Staran, means path, trail or stepping stones in Gaelic, reflecting the themes that run through the music of this collective of some of the most sought after musicians on the Scottish folk scene.  The result is a rich and cohesive sound; atmospheric and textural with acoustic instruments at the heart of it.

While the overall sound is rooted in Scottish traditional music, there are elements of inspiration from jazz, minimalism and experimental electronica. The band is Kim Carnie (vocals), John Lowrie (Piano), Innes White (Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar), James Lindsay (Bass) and Jack Smedley (Fiddle).  They released their first album Staran in 2021 –   “…a lush, richly textured delight, with mandolins and pianos creating a resonant world against which Gaelic singer Kim Carnie’s voice and Jack Smedley’s heartbreaking fiddle take flight” Guardian