Runrig cover Clash of the Ash by Highland accordionist Calum MacPhail set to be released as new single on eve of the Tulloch Homes Camanachd Cup Final between Kingussie and Lovat in Fort William
Award-winning Highland accordionist Calum MacPhail is to honour his shinty-playing roots with the release of a new single.
Available from Friday (September 20), Clash of the Ash is a cover of the iconic Runrig track that eulogises the traditional Highland sport.
The release coincides with the build-up to Saturday’s Camanachd Cup Final between holders Kingussie and Lovat at An Aird in Fort William.
Calum will perform the song live with his band Hò-rò at a Lochaber Live event in Fort William that day.
The artist, who grew up in Fort William and later moved to Inverness, was immersed in the world of shinty up until the age of 18, when he shifted focus to his music career.
His love for the game has never faded.
“I have always loved this song from Runrig, it’s very upbeat and has a good vibe to it,” Calum said.
“It was definitely a fun one to do with the band.”
“Clash of the Ash celebrates the spirit of shinty, a sport deeply embedded in the culture of the Highlands.”
The lyrics capture the spirit of the game and the dedication of those who play it:
‘These shinty boys shine like the sun.
We don’t play for fame, we don’t play for cash
We just play for the glory, and the clash of the ash.’
The Lochaber Live performance marks a return to his roots, promising to be a memorable highlight of the event, as Calum and Hò-rò bring their energetic sound to the local community.
The single features an outstanding line-up of musicians, including Pauric Mohan on the banjo, who is also lead singer and banjo player for the contemporary Irish folk-rock band All Folk’d Up.
Mohan’s style adds a dynamic edge to the track, seamlessly blending traditional Scottish and Irish influences.
Along with some talented local musicians, the full line-up for the single is:
Calum MacPhail – Vocals & Accordion
Alasdair MacQuarrie – Guitar
Matt Arnott – Drums
Cathal Murphy – Electric Guitar
Alex MacKechnie – Fiddle
Pauric Mohan – Banjo
Sean Cousins – Keys
“Clash of the Ash” will be available to stream and download on all major platforms from September 20.
Calum and band will be taking their music on the road with shows in Stornoway at An Lanntair on November 23 and in Glasgow at McChuills on December 8.
