Isobel Dunlop was born on the 14th March 1901 in Edinburgh, Scotland. 

She was educated at Edinburgh University - studying violin with Camilo Ritter; singing with Michael Poutiatine; and composition with Sir Donald Tovey and Dr Hans Gál.

Throughout her life, she word as both a freelance composer, and a performer. Dunlop also worked as the Assistant National Officer for the Scotish Arts Council (1943 - 1948), and was the Secretary of the Saltire Music Group from 1949. She was known to offer encouragement to young composers.

Notably, her music was perfromed in 1949 and 1987 at the Edinburgh International Festival.

[Biography adapted from the Minerva Scientifica]