As the chief rock and pop critic for The Scotsman since the 1990s, Fiona Shepherd has become synonymous with Scotland’s music journalism landscape. Her work spans:
For over three decades, Fiona Shepherd has been a cornerstone of music journalism in Scotland. Starting as a freelance writer in 1990, she quickly established herself as a trusted voice in Glasgow’s vibrant music scene. Her early work for The List and Edinburgh Festivals Magazine laid the groundwork for her appointment as chief rock and pop critic at The Scotsman in the late 1990s—a role she continues to hold today. Shepherd’s career is marked by her dual focus on critique and preservation: she co-founded Glasgow Music City Tours and Edinburgh Music Tours, blending journalism with cultural stewardship.
This comprehensive guide showcases Shepherd’s deep industry connections and predictive insights. She highlights Lyle Lovett’s rare UK appearance and Oasis’s highly anticipated reunion, blending historical context with forward-looking analysis. Her emphasis on venue diversity—from stadiums like Hampden Park to intimate spaces like Strathearn Arts—reflects her commitment to Scotland’s live music ecosystem.
“Taylor Swift is used to breaking records. For starters, her Eras tour is the highest-grossing concert series in history.”
Shepherd’s coverage of Simple Minds’ 40th-anniversary concert at Bellahouston Park and James Yorkston’s Tae Sup Wi’ a Fifer tour underscores her focus on homegrown talent. Pitches should emphasize local connections, emerging Scottish acts, or venue-specific stories (e.g., Glasgow’s Hydro Arena).
From the Edinburgh Fringe to Celtic Connections, Shepherd has chronicled festivals for 30+ years. Successful pitches will highlight unique angles, such as sustainability initiatives at TRNSMT or underrepresented genres at Hidden Door.
Her walking tours and articles on Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom demonstrate a passion for music’s societal role. Proposals exploring community-driven projects or archival discoveries will resonate.
At PressContact, we aim to help you discover the most relevant journalists for your PR efforts. If you're looking to pitch to more journalists who write on Music, here are some other real estate journalist profiles you may find relevant:
