Nuallan

Comprised of three Cape Breton pipers – Keith MacDonald, Kenneth MacKenzie, and Kevin Dugas – and formed by the Gaelic College, Nuallan seeks to represent, promote and explore the style of piping brought from Scotland by Highland Gaels and developed over the past two hundred years here in Cape Breton Island. This rich style of playing has a strong focus on rhythm and musicality and displays a strong connection to the song and dance traditions of Gaelic culture. Nuallan’s members are well known individually for their rhythmic, musical playing and bringing them together to celebrate the importance of these connections was a natural fit. The group released their self-titled debut recording two years ago, and their high-energy performances have been a hit wherever they have appeared.

The Gaelic word Nuallan itself has two main meanings. It literally translates as the signature, vibrant droning sound of the Highland bagpipes. It can also describe the constant murmuring sound of the ocean. This provides this group with an additional link to its musical historical evolution since traveling across the Atlantic Ocean with the early Scottish settlers.