MNS GIGguide (Dec23-8)

MUSIC NEWS Scotland 

listings from 8 December 2023 

guide 

Lucy-Anne Daniels (pictured) 

performs with the Scottish National Jazz 

Orchestra on their 'In an Ellington Mood' mini 

tour - read more in our 

MNS GIGspotlight on page 15 

www.snjo.co.uk 

www.instagram.com/_l.a.o.d_ 

:: photo by Shawn Pearce Photography 

Our MNS GIGfocus on 

page 17 looks at the youth 

music initiative Hit The 

Road as it takes another 

four young musicians on tour 

..... includes music listings for Scottish TV and Radio 

http://bit.ly/issuu-googleplay 

www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com

MNS GIGguide - a MUSIC NEWS Scotland supplement 

page 2: music on scotland's tv + radio this week 

GIGguide 

pages ... 

Scottish music 

on TV & RADIO 

page 2-5 

Streaming 

page 5 

Scots 

in America 

page 7 

Scots 

in London 

page 7 

Edinburgh 

+ Lothians 

pages 7-11 

Glasgow area 

mid west coast 

pages 11-17 

Dundee 

Perth, Fife 

Stirling 

Falkirk 

page 19-20 

Aberdeen 

+ North East 

page 20 

Highlands 

+ Islands 

page 20-22 

Ayrshire 

Dumfriesshire 

South West 

page 23 

Scottish 

Borders + over 

page 23 

Click on the logo to follow MUSIC NEWS Scotland on ...... 

www.facebook.com/MusicNewsScot 



Music on 

Scottish 

TV & RADIO 

over the next week ... 

--------------------------------------- 

Celtic Music Radio 

Music all day every day from Glasgow 

promoting Celtic and roots music of all 

genres - at 95FM or online @ 

www.celticmusicradio.net 

--------------------------------------- 

LP Radio 

Independent Alternative digital radio, 

broadcasting live from the upstairs of LP 

Records in Glasgow, listen online @ 

www.lpradio.co.uk/listen 

--------------------------------------- 

FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER 

https://twitter.com/MusicNewsScot 

https://twitter.com/MusicNewsScot 

The Afternoon Show :: 2pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. Nicola Meighan tunes into the best of 

Scottish arts, entertainment and music. 

www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland 

Grant Stott's Vinyl Collective :: 6pm on BBC 

Radio Scotland. Celebrating the vinyl revival with 

classic records and new releases. 


BBC Introducing in Scotland :: 8pm on BBC 

Radio Scotland. The best unsigned, undiscovered 

and under-the-radar music Scotland has to offer. 


Na Trads 2023 :: 8.55pm on BBC ALBA. Catchup 

on The MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards, 

that are back to celebrate the wealth of musical 

talent in the Scottish traditional music scene from 

Dundee’s Caird Hall. The all-star lineup includes 

incredible live performances from Peatbog 

Faeries, Mànran, Duncan Chisholm, Karine 

Polwart & Dave Milligan and Amy Laurenson. As 

well as a platform for some fantastic 

performances, Na Trads is coupled with the 

emotion and excitement that comes with an 

award ceremony. Hosts for the evening - 

broadcasters Mary Ann Kennedy and Alistair 

Heather - are on stage to guide audiences 

through the drama and fun as they honour the 

heroes of the traditional music scene. Celebrating 

its 21st edition, the awards have grown to reflect 

the flourishing traditional music scene in 

Scotland. Following weeks of anticipation and a 

public vote, the evening celebrates those who 

have influenced the traditional music scene this 

year. There will be a total of 22 award categories 

celebrated throughout the evening, with 

nominees representing the past, present and 

future of Scotland’s traditional music scene. A 

number of other special awards are awarded on 

the night, selected by a panel of esteemed 

industry judges to recognise individuals who have 

made a lasting impact on trad music. A raft of 

industry awards are also up for grabs which 

recognise individuals and organisations which 

support the creative pipeline of the sector. These 

include categories to honour graphic designers, 

video producers, stage technicians and others. 

www.bbcalba.co.uk 

Ashley Storrie :: 10pm on BBC Radio Scotland. 

New and classic Scottish music, soul rockabilly, 

pop and indie from around the world. 


Belladrum :: 11.15pm on BBC ALBA. Belladrum 

2019 highlights with SKERRYVORE, REZILLOS, 

KEIR GIBSON and TORRIDON. 


SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER 

Take The Floor :: 7pm on BBC Radio Scotland. 

For the very best in traditional music and song 

join Gary Innes. 


Piping Sounds :: 9pm on BBC Radio Scotland. 

Michael Steele presents the best in pipe music 

from Scotland and around the world. 


Cuirm @ Celtic :: 9pm on BBC ALBA. Concert 

celebrating the 30th year of Celtic Connections, 

presented by Ellen MacDonald. 


Billy Sloan :: 10pm on BBC Radio Scotland. Hot 

releases plus rock and pop music from Scotland 

and around the world. 


Belladrum :: 00.30am on BBC ALBA. Belladrum 

highlights with SIOBHAN MILLER on the 

Garden Stage in 2022. 


SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 

http://musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com/ 

http://musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com/ 

Jim Gellatly: 2pm on Amazing Radio. The voice 

of New Music in Scotland, with over 30 years 

unearthing talent, presents a weekly showcase 

on Amazing Radio. Jim's show has no boundaries 

in terms of genre and he always finds space for 

acts outside of Scotland. 

www.amazingradio.com/onair 

Mike Ritchie On Sunday: 4-6pm on Celtic 

Music Radio 95FM + DAB. Mike Ritchie is 

presenter/producer of The Mike Ritchie On 

Sunday Show and now a Two-time winner of the 

Best Radio Show 2020 and 2017 in a readers’ 

poll conducted by the influential music website 

Americana UK. He loves music in the Americana, 



page 3: music on scotland's tv + radio this week 

alt.country, roots, bluegrass, rock, singer/ 

songwriter fields: so there is no shortage of 

great tracks for his show, which is a mix of 

music, news, reviews and him blethering 

(says Mike) about gigs, albums and artists 

in general. 


Your Requests with Gary Innes :: 5pm 

on BBC Radio Scotland. Join Gary as he 

shares your special messages and 

dedications and plays your favourite 

Scottish music requests. 


Classical Now :: 7pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. Jamie MacDougall shares a 

concert by the BBC Scottish Symphony 

Orchestra at Paisley Abbey celebrating the 

work of Professor George McPhee. 


Hoolie in the Hydro :: 9pm on BBC ALBA. 

A 90 minute special on last night's Hoolie 

in the Hydro, one of the biggest nights of 

Trad music ever, held in Scotland's biggest 

village hall - and now you can relive the 

magic!! Scotland’s biggest night of 

traditional music, Hoolie 2023, celebrates 

RUNRIG’s 50 years of musical legend. The 

musical celebration includes Scottish 

supergroup MÀNRAN, Celtic rockers 

WOLFSTONE, festival favourites TRAIL 

WEST plus an array of special guests. 

Presented by Julie Fowlis and Coinneach 

Macleod (The Hebridean Baker). 


RUNRIG - The Last Dance :: 10.30pm on 

BBC ALBA. In front of 50,000 fans, rock 

band Runrig's 2018 poignant farewell 

concert. 


Iain Anderson :: 11pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. End the day in the company of the 

songwriting masters of country, folk, blues 

and soul. 


MONDAY 11 DECEMBER 

The Afternoon Show :: 1.30pm on BBC 

Radio Scotland. Paul English tunes into the 

best of Scottish arts, entertainment and 

music. 


Get It On... With Bryan Burnett :: 6pm 

on BBC Radio Scotland. Bryan with the 

essential music chosen by listeners. 


Vic Galloway :: 8pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. Scottish jazz collective CORTO 

ALTO are in session. 


Iain Anderson :: 11pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. End the day in the company of the 

songwriting masters of country, folk, blues 

and soul. 


TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER 


Radio Scotland. Nicola Meighan tunes into 

the best of Scottish arts, entertainment and 

music. 






Another Country with Ricky Ross :: 8pm 

on BBC Radio Scotland. Showcasing new 

and classic Country and Americana music. 


Roddy Hart :: 10.30pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. An inviting mix of new music and 

back-catalogue selections. 


WEDNESDAY 13 DECEMBER 


Radio Scotland. Michelle McManus tunes 

into the best of Scottish arts, entertainment 

and music. 






The Quay Sessions :: 8pm on BBC Radio 

www.scottishmusiccentre.com 

www.scottishmusiccentre.com www.facebook.com/scottishmusiccentre www.twitter.com/scottishmusic 

Email your gig dates to robert.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

page 4 

music music news news scotland scotland 

www.hittheroad.org.uk 

info@hittheroad.org.uk 

twiter @ www.twitter.com/HitTheRoadTours 

fb @ www.facebook.com/hittheroadscotland 



page 5: music on scotland's tv + radio this week :: streaming :: america :: london 

Scotland. Roddy Hart opens the doors to 

his weekly music club with interviews, 

sessions and new and classic tracks. 


Vic Galloway :: 10pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. Vic's Triple A is a psychedelic 

concept album from SMALL FACES. 


Na Trads: An Tobar :: 10pm on BBC 

ALBA. Robert Robertson selects music from 

the Trad Awards archives. 


THURSDAY 14 DECEMBER 


Radio Scotland. Michelle McManus tunes 

into the best of Scottish arts, entertainment 

and music. 






Travelling Folk :: 8pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. Anna Massie with the best folk 

and roots music from around the world. 


Natasha Raskin Sharp :: 10pm on BBC 

Radio Scotland. From 50s rockabilly to 

country to jazz to the latest indie sounds, 

Natasha has it all. 


Tom Russell Rock Show :: 10-Midnight 

on Celtic Music Radio 95FM + DAB. Tom 

Russell is rightly known as “The Godfather 

of Rock”. From Radio Clyde (1981 – 2006) 

where he hosted the long running Friday 

Night Rock Show, interviewing many of the 

greats Ozzy, Bon Jovi, Iron Maiden, 

Metallica to name a few. Then (2007 to 

2014) hosting shows on Rock Radio 96.3 

which broadcast in the Glasgow and Central 

Scotland area.. 


Na Trads: An Tobar :: 11.30pm on BBC 

ALBA. Robert Robertson selects music from 

the Trad Awards archives. 


FRIDAY 15 DECEMBER 

The Afternoon Show :: 2pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. Paul English tunes into the best 

of Scottish arts, entertainment and music. 


Grant Stott's Vinyl Collective :: 6pm on 

BBC Radio Scotland. Celebrating the vinyl 

revival with classic records and new 

releases. 


BBC Introducing in Scotland :: 8pm on 

BBC Radio Scotland. The best unsigned, 

undiscovered and under-the-radar music 

Scotland has to offer. 


Cuirm Ciuil :: 9pm on BBC ALBA. Gaelic 

music programme. 


RUNRIG - The Last Dance :: 10.30pm on 

BBC ALBA. In front of 50,000 fans, rock 

band Runrig's 2018 poignant farewell 

concert. 


Belladrum :: 11.30pm on BBC ALBA. 

Belladrum 2019 highlights with 

HAWKWIND, JOHNNY MARR and PEAT 

& DIESEL. 


Ashley Storrie :: 10pm on BBC Radio 

Scotland. New and classic Scottish music, 

soul rockabilly, pop and indie from around 

the world. 


------------------------------------------------ 

GIGguide 

Listings ..... 

!!!!!!! 

PLEASE CHECK ALL GIG DATES/ 

DETAILS VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE 

TRAVELLING OR BOOKING 

TICKETS - THINGS CAN CHANGE! 

!!!!!!! 

Online 

Streaming 

Send us details of your online 

streaming gigs or chats 

Email them to Robert - 

robert.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com 

!!!!!!! 

PLEASE CHECK ARTISTS SOCIAL MEDIA 

FOR LATEST ON LIVESTREAMS 

!!!!!!! 

