Glenfinnan musician Ingrid’s first solo album in 16 years inspired by the sea
A new album by Glenfinnan’s Ingrid Henderson, celebrating Scotland’s spectacular coastline and marine life, is to be released on September 17.
Message in a Bottle also carries a stirring message examining the environmental impact humans have on the world’s coasts and waters.
The catalyst for the album was an audio visual project commissioned by NatureScot for the Year of Coast and Waters and is Ingrid’s first solo release in 16 years. She is a long-time member of Glenfinnan Ceilidh Band.
The new album features music from live shows and opens a door to incredible seascapes, artwork and subaquatic animation.
Message in a Bottle features stand-out performances from several stalwart musicians on the Scottish traditional music scene. Ingrid’s shimmering harp and piano playing shine throughout, alongside Anna Massie on guitar and fiddle, Megan Henderson on fiddle, vocals and piano and Conal McDonagh on Irish pipes and whistle.
Ingrid said the majority of the material on Message in a Bottle is self-penned in reaction to the Scottish coastline the story of the bottle weaving through currents, learning about coastal communities and exploring our relationship with the sea.
‘Although I have been involved in many group recordings over recent years, this is the first solo project I’ve undertaken since Little Beauty in 2005,’ she added. ‘Being a busy working mum, tutor, musical director and presenter leaves little time for personal projects such as this so I’m grateful to NatureScot for the opportunity to focus on such an engaging venture. It’s wonderful to see the project come to fruition and I hope people connect with the material.’
Katie Gillham, Head of Marine Ecosystems for NatureScot, explained: ‘We’re delighted to have collaborated with Ingrid on this unique commission to mark Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters.
‘Woven through Ingrid’s music and the animation and film that accompany it, is a deep connection to the sea and the coast that many people will understand. We hope Message in a Bottle helps to bring our seas and their wildlife to life for a wide audience.’
The album was recorded predominantly in the Old Laundry Studios in Glenfinnan, with mixing and mastering by Henderson’s husband Iain McFarlane of Old Laundry Studios and Barry Reid of
Rose Croft Studio. Ingrid will be performing the album live at Eden Court, as part of its Under Canvas events, on Wednesday September 15. Further Scottish tour dates for 2022 are to be announced. Message in a Bottle will be available to buy on CD and stream and download on all digital platforms on Friday September 17.