My name is Mairi McFadyen. I bring over 15 years’ experience working with Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in Scotland. As a formally trained ethnologist with a PhD in traditional song from the University of Edinburgh, I’ve taught heritage studies, ethnology and folklore across higher education, contributed to national ICH policy through Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland (TRACS), and collaborated with Scotland’s national forums for music, storytelling, and dance.

I am interested in how cultural heritage can inform and inspire environmental action. I have recently worked as a Human Ecology Researcher-in-Residence at the Findhorn Watershed Initiative alongside my collaborator Raghnaid Sandilands, exploring how Gaelic cultural heritage can rekindle nature connection, guide restoration efforts and foster relationships of care for lasting stewardship.

I also facilitate creative programmes such as the online Creative Connections course for Taobar an Dualchais – Kist O Riches, Scotland’s largest archive of oral cultural heritage and folklore - working with artists, musicians and educators to explore the potential of cultural memory in the context of environmental awareness and climate action.

Alongside this, I support groups and organisations to develop practical skills in citizen fieldwork and oral history - vital tools for communities to document and safeguard their own ICH in participatory, intergenerational ways.

You can read more about my wider work on my personal website.