My week in 5 pictures: Esther Swift jets off ahead of Scottish tour

Esther Swift is a celebrated Scottish harpist, composer and singer who uses her music to explore connection and the natural world.

Edinburgh-based Esther is currently on tour in New Zealand before taking her music around Scotland with a series of intimate gigs in March.

Look out for this release later in the year. Image: Esther Swift.

In my happy place! Here I am recording some new music in the fabulous Castlesound studios for a new band called The Others. This project celebrates culturally diverse music making practices.

John is a pioneer of working out how to play this and other pre-historic instruments. Image: Esther Swift.

Collaborating with the legendary John Kenny and his carnyx collection. This instrument sounds as wild as it looks.

I was so glad to be able to play a couple of shows at Celtic before heading off to New Zealand. Image: Esther Swift.

Celebration photo after Catriona Price launched her new album Hert at Celtic Connections. We had a riot playing her music and partying after.

I’ll be back to tour my beautiful homeland in March. Image: Esther Swift

Last sunrise run up Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh before heading off to New Zealand. If you manage to come to a Scotland gig, feel free to join me my running club of one.

This title feels very relevant to this moment! Image: Esther Swift.

Somewhere over Newfoundland in some time zone or other. Just putting the finishing touches on a new commission for harp, flute and string trio, for the University of Oregon faculty.

Esther’s Scottish tour will stop in Caithness, Letham, Drumnadrochit, Skye, Lewis, Lochmaddy, Craignish and Mull.

Find out more at estherswift.co.uk.