New song composed to mark opening of The Cairn Distillery near Grantown

By Michelle Henderson

November 28 2022, 6:59 pm

Scottish group Admiral Fallow first met overseas artists Madeleine Roger and Yu Tsan Pin for the first time when they visited the distillery as construction neared completion. Image: Muckle Media.

A Scottish band has joined forces with two overseas artists to compose a song inspired by the new Cairn Distillery near Grantown.

Scottish group Admiral Fallow collaborated with Madeleine Roger from Canada, and Yu Tsan Pin from Taiwan to create the signature track, titled The Cairn.

The artists hope the song will inspire listeners to pursue long-held ambitions.

The Cairn Distillery is the first of its kind to be built in the Cairngorms National Park for more than a century.

Nestled on the banks of the River Spey on the northern frontier of the Cairngorms National Park, the distillery – which opened its doors in October – was designed to reflect and respect its surrounding environment.

The business is owned by Elgin-based whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail, who aim to build on their 127-year heritage.

Singer-songwriter Louis Abbott, who formed the group Admiral Fallow in 2007, said they are pleased with the end result of the song titled The Cairn. Image: Muckle Media.

Singer-songwriter Louis Abbott, who formed the group Admiral Fallow, said: “I’ve always taken inspiration from the landscape around me. This is a very unique collaboration for us, given that there’s a brand-new voice coming into the sound of music that we make.

“To work with Madeleine and Yu Tsan and show them one of Scotland’s best sites and take in the views, sounds and flavours of the Cairngorms National Park, there was a lot of pride in that, and we’re really pleased with the end result.”

‘I really hope that sense of curiosity comes across in the song’

The musical trio met for the first time when they visited the distillery as construction neared completion.

Before, during and after their visit to the Highlands, the artists worked together to create the track.

Reflecting on her visit to the distillery, Ms Roger added: “Everything was so beautiful, and I really tried to get a sense of the landscape: the way the buildings are made, the vast openness and the rocky mountains, and the way of life there.

“We each had a lot of time to ruminate on our observations about the area and then find something meaningful in that – and I really hope that sense of curiosity comes across in the song.”

Musician Madeleine Roger from Canada, co-wrote the song with Admiral Fallow. Image: Muckle Media.

Ian Chapman, marketing director of Gordon & MacPhail described the new track as “perfection.”

“Having secured such a beautiful and awe-inspiring location overlooking the River Spey, we wanted to ensure our new distillery complements the majesty of the landscape,” he said.

“We are delighted with the result, and we hope visitors leave feeling inspired. With that in mind we are thrilled to have worked with three incredible artists to create a new track to celebrate the opening of the distillery doors. I believe the song perfectly showcases everything we want to achieve here.”