Lochaber-based media production company, Miraculous Productions,  launches a compilation CD this month, to complement its radio and CD series promoting Highland music.

The new  compilation features award-winning music from the thriving independent Highland  music scene. Included is the  beautiful voice of Mod Gold Medallist Arthur Cormack, the dazzling fiddle playing of Charlie  MacKerron (Capercaillie) and Duncan Chisholm (Wolfstone), with very fine instrumental playing from Iain  MacDonald  (Battlefield Band, Ossian) and Iain MacFarlane (Blazing  Fiddles, Boys of the Lough.)

As  well as the irresistible dance music of Skipinnish,  Hoogie, Dàimh, Meantime,  and The  Black Rose Ceilidh Band (Scottish  Dance Band of the Year), there is also a strong showing from the new generation  of Highland musicians, led by Dòchas  (Nominated Best Newcomers - Scottish Trad Music Awards), Blialam (Plockton School of Excellence in Traditional Music) and students from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig.

The  CD also features music from Cliar (Scottish  Trad Music Awards - Best Album), Mary  Ann Kennedy (Mod  Gold medallist and Saltire Award winner), and Anne  Martin and Ingrid Henderson (Radio  2 Young Musician of the Year.)

Miraculous Productions is run by Nick Turner of the successful Watercolour Music recording studios in Ardgour, and musician and broadcaster,  Mary Ann Kennedy. Nick Turner explained: “This compilation will help us bring great Highland Music to a wider audience. With comprehensive distribution and an attractive retail price, the CD will be sold through a greater selection of  shops than the artists and labels have traditionally had access too.”

Mary Ann Kennedy said “We are very lucky to live and work in a place where there is so much good music going on – and we hope that this new compilation will bring that music to a whole new audience”.

The “Highlands & Islands” Series celebrates the music and  musicians of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and the people, places and  stories that surround them. The first in the series – Vol. One: Loch Shiel,  based in Lochaber is shortly to be joined by Vol. Two: Macleod's Tables - based in the NW of Skye.

The  company's export drive received another boost with the announcement of the US  based “Just Plain Folks 2004 Music Awards”. After receiving over 10,000 albums and 140,000 songs from 85 countries, “Highlands  & Islands Vol. One: Loch Shiel” has been nominated for Best Celtic Instrumental Album.

For more details please visit http://www.jpfolks.com/MusicAwards/2004/AlbumNominees.html and http://www.miraculoushighlands.com/