“Joy Dunlop, a power in the Gaelic arena as a singer, lecturer, journalist, TV actor and even dancer, tackles everything with assurance, confidence and elegance.” – The Scots Magazine

Joy Dunlop is a Gaelic singer & Scottish step-dancer from Argyll and is currently based in Glasgow. Joy’s singing career is the result of a life-long fascination with Scotland’s traditional music and has led her all over the world, starting from early appearances at local cèilidhs as a child. Her performance highlights include major festivals Celtic Connections and Celtic Colours, in addition to touring the UK, Canada and New Zealand. Through her singing, she showcases Gaelic music and song in a contemporary way that will always remain true to its roots.

“Though the material is traditional, the delivery is fresh and vibrant, reminding the listener that this is indeed a living language.” – Bletherings of a Music Obsessed Mind

Recent high points in Joy’s musical career include a critically acclaimed debut album, Dùsgadh (Awakening), being nominated as Gaelic Singer of the Year in 2010 & 2011 and winning the Scots New Music Awards Roots Recording of the Year and Fatea Tradition Award. She was also the proud winner of the Royal National Mòd Gold Medal in 2010. As well as performing as a soloist, Joy is a popular collaborative artist who has performed with a host of international artistes on both album & live projects. Recent albums releases include Fiere, a collaboration with Scottish duo Twelfth Day and her highly anticipated new solo album Faileasan. (Reflections)

“The music is highly evocative, spiriting the listener away to the wild coastline and mountains of the islands that inspired it.” – Bright Young Folk

A fluent Gaelic speaker with a degree from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Joy is also a passionate and knowledgeable supporter of all things Gaelic. She is a well-known face in Gaelic-medium media, thanks to presenting and panellist appearances on BBC ALBA and Radio nan Gaidheal, and is a regular contributor to Gaelic columns in The Scotsman, among many other publications. Joy’s interest in Gaelic language and culture has led to her involvement with a diverse range of organisations and projects, including Glasgow University’s Adult Education Programme, Fèis Mhàbu (Nova Scotia) and NYCoS. She is also a fully trained Ùlpan tutor and a highly experienced Gaelic language, singing and dance tutor with Fèisean nan Gàidheal. As a result, Joy is increasingly in demand as a teacher, speaker, translator and adjudicator and is always happy to consider new opportunities.

“Joy boasts an understanding of the Gaelic language and culture that is both instinctive and scholarly” – Folk Radio UK