Yon Wild Mossy Mountains (2020)

This song was commissioned by James Cowderoy to celebrate the 80th birthday of his father-in-law, Iain Harrison; and first performed by Anna Harrison, James Cowderoy and Robert Digney at Renagour, Aberfoyle, on June 13th, 2009.

It was also performed by the mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill, with the composer at the piano, at the celebration of Iain’s life; held in Killearn Kirk, on January 13th 2018.

The family and I chose this poem partly because of its reference to the source of the Clyde. Iain Harrison (1929–2017) served for over 50 years as Chairman of Harrisons (Clyde) Limited; in which capacity he was responsible for ordering the construction of numerous ships on the Clyde. But it was as a much-valued friend, and patron of music, that I knew him. We met when he was Chairman of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, and I was writing for the orchestra. He was a passionate advocate for music and musicians, and his interest and support meant a great deal to me.