I've been coming to the Stonehaven Folk Festival since the mid 1980's. It's a great place to meet up with pals and join in the many music sessions around the town
The relaxed vibe at Carron to Mumbai, this year’s Festival Hub, was fantastic, and the tune sets at No. 44 were wild and frenetic. I sang my songs and played favourite fiddle tunes like The Barren Rocks of Aden, The Smith’s a Gallant Fireman and The Drunken Piper, surrounded by whistles, guitars, mandolins and accordions.
I was shocked by the recent deaths of festival regulars and pals Archie Buchanan, from my old band Mabel Meldrum’s, and luthier Marshall Dow, who built my mandolin and electric fiddle. It’s hard to believe they won’t be in their usual window seat at No. 44.
The festival felt busier and more upbeat than last year, a sure sign that traditional music is thriving.
Dundee Westfest — Sunday 7 June, Magdalen Green
Westfest was my first time visiting Dundee in decades. Usually, I’m skimming the city circling its many roundabouts on the bypass, so driving over the Tay Bridge felt like seeing the city with fresh eyes.
Thanks to my sponsor Intro2Music, I was staying at the APEX Hotel — a very comfortable place to spend a few days.
Dave Wilkinson and I played on the 'Sarah Buick' Acoustic Stage. The stage setup was spot on, and we got a brilliant response from the audience, with many seeing us for the first time. We kept most of the setup-tempo, and songs like 'Line Up Some Country' and 'Lay Me Down a Pallet on the Floor' went down really well. 'Barstools and Booze' was our final number, which always gets the crowd singing along.
Hats off to these fantastic young performers who also played the Acoustic Stage that day: Sean Findlay, James Liandu, and Demi McMahon. Definitely worth checking out.
Gig done and guitar packed away, I wandered over to the main stage and caught Boogalusa's performance. Seeing festival organiser Alan Wilson on the washboard and Kevin Findlay with his fab fiddle licks was a real treat.
A brilliant day with lots of friendly folk, making for a great introduction to Dundee and its music scene.
I always love playing at Haddstock. It’s a great chance to meet up with friends and soak up the festival vibe. Dave Wilkinson and I have played there a few times over the years, and we were delighted to be asked back.
We showcased a new song, 'Take Me Back to Georgia', alongside old favourites 'Dark Valley' and 'Line Up Some Country'. Seeing the crowd sing along to 'Lay Me Down a Pallet on the Floor' and 'Barstools and Booze' was brilliant.
A big shout‑out to the fab crowd who came to see us — a mix of new and familiar faces, including some who travelled through from Edinburgh.
Definitely a day to remember.
