Lockdown produces a tasty fundraising idea

A Stornoway man has brought together some of trad music’s biggest names in Scotland who have supplied their favourite recipes for a cookbook raising funds for charity.
Trad Music Lockdown Cookbook music starsTrad Music Lockdown Cookbook music stars
Trad Music Lockdown Cookbook music stars

Donald MacLeod has released the Trad Music Lockdown Cookbook featuring recipes from artists such as Skerryvore, HEISK and Tide Lines with all proceeds being donated to the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust.

The Trust aims to create a permanent memorial to Eilidh, who was tragically a victim of the Manchester Arena Bombing. Eilidh, from the Isle of Barra, was one of 22 people murdered after attending an Ariana Grande concert in 2017.

Speaking of the cookbook, Mr MacLeod explained how it had started off as a small project to the pass the time in lockdown but has since grown into something much larger - and has become a big seller locally.

Trad Music Lockdown Cookbook music starsTrad Music Lockdown Cookbook music stars
Trad Music Lockdown Cookbook music stars

“It all started with some of my own recipes that I was sharing when a few friends told me I should consider placing them into a booklet,” Mr MacLeod said.

“I got in touch with some musicians and friends in the trad music scene and they were all quite happy to submit recipes to be included.

“There is a great variety of recipe ideas in the book, including a gin recipe and quite a few vegetarian options as well.

Mr MacLeod launched his cookbook in association with the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust, with the full proceeds being gifted to the charity.

Trad Music Lockdown Cookbook music starsTrad Music Lockdown Cookbook music stars
Trad Music Lockdown Cookbook music stars

The Trust focuses on advancing musical education within young people and works alongside smaller charities, educational bodies and community groups across the UK.

Musicians featured in the book include Martin Gillespie from Skerryvore, Josie Duncan from Inyal, Mànran and The Martainn Skene Dance Band.

This is the second fundraiser Mr MacLeod has carried out for the Trust, having previously organised a “Strictly Come Ceilidh Dancing” event featuring some well known west coast dancers and musicians back in January of this year.

Iagan MacNeil, a member of Eilidh’s Trust, commended Donald’s actions and spoke of his delight at the success of the cookbook.

Trad Music Lockdown Cookbook music starsTrad Music Lockdown Cookbook music stars
Trad Music Lockdown Cookbook music stars

“We’re delighted with Donald’s efforts to raise money for the trust, he has been a supporter of us for a while,” Mr MacNeil said.

“He’s incredibly generous and hard-working and to have put this cookbook together with some of the biggest names in trad music is really exciting for us as it ties in with our theme of promoting Scottish music and young musicians.

“It also helps us continue our work in Eilidh’s memory by supporting music education for young people.

“Donald has done a phenomenal amount of work and the money will make a real difference to young musicians in Eilidh’s name.

“We’re really excited with the cookbook and for the thinking behind it which really ties in well with our mission statements as a music based charity,” Mr MacNeil said.

The book has already sold over 500 copies, from an initial print of 1000.

Email Donnie on: [email protected]