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Òran an Ròin: A Haunting Gaelic Ballad Comes Alive on the Isle of Skye

  • Writer: Riccardo Pes
    Riccardo Pes
  • Apr 26
  • 2 min read

Updated: May 7

The Isle of Skye is a place of breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage. Its landscapes, steep cliffs, and serene beaches create a perfect setting for traditional Gaelic music. Among the songs that capture this spirit is "Oran an Roin," a haunting ballad about a seal mourning the loss of its kin due to human hunting. This melody not only tells the tragic story of seals but also emphasizes their importance to local communities.


Riccardo Pes and Alis Ballance performing in the Isle of Skye

In this blog post, I share the experience of creating an artistic performance inspired by "Oran an Roin." Along with my dear friend Alice Ballance, gaelic singer and storyteller, we aimed to recreate the song's atmosphere on the shores of Skye near Glasnakille.


"Oran an Roin," which translates to "The Seal's Song," is a rich cultural artifact that highlights the relationship between nature and humanity. This ballad emerges from Gaelic storytelling traditions, where narratives often convey respect for nature and the repercussions of human actions.


To honor the essence of "Oran an Roin," Alice and I envisioned a performance that would deeply engage with the natural context of the Isle of Skye. Selecting a scenic location by the sea allowed our setting to reflect the song’s natural elements. Alice designed costumes that represented the queen of seals, using flowing fabrics that mirrored the movement of water. Our color palette, including shades of deep blue and silvery gray, visually connected our attire to the song's themes.


Capturing the essence of "Oran an Roin" required the right atmosphere. The Isle of Skye, known for its breathtaking cliffs and tranquil beaches, provided a beautiful backdrop that echoed both the joy and sorrow found in the ballad. As we prepared for the performance, the sound of crashing waves blended with the wind's gentle whispers and birds' singing. This natural symphony evoked deep emotions intertwined with the song while reminding the audience of the stunning creatures it honored.


"Oran an Roin" is more than just a song; it carries history and emotion, showcasing the bond between humanity and the creatures that inhabit our world. Through our performance on the Isle of Skye, we sought to honor that bond, vividly expressing the sorrow of a seal mourning its lost kin.


This was only made possible thanks to public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England


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