Carving her career path
Since completing her education at St Andrews – one of the world’s top-rated universities – Meredith has carved out an impressive career as a professional musician both in the UK and abroad. But, Scotland remains the backdrop to many of her professional highlights. Even now she still gets a thrill at the chance to perform in one of the country’s beautiful castles – just one of many unique opportunities that wouldn’t be possible anywhere else but Scotland.
Even her adopted hometown of Ayr is a source of inspiration, allowing Meredith to flex her creative energies in new and innovative ways. As well as carving out a career as a performer and music teacher, Meredith plays a major role in her local arts and culture scene as a businesswoman, organiser and storyteller.
In 2011 she and director, Simon, opened Ayr Guitar, which has quickly become Scotland’s premier destination for professional and amateur musicians alike. She is also the founder of Ayr Festivals, an organisation dedicated to celebrating the life and work of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns. It’s Meredith we have to thank for Tamfest, a family-friendly Halloween event held on Ayr’s High Street which brings to life what is perhaps Burn’s best-loved poem, ‘Tam o’ Shanter’.
Since debuting in 2015, Tamfest has attracted thousands of spectators from around Ayrshire and beyond, and it continues to go from strength to strength. This year marks its second digital festival featuring unique performances, workshops and a specially produced documentary exploring the poem’s legacy and connection to the town, as well as the area’s local heritage and natural beauty.
Having accumulated so many strings to her already impressive bow, you’d think Meredith would consider slowing down, but according to her, the story is just beginning.
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