Rodney MacDonald

Honourable Rodney J. MacDonald, E.C.N.S. (Executive Council of Nova Scotia), is an accomplished Cape Breton musician and dancer who has performed across Atlantic Canada, the Eastern United States, Central Canada, and Scotland.

He is the grandson of the renowned fiddler and composer, the late Donald Angus Beaton, and comes from a family rich in musical tradition. Rodney began step dancing at a young age at home and picked up the fiddle at age 12, learning from his uncle, Kinnon Beaton.

He released his solo recording Dancer’s Delight in 1995, followed by Traditionally Rockin’ in 1997 (with Glenn Graham), and was featured on the 2004 Smithsonian release The Beaton Family of Mabou: Cape Breton Fiddle and Piano Music.

Rodney MacDonald is a former Premier of Nova Scotia and Cabinet Minister. He currently serves as President of Colaisde na Gàidhlig/The Gaelic College and Beinn Mhàbu, and lives in Mabou, Cape Breton, with his wife Gayle and their three children.