Since winning the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award in 2005, Lauren MacColl has gone from strength to strength fronting her trio with Barry Reid (Croft No. 5) and Mhairi Hall. Fiddle led, with the driving combination of piano and guitar, The MacCollective take you on a musical journey from rousing Highland strathspeys and reels, to emotive Gaelic airs, and their debut record was voted one of Celtic Connections 'Classic Albums' in 2008, celebrated with a sold a concert which earned them five stars from the Herald. The new album 'Strewn with Ribbons' was launched in January 2009 and features the MacCollective along with guests Su-a Lee, Donald Shaw and Chris Stout.

Taught through the summer schools of the Feisean movement in Ross-shire, Lauren was immersed in the rich and vibrant culture of her home area whilst brought up on a staple diet of Phil and Aly tapes.

In her relatively short career her playing has taken her far and wide, and to gig with, amongst others, Calum Stewart, Julie Fowlis, Finlay MacDonald Band, the late, legendary Calum Kennedy and Donald Shaw's Hogmanay Live Harvest band.

While completing her studies at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Lauren received a Dewar Arts Award to fund the recording of her debut album, 'When Leaves Fall' released to critical acclaim on her own label in March 2007. The album features her trio with guest Luke Daniels, (accordion) and has met with praise from all corners of the globe. ' A standout recording!' (Penguin EggsMagazine, Canada, Oct 2007)

" At times ethereal and at others, foot-stompingly riotous!" *****(The Herald)

" Her playing is brimming with poise and elegance, that almost makes time stand still with its utter beauty." (Folking.com)

Accolades: BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award Winner 2005 / Classic Album of Celtic Connections 2008 / Donald Dewar award for Excellence in the Arts