Dundonian singer and songwriter Be Charlotte has partnered with the University of Dundee and Festival of the Future to launch Scotland's first all-female songwriting camp.

The two day camp will be held at a donated studio space surrounding the University of Dundee Botanic Gardens on Mon 2 & Tue 3 Mar, leading up to International Women's Day.

'I wanted to do something definitive, something positive to help move the conversation of equality along,' Charlotte says. 'I turn up to so many songwriting sessions and usually find I'm the only woman in the room or even the whole studio! In 2018, only 17 percent of registered PRS members were women. Since I heard that, I've tried to come up with ways to encourage more women to get involved in music.'

Ten talented female songwriters from Scotland and beyond will take part in the camp to openly collaborate in an encouraging and positive environment. The ten songwriters confirmed to participate are Becky Sikisa (Lili, Iunir), Emily Smith (Chuchoter), Emily Atkinson (Fourth Daughter), Megan D, Liv Dawn, Rachel Alice Johnson (KOHLA), Rebecca Shearing (SHEARS), Stephanie Cheape, Zoe Graham and Anna Sweeney.

Zoe Graham / credit: Julian Bailey

'Having attended songwriting camps in London, Nashville, Stockholm, Berlin and Thailand over the past couple of years, I wanted to try and facilitate an environment where women are not the minority,' She continues. 'Although I have enjoyed those experiences it made me realise how uncomfortable it can be for some people. I write my favourite songs when I feel comfortable and that's the experience I hope to share with the women attending Scotland's first all female songwriting camp.'

Following the songwriting camp, Assai Records in Dundee will host a special Be Charlotte performance on Tue 3 Mar, showcasing some of the new collaborations born out of the camp.

Charlotte has also been tirelessly campaigning for free instrument tuition in schools and her latest schools tour project will conclude in a collaboration with a choir of girls from various Dundee and Angus secondary schools. The girls will also have the opportunity to shoot their first music video when Charlotte oversees a live video shoot performance with them at V&A Dundee on Wed 4 Mar.

'During my schools tours, I try to encourage more young women to pick up an instrument and find that confidence to keep playing. I'm so excited to invite some artists and songwriters that are really inspiring me right now to my hometown of Dundee and write songs together.'

In the music video for her latest single, 'Rumours Don't Work', Charlotte explores the roles of women from various eras. She has researched inspiring women throughout history and is currently showcasing them on her social media channels. Charlotte's research is also going to be used as part of the songwriting process at the camp.

'There's something that feels quite special about hosting Scotland's first all female songwriting camp whilst writing about women who paved the way for our generation.'