Episode 17: The Folklorist- Ed Miller

Walking with folklorist and singer Ed Miller, he can’t help but sing an old song in praise of whisky. It’s appropriate, as we are strolling on the beach leading to the source of another delightful Scottish export, the Bowmore Distillery.

For over a quarter century Ed has toured all corners of Scotland, singing songs and recording stories that reveal the beating heart of his home country; a world apart from the “shortbread tin” version found on tourist brochures.

A native of Edinburgh with a PhD in folklore, Ed has nearly a dozen recorded albums of Scottish folk tunes to his credit. He’s is a lifelong seeker of songs that reflect the real Scotland. Songs of protest and change, poverty and pride.

Although he resides these days in Texas, he is considered one of Scotland’s finest singing exports. Ed performs at concerts, folk clubs, Celtic festivals, Burns suppers, Highland games…and on the ship I recently travelled on through nine northern Scottish Islands.

It was a trip to my ancestral homeland thanks to Canadian-owned expedition tour company Adventure Canada. The company regularly takes travellers to many of the most remote and most beautiful corners of the planet.

We went for a walk while visiting the Isle of Lewis. And perhaps not surprisingly, our conversation begins with a song.

Click below to walk along.