M.A. NicNèill

Hellisay Soundtrack

This isn’t a proper soundtrack for the book in the conventional sense, and is not paired with specific scenes, characters, etc—it’s a love letter. A celebration of the Highlands and Islands, and the music that I grew up with. Think of it as a cultural mixtape for Hellisay Maybe: songs that smell of salt air and peat smoke, that thrum with ceilidh halls, island pride, and a bit of weather in the soul.

From the harmonies of Na h-Òganaich to the anthems of Runrig, the swagger of Peat & Diesel to the grace of Julie Fowlis, this is the sound of the Highlands and Islands in all their moods. The language, the humour, the rhythm—they’re stitched into the land itself. These are the voices that still make home feel like home.

The Hellisay Soundtrack hums with belonging, sea air, and new beginnings—much like Jenn and Ruairidh themselves, which was unintentional on my part. And yes, for the record, Runrig were my first ever concert away back in the early 1990s. I think it shows.

So, pour a dram, crack open the shortbread, and let the Highlands and Islands in.

Listen to the Hellisay Soundtrack on Spotify here or scan and listen in your phone:

Listen here
  1. Cànan nan Gàidheal – Na h-Òganaich
  2. Mhòrag Leat Shiùbhlainn – Na h-Òganaich
  3. Seonaidh the Water Spirit – Face the West
  4. The Wishing Stone – Face the West
  5. Lights of Lochindaal – Gunna Sound Ceilidh Band
  6. Ò Cho Meallt – Runrig
  7. Abhainn an t-sluaigh – Runrig
  8. This Darkest Winter – Runrig
  9. Selkie Boy – Julie Fowlis, Spell Songs
  10. A’ Chuthag – Valtos & Julie Fowlis
  11. Island – Peat and Diesel
  12. Loch Maree Islands – Peat & Diesel
  13. Land Below the Waves – Skipinnish
  14. Gaelic Waltzes – Skipinnish
  15. Ciosmul Galley – Vatersay Boys
  16. Sands of Vatersay – Vatersay Boys
  17. Ar Cànan ’s ar Ceòl – Trail West
  18. Take Her in Your Arms – Trail West
  19. Any Heart in a Storm – Tide Lines
  20. Co-thràth – Tide Lines
  21. Hey Hey Hey – Skerryvore
  22. Take My Hand – Skerryvore
  23. Highland Girl – Torridon
  24. Maraiche – Niteworks feat. Kathleen MacInnes
  25. The Test – Mànran
  26. Fear-Allabain – Capercaillie
  27. S’ Och A’ Dhomhnaill Oig Ghaolaich – Capercaillie
  28. The Story – Beinn Lee
  29. I’ll Never Forget – Rura
  30. Colours – Elephant Sessions

Bonus tracks:

  1. The Gambler – Kenny Rodgers
  2. I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys
  3. Stuck in the Middle with You – Steelers Wheels