EVERY MONDAY 

DAVE ARCARI :: Live every Monday at 

8pm. Join Dave Arcari's 'Wildcats' group 

for live chat and music led by Dave from his 

home beside Loch Lomond. 

www.facebook.com/groups/ 

davearcariswildcats 

www.facebook.com/davearcarimusic 

EVERY FRIDAY 

Live at Five :: Live every Friday at 5pm on 

facebook. Live from MacGregor's Bar in 

Inverness. Great music and banter with new 

guests every week, led by Blazin' Fiddles 

own Bruce MacGregor. 

www.facebook.com/MacGregorsBars 

FISH on Friday :: Live most Fridays at 

www.soundhouse.org.uk 

twitter @ www.twitter.com/SoundhouseOrg 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/soundhouseorg 


page 6 

music news scotland 

www.glasgowconcerthalls.com 



www.thequeenshall.net 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/SNJO2 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/theSNJO 



page 7: london :: scotland - edinburgh + west + mid + east lothian 

6pm on Facebook, Twitter X and YouTube. 

Live from FISH's home in Haddington, Two 

hours of superb chat and music and updates 

on his move to the Outer Hebrides! 

www.facebook.com/MacGregorsBars 

MOST SATURDAYS 

Dougie MacLean Live :: Live most 

Saturday evenings at 9pm on Facebook, 

YouTube and Vimeo. Famed for his 

'Caledonia' & ‘The Gael’ Dougie is Scotland’s 

magical singer-songwriter & performer. 

Catch-up on previous sessions via YouTube 

link below. 

www.youtube.com/@butterstonestudios/streams 

Scots in 

AMERICA 

Reaching our Scottish expat 

readership in America 

Send us all your USA 

gig and tour details 



16 DECEMBER 

MEGAN BLACK :: San Francisco for 

SofarSounds. Award winning musician, 

vocalist, songwriter, and performer 70’s 

blues rock meets queer feminist pop. 

Tickets @ 

www.sofarsounds.com/events/52315 

www.facebook.com/meganblackmusic 

Scots in 

LONDON 

HELPING SCOTTISH BASED 

MUSICIANS PROMOTE 

LONDON GIGS 

Send us all your gig 

dates for London! 



16+17 FEBRUARY 

ORKNEY FOLK FESTIVAL in London! :: 

At Kings Place. A mini Orkney Folk Festival 

weekend will take place in London, over 

February 16 and 17! As part of the Scotland 

Unwrapped series, running throughout 2024 

at Kings Place, we are thrilled to be 

presenting six shows - featuring KRIS 

DREVER, SALTFISHFORTY, FARA, 

GNOSS, THE CHAIR and the almighty 

ORKNEY GATHERING! There'll also be 

workshops including an Orkney Choir, 

fiddle, accordion and Orcadian tunes, and it 

couldn't be an Orkney Folk Festival without 

a few sessions too. Tickets for the concerts 

@ 

www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/orkneyfolk-festival/ 

www.facebook.com/orkneyfolkfestival 

SCOTLAND 

EDINBURGH 

West + Mid + East 

Lothian 

Send us all your gig dates for 

Edinburgh and Lothians area. 



Update from Brunton Theatre Trust – 

shows are not cancelled: 

tickets @ https://philcunningham.com/live-shows/ 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/philschristmassongbook 



page 8: edinburgh + west + mid + east lothian 

Brunton Theatre Trust is bouncing back 

thanks to the support of performers, 

audiences, East Lothian Council and local 

partners. The Trust was hit by devastating 

news that its performance spaces had to 

shut with immediate effect for structural 

surveys. However, the programme of events 

has NOT been cancelled. The Trust are 

working hard to source and set up 

alternative venues for events, within 

Musselburgh and close by. 

www.facebook.com/thebruntonmusselburgh 

8 DECEMBER 

Cold Turkey's Festive Frolic :: At 

Summerhall Hall, Edinburgh. Cold Turkey is 

a scrumptious festive buffet of music, 

spoken word and arty weirdness, featuring 

Hollie McNish, Michael Pedersen, and 

Withered Hand. This is the mouth-watering 

sixth serving, and 2023’s special guest is 

the Welsh wonder, Charlotte Church. We’ll 

also be joined by co-host and opener 

Gemma Cairney. 

