Biography

Kristine Kennedy was raised in Orinsay, Lochs, on the Isle of Lewis. She went to Lemreway School and then to the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway. She worked for 14 years with the Northern Constabulary before moving to be in charge of youth services and publicity at Comann na Gàidhlig.

She comes from a family well known as singers. Her father, Murdaidh Orasaigh, and her mother, Kirsty Anna MacLennan, were excellent singers and both sides of the family were known for psalm singing.

Kristine won the Traditional Gold Medal at the Royal National Mòd in 1989. After that she represented Scotland and won the main prize in the Pan-Celtic competition in Ireland, the only time the competition has been won by a solo singer without accompaniment.

She has travelled extensively in Scotland, Ireland, many parts of Europe, Australia, Canada and the United States representing her heritage and language. She has recorded three albums and is often heard on radio and television, singing and presenting programmes.