autumn are in the air. I hope this finds you well.
There are a few things I’m excited to share with you — my new journey into Biofield Tuning, some news from the Lismore Dance Band, and bookings for my 2027 Lismore Fiddle Retreats are now open!
Something new is unfolding…
For most of my life, I’ve worked with sound. I’ve played it, sung it, listened to it, taught it, performed it and explored what happens when sound enters a room — and what it does to us.
I’ve also carried a lifelong curiosity about sound and healing.
That curiosity has recently taken me somewhere new. I’ve trained as a Biofield Tuning practitioner, working with precision-calibrated tuning forks and the body’s electromagnetic field.
It’s a fascinating meeting point between sound, vibration, the nervous system and deep relaxation — and it feels like a very natural next step in my journey with sound.
One of the questions I’m often asked is: “But what actually happens?”
The truth is, everyone experiences it differently. But I thought I’d share what one person said after a session:
“I can’t recommend Mairi highly enough. From the moment I met her, I felt completely at ease. She creates such a warm, welcoming space that you instantly feel supported. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the session helped me slow down, release what I’d been carrying, and reconnect with myself.”
I’m now offering private Biofield Tuning sessions, both in person and remotely.
I’m delighted to let you know that bookings are now open for my 2027 Lismore Fiddle Retreats. Come and spend a few days immersed in tunes, playing, listening and sharing music — with plenty of time to breathe, wander and enjoy the magic of Lismore.
Whether you’re an experienced player or still finding your way around the fiddle, these retreats are about developing your playing, discovering new tunes and rhythms, and finding more freedom and confidence in your music.
“It was a challenging but fun time with the right ‘space’ for personal growth and connection in all ways: skills development, musicality, knowledge and technique, harmonising with the natural world- it felt like a spiritual journey – quite special.”
“It really delves into what it means to make music with others. I think a lot of us adult learners tend to focus on the technique required to achieve a certain sound, but take a long time to make any kind of emotional connection, to turn it from ‘notes in the right order’ to a form of communication.“
There are three retreats to choose from, with places limited to 10.
Join us for a wee festival of Scottish dancing on the magical Isle of Lismore.
The Lismore Dance Band is delighted to welcome The Occasionals in 2027 for a special weekend of Scottish dancing, live music and island hospitality. Places are limited to 60.
Cross the water to Lismore, where the pace slows, friendships grow and music fills the village hall. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or taking your very first steps, you’ll find a warm welcome as we share great music, laughter and community.
Take time to breathe the island air, explore Lismore’s beautiful landscapes, and spend your evenings dancing together. Come and experience a weekend to remember—we’d love to welcome you.
Tickets on sale from September 1st, but you can pre-register now:
So, here we are, deep into Autumn, clocks have just changed and I’m reflecting on the tour and an amazing Summer.
We had an intense three weeks of rehearsal in July, performing all three shows in August at the Edinburgh Fringe, then took Living Stone on the road for an 18-date Scottish tour in September.
Creating these shows over the last 12 years has felt like a soul-contract request. That feeling that athing has to be done.
So, ’tis made, but not finished. I hope this heralds a decade or two of repetition and invites to play these shows again and again and again. Judging on responses from audiences, I am hearing that my shows act as vibratory anchors and amplifies something essential at this turbulent time.
But for now the quern stone sits under the sofa, resting, until the next outing.
Hi folks, thanks so much for your support during the Edinburgh Fringe run of the Trilogy. It was a blast!
No rest though. Starting on September 6th on the isle of Lismore is our Living Stone Scottish Tour. From Stranraer to Ullapool we’re hopefully coming to a place near you!
Thank you for all your support for the Fringe run – filling in comments cards, coming along and letting others know too. Special thanks to the team Kath Burlinson of Authentic Artist Collective, Kate Taylor Producing, David Francis, Marianne Halavage, Ruth Morris and to the Scottish Storytelling Centre for your fine hosting.
The fiddle retreats are also now open for bookings and you can find details at the end of the newsletter.
Hope to see you on the road!
Thanks also to Giles Lamb for the pic from the Trilogy.
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