Anne Lorne Gillies, born Anne Gillies in 1944 in Stirling, Scotland, was a singer, writer, and activist. She adopted the middle name Lorne to reflect her connections with Oban, where she moved at age five and attended Rockfield Primary School and Oban High School. Gillies' musical upbringing included learning piano from an early age and performing in various local productions. Her breakthrough came in 1962 when she won the Women's Gold Medal for singing at the Royal National Mòd, leading to numerous performance opportunities. In 1973, shortly after the birth of her first child, Gillies starred in a one-off eponymous 50-minute programme (BBC2 UK network) with guest star Stéphane Grappelli. This show earned her the title of "Best TV Newcomer of the Year." Her notable works include the debut album There Was A Girl in 1975, Open the Door Softly, released in 1976, and collaborations with artists such as The Chieftains and Fairport Convention.
