In 2001, aged 17, Shona started Newcastle University's newly founded degree course in Folk and Traditional Music where she continued researching music of the Scottish Borders, stemming from her father's contribution to the world of Borders piping.
Shona's academic path began in 2001, when she was 17 years old, by enrolling in Newcastle University's groundbreaking program in Folk and Traditional Music. She then focused on researching the music of the Scottish Borders, which was shaped by her father's expertise in Borders piping.