www.facebook.com/summerhalledinburgh 

9 DECEMBER 

THE AMAZONS :: At Queen's Hall, 

Edinburgh. With sold out shows across the 

globe and two top-10 UK albums under their 

belts, The Amazons claimed their highest 

ever chart position with their third album 

'How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me?' in 

September 2022. Since their inception in 

2014 and release of their debut album in 

2017, the Reading-based trio have 

continued to prove that they are one of the 

most exciting bands that this country has 

produced. 

www.facebook.com/queenshall 

10 DECEMBER 

THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ 

ORCHESTRA (SNJO) - In An Ellington 

Mood :: At The Queen’s Hall, 85-89 Clerk 

St. Edinburgh. 7.30pm. Featuring special 

guest vocalist Lucy-Anne Daniels, 'In an 

Ellington Mood' presents exhilarating 

orchestral jazz. The SNJO is considered by 

many to be one of Europe’s foremost 

contemporary big bands. Founder/Director 

Tommy Smith established the SNJO in 1995 

as a not-for-profit organisation with a 

crystal clear artistic vision and core values 

of versatility, discipline and expression. The 

SNJO is dedicated to promoting jazz as a 

pre-eminent art form through performances, 

original compositions, recordings, and 

educational outreach programmes. This 

commitment extends to the task of 

developing promising young jazz musicians 

through the ranks of The Tommy Smith 

Youth Jazz Orchestra. 

www.facebook.com/theSNJO 

11 DECEMBER 

Soundhouse presents ..... ALICIA 

EDELWEISS :: At Traverse Theatre Bar, 

Edinburgh. 8-10.30pm. Following a 

barnstorming performance at Edinburgh 

Tradfest in April we’re delighted to welcome 

Alicia Edelweiss back to the Traverse. She is 

an Austro-British singer-songwriter, multiinstrumentalist, 

actress and visual artist 

based in Vienna. She started her musical 

career as a teenage street musician, hitchhiking 

all over Europe for two years. On her 

quest for freedom and travelling without any 

money, she pretty soon discovered her 

passion and talent for music – back then 

solely armed with a guitar. 

www.facebook.com/soundhouseorg 

14 DECEMBER 

ALEXIS FFRENCH :: At Queen's Hall, 

Edinburgh. One of today’s most popular 

classical musicians; pianist, composer & 

producer Alexis Ffrench is indisputably one 

of the world’s most talented musical minds. 

With over half a billion streams and close to 

3 million monthly listeners, his pioneering 

‘Classical Soul’ sound taps into the vast 

musical galaxy - from Bach and Debussy to 

Hollywood, gospel and beyond - resulting in 

a musical world that is evocative, 

emotionally charged, and speaks directly to 

the soul. 


16 DECEMBER 

CALLUM BEATTIE :: At Queen's Hall, 

Edinburgh. Callum has been hard at music 

for almost half his life, making his own 

chances, taking chances and, for sure, being 

a chancer. The Edinburgh-born singersongwriter 

has progressed from bad gigs in 

pubs, to where he is now: a singersongwriter 

with a punchy, rousing, emotive 

and gloriously catchy debut album that 

scored a No.1 in The Official Scottish Albums 

Chart. After residing in London and Berlin 

for a few years, Callum has decided to move 

back to Scotland. His new material is a 

collection of songs clawed from the raw stuff 

of existence, nostalgic patriotism and 

bleeding love. 


HUMBUG! :: At Summerhall Hall, 

Edinburgh. You know that we love having a 

Lost Map Xmas party, every year. Dust off 

the Eigg-nog, baby - HUMBUG! is back. For 

2023 we’re putting on our all-day knees up 

across TWO SHOWS at Summerhall. The 

afternoon show is “all ages”, so you can 

bring the whole fam! Under 12s are free! 

The line-up is a secret for the time being, 

but will be different for both shows … and 

we promise it will be v. special indeed. 

