Singing the gospel

SINGING THE GOSPEL
IN NORTH EAST SCOTLAND

From 2005-2009 Frances completed her PhD in ethnomusicology at the Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen, under the supervision of Professor Ian Russell.

The subject of her research was the gospel singing tradition of evangelical Christians from North-East Scottish fishing communities, and the project led to her visit and record many different singers along the North-East coast and in Shetland and Orkney.

The research was published in numerous articles and book chapters, as well as in the form of a book in 2018.

4 years - 90 CONTRIBUTORS - 200 songs

Introductory film

This five-minute film by Frances Wilkins was made during research carried out in 2005-2007, gives an introduction to Gospel singing of the North East of Scotland.

  • A man with a plaid shirt is playing an acoustic guitar, standing in a room with beige walls and framed artwork.

    Research Photos

    Visit Frances' photo gallery from her research into gospel hymn singing in coastal communities of North-East Scotland.

    View Gallery
  • Black and white photograph of ten children in outdoor clothing, with some wearing Santa hats, seated and standing in front of a brick wall, posing for a group picture.

    Archive Images

    A collection of archive images collected by Frances for the project.

    View Gallery
  • A woman with long blonde hair, wearing glasses on her head, holding a smartphone and reading from a sheet of paper in an indoor setting.

    Talks

    Frances Wilkins regularly gives talks on her research. Find out more and book her for your event here.

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  • A newspaper page with an article titled "A Hebridean Christmas tradition - Taladh Chrìosta" and a photograph of a woman with long blonde hair, wearing a black jacket and a colorful scarf, standing outdoors with trees in the background.

    Publications

    Find out more about articles, book chapters, and other writing by Frances on her research.

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  • Book cover titled "Singing the Gospel along Scotland’s North-East Coast, 1859-2009" by Frances Wilkins, part of the SOAS Musicology Series. The cover features a black and white photo of a gospel choir or singing group on stage, with some members playing guitars, all dressed in dark clothing.

    Book

    In 2018, Frances’ book, Singing the Gospel Along Scotland’s North-East Coast 1859-2009 was published by Routledge. This was based on her PhD research, and explores the various different aspects of the Gospel singing tradition, both past and present.

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  • A large group of elderly women sitting in a room, participating in a choir or singing activity. They are holding songbooks and appear to be singing together.

    Film

    This five-minute film by Frances Wilkins was made during research carried out in 2005-2007, gives an introduction to Gospel singing of the North East of Scotland.

    Watch the Film