Growing up in Inverness, Scotland, singing was a regular part of Ellen’s life in and out of school. Her involvement in choirs and Gaelic vocal harmony groups led to her becoming an assistant tutor of Coisir G which was run by Eilidh MacKenzie.

Then, at the mere age of 17 years old, Ellen MacDonald packed her bags and set off from her home in the Highland capital to Scotland’s only Gaelic language college Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in the Isle of Skye. The next 4 years would take her to many places as well as introduce her to many singers and musicians. It was during this whirlwind that Ellen’s journey with Dàimh began…

As well as singing with Dàimh Ellen performs with trad-electro outfit Niteworks, appearing on the lead single of their newest album alongside Ceitlin L R Smith and Eilidh Cormack with whom she completes a new and exciting fixture on the Gaelic music scene known as SIAN. Gaelic singing has also taken Ellen into schools through Feisean nan Gaidheal’s educational projects; from dressing up as a Jacobite soldier to singing nursery songs in boiler suits, Ellen has been involved in a wide range of shows for all ages. When Ellen isn’t singing, she can be heard voicing various characters for Gaelic cartoons such as Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks and presents the Gaelic channel’s childrens section CBBC Alba.

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Summer Youth Session 1