SHOW 1: 1.30pm til 5.30pm. SHOW 2: 7pm 

til 1am. 

www.facebook.com/summerhalledinburgh 

17 DECEMBER 

CHINA CRISIS :: At Queen's Hall, 

Edinburgh. Join China Crisis in celebrating 

the 40th Anniversary of their breakthrough 

album 'Working With Fire and Steel' as they 

perform the album for you live in its 

entirety, featuring songs such as the hits 

“Wishful Thinking” and “Tragedy and 

Mystery”, and the hauntingly beautiful “Here 

Come a Raincloud”. 

www.skerryvore.com 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/SKERRYVORE 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/skerryvore 


music news scotland page 9 

www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/ 

fb @ www.facebook.com/queenshall 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/queens_hall 

fb @ www.facebook.com/summerhalledinburgh 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/Summerhallery 

ADVERTISE IN OUR MNS PUBLICATIONS 

and reach Scotland's music world! 

MUSIC NEWS Scotland - MNS GIGguide - MNS FESTIVALS! 

To advertise email Carol :: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com 

www.deanowens.com 

fb @ www.facebook.com/deanowensmusic 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/deanowens1 


page 10 


www.birnamcd.com 

www.facebook.com/BirnamCD 

https://twitter.com/BirnamCD 

www.birnamcd.com 

www.birnamcdshop.com 

web @ www.birnamcd.com 

shop @ www.birnamcdshop.com 



page 11: edinburgh + west + mid + east lothian :: glasgow + surrounding area 


18 DECEMBER 

Soundhouse presents ..... DEAN OWENS 

& THE SINNERS :: At Traverse Theatre 

Bar, Edinburgh. 8-10.30pm. Join Leith’s 

favourite son Dean Owens for the now 

traditional pre Christmas Soundhouse show 

at the Traverse. A night of unfestive songs 

and banter with Dean and his band of 

Sinners (and maybe a special guest or 2). 

Let the award-winning Scottish troubadour 

transport you to a sepia stained downtown 

cantina with songs from his stunning back 

catalogue including his recent Sinner’s 

Shrine and El Tiradito albums (recorded 

with musicians from Calexico) – a unique 

blend of Scottish roots and Americana, with 

added desert noir. 

www.facebook.com/soundhouseorg 

www.facebook.com/deanowensmusic 

20 DECEMBER 

BLUES CHRISTMAS :: At La Belle Angele, 

Edinburgh. Come along and hear all of your 

favourite festive, blues, r’n’b, and rock’n’roll 

songs performed by a host of the best 

musicians in town! For those of you who 

may be unaware, Blue Christmas is an 

event curated by myself (Jed Potts), with 

the help of some of my very talented pals, 

and the lovely folks at Edinburgh Blues 

Club. It was first held in 2016 and has since 

become a must-see event in Edinburgh’s 

festive calendar. All proceeds from Blue 

Xmas go to charity, and I’ll be announcing 

more details regarding this and also this 

year’s performers in the lead-up to the 

event. 

www.facebook.com/bluesclubedinburgh 

21 DECEMBER 

PHIL CUNNINGHAM'S CHRISTMAS 

SONGBOOK :: At The Queen's Hall, 

Edinburgh. 7.30pm. Fill up your festive fuel 

tank with Phil Cunningham and friends as 

they return to Stirling with their much loved 

Christmas Songbook for 2023. Join some of 

the finest musicians on the Scottish folk 

scene; Phil Cunningham, Eddi Reader, 

Karen Matheson, John McCusker, Kris 

Drever, Ian Carr, Kevin McGuire and the 

Songbook Brass Ensemble. A simply 

unmissable night full of outstanding music, 

charm, humour and festive spirit. It's the 

most magical night of the year. 

www.facebook.com/philschristmassongbook 

22 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At The Queen's Hall, 

Edinburgh. 7.30pm. Fill up your festive fuel 













29 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE :: At O2 Academy, 

Edinburgh. From their traditional Tiree roots 

Skerryvore have developed both in size and 

sound to create a unique fusion of their 

traditional music and songs with the urban 

sounds of rock, pop and funk. The band’s 

ability to fuse traditional Scottish music and 

rhythms with a range of other genres is a 

trademark of their distinctive, high energy 

sound. 

www.skerryvore.com/tour/ 

3 MARCH 


ORCHESTRA (SNJO) - Nu-Age Sounds :: 

At The Queen’s Hall, 85-89 Clerk St. 

