Ahoy! This episode of Folk Files explores the strange history of Mingulay, the island at the center of the Mingulay Boat Song. The episode also delves into the difference between sea shanties and fo’c’sle songs and discusses the tradition of naming songs “[Scottish Island] Boat Song”. 

Host: Olivia Harding

Special thanks to Aaron J. Morton, Asia Lupo, Marc Mills, Arne Parrott, Joseph Maurer, Cherie Hopton Albert, and Michael Albert

Musical excerpts:

ARTIST: ARRR!!!

WORK: Mingulay Boat Song

SOURCE: Scourge of the Open Waters

ARTIST: Tom Sullivan

WORK: Paddy Lay Back

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLLf4eC5pRA

ARTIST: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival demonstration on the Joseph Conrad

WORK: Blood Red Roses

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syAn2xv5HSU&t=48s

ARTIST: The Longest Johns

WORK: Mingulay Boat Song

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDt81x1B8nk

ARTIST: Robin Hall & Jimmy McGregor with the Galliards

WORK: Mingulay Boat Song

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF3CpSf7NxQ

ARTIST: Harbottle and Jonas (from Folk at the Corner House)

WORK: Mingulay Boat Song

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecuxgrISx0A

ARTIST: The Kilt Lifters

WORK: Queen Mary’s Escape

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7XpB1I-FSk

ARTIST: Mairi MacInnes

WORK: Cuachag Nan Craobh

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=298ngsE8dTY

ARTIST: Bear McCreary (feat. Griogair Labhruidh)

WORK: The Skye Boat Song

SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnsVFslhy6I

ARTIST: Music the Gathering

WORK: Mingulay Boat Song (WIP)

SOURCE: Soon to be released on LVL 3. Check here for updates: https://www.musicthegathering.com/