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Fiona Kennedy - TV Executive, Presenter and Folk Singer
Fiona is a Folk Singer, TV Presenter and a co-founder of Tartan TV. Fiona lives in Aberdeen and was a Brownie in Glasgow."Being a caring, a good all round person who can be relied on through thick and thin is a great compliment."
Unfortunately, on tracing my family's roots, I think I come from the sheep stealing side of the Kennedy family! However, I am very proud of the Kennedy Clan's seat at Culzean Castle, I feel very at home there!
I always recommend the Island of Skye, Cruden Bay and anywhere sailing along Loch Ness.
I think Nicola Benedetti is a tremendous ambassador for Scotland, she is warm, hugely talented and very well balanced….she also loves Scotland and being Scottish.
Persistance, Humour, Entrepreneurial.
I love the Isle of Skye Tartan, Cameron of Lochiel (ancient) and the ancient Kennedy.
In my heart of hearts I believe that Tartan TV will be a success, so I just tell myself to keep believing in it and to keep going with it, especially when the going is tough. My family are tremendously supportive and they have been amazing. Often just a word of encouragement from them or a close friend really spurs me on.
Just do it! But, do your homework and research whatever area of business you want to be involved in and find a mentor who will inspire you.
The song which means the most to me is a Gaelic one which my mother taught me when I was young
called Na hu o ho or Nach truagh leat mi st'un Eirinn ( translated My love
has gone to Ireland).
This song was the catalyst for my album Maiden Heaven which was produced by Phil Cunningham
and has since been included in a number of celtic compilation albums. It's haunting appeal for
lost love has always touched me and I always include it in any concert that I take part in,
it's like my 'comfort' song!
Most importantly audiences seem to like it whether they
understand Gaelic or not, it just communicates the story
so well through the melody.
I am a bit of a perfectionist and I have not made a perfect album. Maiden Heaven I hope
stands the test of time. I played it in the car the other day and enjoyed On my Way which
Phil Cunningham and I wrote together.
However, I am also very happy with the new album Coming Home and I like the arrangement
of The Skyline of Skye which I pinched from my father!
I think this may sound like serious namedropping but……
How do I choose between the artist Jack Vettriano, Sean Connery, Ewan MacGregor, Robin Williams,
Kyle MacLaughlin, Billy Boyd, Billy Connelly, Robin Williams and sportsmen like Gavin Hastings,
Tom Watson and Gary Player?
I just love talking to people and finding out what makes them tick. Everyone has their own interesting
story to tell, it's just up to me to get the best interview I can.
You rotter! Someone good looking!
I have observed that Girlguiding is much a 21st century organisation, but has not lost its traditional values that are so important in today's world.Girlguiding has embraced today without losing its integrity.
Tolerance and patience.
This is a really hard question as there are are so many impressive women in all walks of life who maybe are not well known but who have made such a difference to people's lives.
As far as famous women go I admire Emily Pankhurst, Marie Curie, Florence Nightingale and Audrey Hepburn not only for her acting career, but for her work with UNICEF.
Living women, I admire many but two who stand out for me are, journalist Ann Leslie for her work and insight of hugely challenging situations around the world. She has great common sense and explains through her articles current situations that can sometimes seem infathomable.
I also hugely admire singer songwriter Beth Nielsen Chapman who writes and sings songs which touch souls and she has a rare talent.
I think being a caring, good all round person who can be relied on through thick and thin is a great compliment. Also if you're thought of as being fun to be with.
Being good fun.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh. I'd ask him to tell me about his day!
I'd have a place in Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs near Palm Springs where there is a spa. I'd choose Cape Breton Island in Canada near where Alexander Graham Bell had a house, it's glorious and peaceful there.
I would give the money to Voluntary Service Aberdeen (VSA) who I have known and been involved with for more than 20 years. The range of work they do and the services they provide, is tremendous and 93 pence in every pound raised goes directly to the various charities that come under the VSA umbrella - from The Aberdeen Children's Society to Agecare.
To find out more about Fiona please see TartanTV
Go to main inspirational women page