Edinburgh. 7.30pm. Welcome to the current 

sound of Scotland brought to you by eight 

of Scottish jazz’s top creative young minds 

via the SNJO. The SNJO is considered by 








pre-eminent art form through 

performances, original compositions, 

recordings, and educational outreach 

programmes. This commitment extends to 

the task of developing promising young jazz 

musicians through the ranks of The Tommy 

Smith Youth Jazz Orchestra. 


3 MAY 

SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ ORCHESTRA 

& RSNO - Rhapsody In Blue :: At Usher 

Hall, Lothian Road, Edinburgh. 7.30pm. Big 

cities, big tunes – and you’d better believe 

it’s going to swing! The Scottish National 

Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) is considered by 
















GLASGOW + AREA 


Glasgow and West Coast area 

https://witheredhand.bandcamp.com/ 

fb @ www.facebook.com/witheredhand 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/witheredhand 


page 12 



www.facebook.com/TMSAScotland www.twitter.com/TMSAScotland 

www.tmsa.scot 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/SKERRYVORE 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/skerryvore 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/TMSAScotland 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/TMSAScotland 


info@hittheroad.org.uk 

www.facebook.com/hittheroadscotland 

www.jamesgrantsongbook.com 

www.fallenangelsclub.com 

web @ www.hittheroad.org.uk 

fb @ www.facebook.com/hittheroadscotland 

fb @ www.facebook.com/The-Fallen-Angels-Club-149553931728736 

twitter @ www.twitter.com/KevoMorris 



the mns collection …. 

page 13: glasgow + surrounding area 



8 DECEMBER 



Mood :: At Royal Concert Hall (New 

Auditorium), Killermont Street, Glasgow. 

7.30pm. Featuring special guest vocalist 

Lucy-Anne Daniels, 'In an Ellington Mood' 

presents exhilarating orchestral jazz. The 

SNJO is considered by many to be one of 

Europe’s foremost contemporary big 

bands. Founder/Director Tommy Smith 

established the SNJO in 1995 as a notfor-profit 

organisation with a crystal clear 

artistic vision and core values of 

versatility, discipline and expression. The 





programmes. This commitment extends 

to the task of developing promising 

young jazz musicians through the ranks 

of The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz 

Orchestra. 


9 DECEMBER 

Hoolie in the Hydro 2023 :: At The 

Ovo Hydro, Glasgow. Scotland’s biggest 

night of traditional music, Hoolie in the 

Hydro, will return to Glasgow this 

December following the success of last 

year’s inaugural event. With a special 

celebration of Runrig’s 50 years of 

musical legend, this world-renowned 

event will once again attempt to make 

history as the single biggest night of 

traditional music to have ever taken 

place in Scotland. Due to fan demand 

and overwhelmingly positive feedback 

from the world-first event last year, 

Hoolie in the Hydro will return to The 

Ovo Hydro in Glasgow, with an all-star 

line-up featuring some of the top names 

on the Scottish music scene. Organised 

by Gary Innes, the line-up for the 

musical celebration includes Scottish 

supergroup Mànran, Celtic rockers 

Wolfstone, festival favourite Trail West, 

and social media singing sensation Nati 

Dreddd, plus a special collaboration that 

will celebrate 50 Years of Runrig, 

featuring an array of special guests. 

Tickets @ 

www.sec.co.uk/events/detail/hoolie-inthe-hydro-2023 

Hit The Road presents ..... HOLLY J + 

SIN-É + ISLA SCOTT + DEVIN 

CASSON :: At Websters Theatre and 

Bar, Glasgow. 7pm. Glasgow's Holly J will 

perform a headline hometown gig at 

Websters Theatre. Making a name for 

herself in the up-and-coming R&B scene, 

Holly J is an 18-year-old singersongwriter 

born and based in Glasgow, 

UK. Her signature sound — powerful yet 

delicate, refined yet experimental — 

blends modern R&B and pop influences 

with an era-defying warmth. Glasgow 

audiences will have the chance to enjoy 

a special live show from her and discover 

the music of three other emerging 

Scottish talents in what is set to be a 

fantastic night of music. Alt-pop act 

Devin Casson will showcase her melodic 

guitar driven songs, Indie-folk act Sin-é 

will showcase her thought-provoking 

sound, and Isle of Harris’ Isla Scott will 

share her contemporary take on trad. 


