11/07/2008

Very flattered this month. Duncan Brown has done a fabulous painting of me and he gave me the original (see photo). I was stunned just to be the subject of his talent. He doesn't quite catch my Greek God - ish looks or athletic physique but maybe his eyesight is better than mine.Thanks Duncan, I will treasure it. Bannockburn day at The Tartan Arms was a belter. We all had a real hoot! It's just such a pleasure to share the stage with guys like Gaberlunzie, The Tartan Specials and Clanadonia with a room full of passionate Scots (and a couple of happy Americans). The Tartan Army Gathering at Aviemore was another lively affair and possibly the first time the Cairngorm Hotel car park has had  a couple of hundred people doing the Gay Gordons round it. Not long now to the World Cup qualifiers. "Mon the Scots!"  Visit Handpict Scottish Paintings By Duncan Brown

9/06/2008

Didn't realise it was so long since last jottings on this page. I can't believe we are almost halfway through the year already. (good time to start your Christmas shopping here). Well it has been hectic as usual: Been back to Amsterdam for Queen's Day with Dougal and once again The Tara was a fantastic couple of nights. The other wee trip in a big aeroplane was to Cork where we joined Crann Tara for The Battle of Knocknanuss commemoration and a couple of gigs in Kilbrin and Corkerys Bar in Dromahane near Mallow. Ziggy (Dougal) has been reChristened again and henceforth will be known as Bad Ziggy. The Irish hospitality was incredible - many thanks to all our new friends.

The midnight ceremony on Culloden Moor was as eerie as always. It was dry but certainly the coldest one I can remember and I couldn't feel my fingers on the guitar. At least it still worked though which is more than can be said for The Bull's bagpipes which froze up. Great hoolie at The Tomatin with Saints and Sinners bike club the following night. New junior roadie Kyle had a great weekend and has already booked his place along with wee brother Lewis for next year.

Also managed to make a nostalgic return to Fraserburgh (known by the locals as "The Broch") for Alan and Susan's joint 40th. It was full of members of The Crack of Dawn Tartan Army so it was just like a pre-game stramash - brilliant. (If you are thinking "Crack of Dawn Tartan Army" sounds  a bit risque, it's just your mind. It simply refers to the time they have to leave to get to Hampden for games.) I hadn't played in Fraserburgh since the seventies when I regularly played at The Dalrymple Halls with a pop band called "Oasis". Shame we never copywrited the name.

So, to June. Tonight I'm back in Lanark for the start of Lanimers week which is based round the traditional riding of the marches. This has taken place every year since the twelfth century. And , before you ask, no, I haven't played at all of them. The celebrations now last a whole week and Monday night is "pub night". I'm on my way.
    Scotland, unfortunately, are not involved in the current European Football Championships but The Tartan Army won't let that stop them from having a party. The Gathering is in Aviemore at the end of the month and I will be playing the main stage before and after the Euro final.

Sounds like a hot, thirsty month ahead.

22/03/08

Well, I managed to survive Amsterdam despite having to look after Ziggy the Faithful Roadie. He has been re-christened "Dougal" by the staff at the Tara as they reckon that's what Ted's sidekick should be called.
It was a great weekend with packed gigs, canals, brilliant craic, canals and hospitality second to none. We saw a canal or two as well.
Photos to follow when Ziggy sobers up.

Thanks also, as always, to everyone who turned up at all the gigs in Scotland since last blog. I realise it gets boring reading  "the crowd were brilliant" but I am very priveleged to enjoy so many gigs playing for great audiences. Obviously I can't mention them all on here - so many venues, so many friends - but thank you all.

Talking of friends: Friends are a large part of life's good times and memories and it hurts when you lose one. Yesterday we said our last goodbye to John McConnell who was a good mate for many years. John was a photographer with a sharp and sometimes sarcastic sense of humour. We shared many irreverant laughs, especially at the establishment and politicians in particular. The last email I received from "McConnell" was earlier this week. He had heard that the SNP had ousted Labour on Stirling council and that there was to be an imminent change of provost. Email simply said "Lampost for sale in Bannockburn!"
I'll miss him.

05-02-2008

Well January has gone already - probably blew away with the gales. I love Scotland but should really get organised to play somewhere warm every January.
The diary is rapidly filling up for the year now with the first overseas trip confirmed as Holland in March but working on a few more expeditions as I write. The remainder of February and March is mainly kicking around the central belt of Scotland so plenty of opportunities to meet some old mates. We are always interested in new venues (anywhere in the world) so please get in touch if you have any suggestions.
I have been encouraged recently by the growing number of great Scottish websites appearing on the net. Check the links page and by all means drop us an email if you can think of any we should add to the list. There is a growing pride and belief in oor wee country and all we can achieve. Aye, it's guid to be Scottish.