Fiona Kennedy: our session with the fabulous Scottish singer covers pandemic experiences, the power of music and everything in between

Singer, actress and broadcaster, Fiona Kennedy has a full and active life. When she isn’t appearing on TV, recording albums or singing at national and global events, Fiona can be found on the golf course, walking her dogs or spending time with her family. But in 2020, COVID-19 knocked her sideways.

“I am used to be very healthy and was shocked by how ill I was when I had COVID,” she says. “Lungs are obviously vital to us all, and as a singer I’ve always been acutely aware of how mine are performing. Yet suddenly I couldn’t walk more than 12 steps without having to stop… and this went on for three or four weeks.”

Fiona’s parents Calum Kennedy and Anne Gillies were gold-medal award winning singers and together with her siblings, Fiona performed around the country and on TV as a child.

“It was a family affair,” she remembers. “Music was always in the house and I loved being part of a busy musical tribe. Music lifts the spirits, crosses boundaries and countries. I turn on the radio all the time and am transported by music to different places.”

Healthy diet

Up until the pandemic hit, Fiona had enjoyed full health.

“My mother had scoliosis and was very self-conscious and aware of her spine’s curvature. It wasn’t really dealt with. I feel fortunate that I have no issues with my bones and joints.”

As her husband works in the fishing industry, omega-3 is a regular component of the couple’s diet via mackerel, herring and sardines, helping control Fiona’s immune system and fighting joint inflammation.

“At home we also eat a plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables,” she outlines. “We all know that we should eat five portions a day but often we don’t. I find that making fresh juices helps keep my intake high.

“Eating foods that are in season is good for climate change as well as health, and I try to stay true to the old-fashioned values of buying less meat of better quality. Fiona may not drink tea or coffee – other than home-made peppermint tea – but she enjoys a cocktail of vitamins and supplements that include a vitamin D spray, vitamin C and lysine, an amino acid that is necessary for many bodily functions.

Exercising for body and voice

Fiona’s voice and performing power is never far from her thoughts.

“I do love all things alternative, visiting an acupuncturist every three weeks for the last 25 years,” she relays. “Acupuncture keeps me balanced which is good for my voice. Equally, yoga ensures my breathing is deep and regulated and my frame remains supple. It is possible to practice yoga even sitting in a chair. Yoga is a marvellous way of empowering people who find it hard to take physical exercise.”

Fiona’s interest in complementary therapies led to her discovery of a technique called Rolfing Structural Integration. Rolfing is a method of deep tissue manipulation and movement education that aims to balance the body so it can deal more efficiently with the downward force of gravity.

“My husband is a keen golfer with a bad back and Rolfing has kept him on the course,” she says. “And I’m a great believer in using alternative therapies to maintain health, so make sure I go to my practitioner every few months.”

Advice

Fiona regained her health after COVID-19 and is back to full throttle. But her pandemic experience stays with her.

“I feel so fortunate that I made a complete recovery when there are many people suffering from long-COVID. Whether or not you’ve had COVID, living through a pandemic has been largely detrimental for mental health. Music helped get me through the hard times. It’s never too late to learn an instrument and we can all enjoy switching on the radio and being carried away.”

Visit www.fiona-kennedy.co.uk for more about Fiona Kennedy or join her live on Monday evenings on Facebook: #fionaskitchenconcert.  

First published July 2021

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