High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Alison Kinnaird M.B.E was born in Edinburgh in 1949. She earned a MA in Celtic studies and archaeology at the University of Edinburgh and studied glass engraving with Harold Gordon. Kinnaird uses lead and optical crystal. Her works are in many galleries and private collections. The techniques used by Kinnaird include copper-wheel engraving, cutting, sandblasting, acid etching and casting. Kinnaird is also a musician; she plays, teaches and lectures on the small Scottish harp also known as the clarsach. In 1997 Kinnaird was awarded the M.B.E for her contribution and long standing service to art and music. In 2011 National Life Stories interviewed Kinnaird for their `Craft Lives` archive. The interviews took place over three days and document her life from childhood to becoming a successful artist and musician.