A NEW folk song inspired by Cowal has been released by a Scottish-Irish duo with strong connections to the area.
Jenny G, the debut single from folk band Fuaim, tells a light-hearted tale of unrequited love, shinty and a young Glendaruel woman determined to make her own choices.
The duo consists of Irish musician Maggie Wallace and Ayrshire-born David McKay, both of whom have longstanding connections to Argyll.
Based on the 19th-century Irish song Eileen G, written by Percy French from Wallace’s native County Roscommon, the new version transports the story to modern-day Cowal.
The song follows a shinty player who falls for Jenny G, described as the prettiest young woman in Glendaruel, but repeatedly finds his advances rejected as she dates other suitors from across the area.
Dunoon, Tighnabruaich and Strachur are among the places featured in the lyrics before the narrator finally abandons his pursuit when Jenny settles down with a quarryman from Ballachulish.
While the song is intended to be humorous, Wallace said there was also a more serious message behind the story.
She said: “I love Cowal and spend a lot of time here, so for our debut single we wanted to do something that tells a story about this area and, of course, shinty had to feature prominently as it’s very much Col-Glen territory.
“The song is mostly good craic, but there’s a serious message too. Jenny is a beautiful young woman who’s having fun and enjoying dating, whereas the narrator thinks he has some claim on her just because she’s the prettiest girl in his glen.
“So it’s important that he gets nowhere in the end, whereas Jenny gets her happily-ever-after only once she’s ready to settle down, of course.”
Wallace, who now lives in Renfrewshire, has strong connections to Cowal through her partner, Dunoon man Roddy Cairns.
She previously lived in Innellan and remains a regular visitor to the area, having performed at local venues and events including Dunoon Burgh Hall, Fyne Fest and Live in Loch Goil.
McKay also has connections to Argyll after previously living on the Isle of Gigha.
The pair created a new instrumental arrangement for Jenny G, featuring vocals, whistles, mandolin, keyboards, acoustic guitar and harmonica, while the locally inspired lyrics were written by Cairns.
The single marks Fuaim’s first official release, with the duo planning further music and live performances.
Jenny G is available to listen to on Spotify and YouTube.
