iona lane 

Folk singer and musician Iona Lane was the recipient of our 2020 Young Player Bursary, chosen by our artist panel comprising of multi-award winning Scottish songwriter and singer, Karine Polwart, and previous Taran Guitars Young Player Bursary recipient, Chris Amer. We worked together closely with Iona to create her Malaysian Blackwood and European Spruce Tirga Mhor.

“Being awarded the Taran Guitars Young Players Bursary changed my life as a musician. Working with Rory and his team on creating a bespoke instrument was something I never imagined I'd be able to do. The guitar I had built is a beautiful beast, responsive and resonant, graceful and intimate. I grow with it every time I play and it has shaped who I am as a musician today.”

- Iona Lane, 2022

With her new Tirga Mhor Iona recorded her spellbinding 2022 debut album Hallival which was greeted with acclaim by audiences and critics alike.

“An intriguing debut - her sweet voice recalls Emilíana Torrini, while her lyrics and musical arrangements crackle with wide-eyed curiosity.” -

Jude Rogers, The Guardian (2022)

Iona studied BA Hons (Music) Folk degree, with a scholarship, at Leeds College of Music under the tuition of Jim Moray, Nancy Kerr, Sam Carter and Bryony Griffith. Performing a mix of traditional and original folk songs, Iona has been praised throughout the scene for her delicate yet powerful vocals, which have captivated audiences up and down the country.