One of the most noble and iconic statements of Scottish culture is surely Auld Lang Syne, which is sung universally at New Year’s Eve celebrations. The words were penned by none other than Robert Burns (1759 – 1796). In the chorus is the lovely line ‘we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet’. It speaks to me of overflowing warmth and blessing which extends to the whole realm of our human relationships, and one morning, I couldn’t help but start to write a short piece for Oboe and String Quartet which seeks to encapsulate the essence of that phrase, ‘cup o’ kindness’.

Following a short, dramatic opening musical declaration, the simple flowing melody of Cup of Kindness rises and falls nostalgically over a rocking accompaniment. The first violin then takes up the melody while the oboe sings with a countermelody. A freer improvisatory middle section gives way to a soaring reprise with a pizzicato ‘cello bassline. Lyrical, tender and thoughtful, the work comes to rest with a sense of wellbeing and harmony.

Cup of Kindness is dedicated to our son, James, who celebrated the millennium as a baby.

I composed The Black Rood of Scotland at the outset of lockdown in March 2020, in the outhouse of my late father’s cottage in Hawick, in the Scottish Borders, where we were staying at the time. Facing the unprecedented turmoil and grief of the pandemic, I wanted to connect with the Christian roots of the country, and, with its stream of melody and rich harmony, the work is a depiction of the love and longing of Christ upon the Cross. Written as a personal devotion for Holy Week, my husband, Simon, gave its first performance later that year, once churches reopened, on the Frobenius Organ of Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh, for Remembrance Sunday.

The Black Rood of Scotland itself, sadly now lost, was the holy relic from which ‘Holyrood’ took its name. It was brought to the country by Saint Margaret of Scotland (1045-1093), who became a Scottish queen when she married King Malcolm III. It is believed that the young queen clutched this priceless royal treasure on her deathbed in Edinburgh Castle.

With its outstanding natural beauty and rich history of Christianity, the Holy Island of Lindesfarne has been a place of personal pilgrimage and peace for most of my life. Inspired on a visit in February 2023, the opening of Tenera Caritate depicts the afternoon sunlight on the lapping waves around the south side of the tidal island.

With the Latin title meaning ‘Tender Love’, this expressive rhapsody for Clarinet and String Quartet is in free form. Deeply evocative, with woven instrumental textures and flowing romantic lyricism, it journeys through a whole spectrum of harmonic shades. The music speaks simply and directly from and to the human heart of love that brings hope and healing; that yearns and searches; that sustains us through the journey, embraces us in the storm, and brings us peace.

Tenera Caritate was recorded by John Bradbury and the Victoria String Quartet at Marchmont House, Berwickshire in October 2023, and the musicians returned the following year to give the première on Saturday 8th June in the oak-panelled Lorimer Music Room. The first world radio broadcast was given by ABC Classic on 26th July 2024.