Faoinsgeul Loch Maruibhe, The Legend of Loch Maree, is the Blas 2026 commission by leading Highland fiddle player Graham MacKenzie. The work is inspired by a print by the late Margaret Robertson, which hung in the home where Graham grew up and first introduced him to the story.

Robertson’s image depicts the Legend of Loch Maree: a tragic Highland tale of a local princess who falls in love with Olaf, a Norwegian prince. With its themes of love, misunderstanding and loss, the story is often described as a Highland echo of Romeo and Juliet.

The newly composed music and traditional songs will represent the themes of loyalty, love, longing, bravery, betrayal and mystery.