Rachel Walker

Rachel Walker was born in Salisbury in 1976, and was brought up south of the border until the age of eight, when a move to Kinlochewe in Wester Ross changed the course of her life. Rachel was introduced to Gaelic song during her attendance at Kinlochewe primary school, and with encouragement from her teacher Margaret MacLean, she was soon showing a natural talent for giving the songs a style of her own.She continued to sing throughout her time at Gairloch High School, soon becoming much in demand for her performances at local Ceilidhs and concerts, as well as picking up prizes at local mods.

Rachel was introduced to Gaelic song during her attendance at Kinlochewe primary school, and with encouragement from her teacher Margaret MacLean, she was soon showing a natural talent for giving the songs a style of her own.She continued to sing throughout her time at Gairloch High School, soon becoming much in demand for her performances at local Ceilidhs and concerts, as well as picking up prizes at local mods. She began attending Feis Rois as a pupil, which served to fuel her passion for Gaelic song, and traditional music.

On leaving school Rachel completed a course in Classical music at Napier University, all the while continuing to be involved with Feisean, this time as a tutor.
In 1996, Rachel was accepted as one of the first students on the brand new Scottish Music course at the RSAMD where she studied Gaelic song under the tutelage of renowned Gaelic singer Kenna Campbell. During this time Rachel was asked to perform at the Dingwall Highland Festival and formed Dochas for the occasion. With them Rachel played throughout Scotland as well as festivals in France, Spain and Ireland, latterly helping to win a prestigious Danny Kyle award at Celtic Connections.

Now a solo performer, Rachel released her debut album to critical acclaim in June 2004. She is much in demand as a teacher throughout the Highlands and has performed among the top names in Gaelic song at events such as the Flower of the West concert in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, the Blas festival, and the Annual Comunn na Gaidhlig concert in Eden court, Inverness. Rachel also guests with the popular band Skipinnish and has appeared on both of their recordings.

Rachel has appeared on numerous television programmes, most lately the BBC's award winning series on Gaelic song, Aig Cridhe ar Ciuil.

Rachel will launch her second album on June 18th 2006, coinciding with a tour of the Highlands and Islands with her own band