Stonehaven Folk Festival

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.