17 DECEMBER 

DEAN OWENS and THE SINNERS :: At 

Glad Cafe, Glasgow. Let award-winning 

troubadour Dean Owens and his Sinners 

transport you to a sepia-tinged Tucson 

cantina with songs from his stunning 

Sinner's Shrine album (recorded with 

musicians from Calexico), and a romp 

through his extensive back catalogue. A 

unique blend of Scottish roots and 

Americana, with fun and melancholy 

intertwined. The Sinners band make a 

glorious, desert noir and brass-infused 

sound, with Craig Ross (electric guitar), 

Adam McMillan (bass) and featuring (as a 

wee festive bonus) The Meerkat Horns - 

Philip Cardwell and Charles Dearness on 

trumpets, with Dean's searingly soulful 

voice upfront. The magical panoramic 

sweep of US deserts, infused with grit 

and dust from Scotland's post industrial 

heartlands. 


19 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At Royal Concert Hall, 

Glasgow. 7.30pm. Fill up your festive fuel 


they return to Stirling with their much 

loved Christmas Songbook for 2023. Join 

some of the finest musicians on the 

Scottish folk scene; Phil Cunningham, 

Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, John 

McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr, Kevin 

McGuire and the Songbook Brass 

Ensemble. A simply unmissable night full 

of outstanding music, charm, humour 

and festive spirit. It's the most magical 

night of the year. 

www.facebook.com/ 

philschristmassongbook 

23 JANUARY 

The Fallen Angels Club presents ..... 

GOOD LOVELIES :: At Glasgow Royal 

Concert Hall, Strathclyde Suite, Glasgow. 

7.30pm, 8pm start. Good Lovelies is a 

Juno Award-winning ensemble 

comprising Ontario, Canada natives Kerri 

Ough, Sue Passmore, and Caroline Marie 

Brooks. For the last 17 years, the trio 

have consistently delivered disarming, 

compelling folk/country tracks 

characterised by sweet and seamless 

vocal harmonies and honest, heartfelt 

lyrics. The release of their fifth full-length 

studio release, We Will Never Be the 

Same, sees them add to their already 

popular concert repertoire. The album is 

a return to a more elemental, acousticbased 

musical platform and an 

immersive, emotional experience crafted 

by three supremely gifted songwriters 

bringing their own real-life stories to the 

fore. 


www.musicnewsscotland.wordpress.com 

Read all the MNS digital 

publications from links at 


page 14 


www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/ 

www.summerhall.co.uk 



fb @ www.facebook.com/queenshall 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/queens_hall 

www.glasgowmusiccitytours.com 

info@glasgowmusiccitytours.com 

www.dougiemaclean.com 

Glasgow fb @ www.facebook.com/glasgowmusiccitytours/ 

Edin fb @ www.facebook.com/EdinburghMusicTours/ 

web @ www.dougiemaclean.com 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/DougieMaclean 


GIGspotlight ..... 

SNJO concerts to present the 

authentic Ellington with song 

'In an Ellington Mood' with Lucy-Anne Daniels 

GIGnotes :: The SNJO with Lucy-Anne Daniels will play Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 

Friday 8th December, the Laidlaw Centre, St Andrews on Saturday 9th and Queen’s Hall, 

Edinburgh on Sunday 11th. Full details @ www.snjo.co.uk/whats-on/in-an-ellington-mood 

The Scottish National 

Jazz Orchestra tours 

a new programme of 

jazz master Duke 

Ellington’s music, In an 

Ellington Mood to 

Glasgow, St Andrews 

and Edinburgh from 8- 

10 December. 

The music of Ellington and his co-writer, Billy 

Strayhorn has become one of the SNJO’s specialisms 

and has earned the ensemble recognition 

internationally for faithful interpretations such as its 

enthusiastically received in-concert recording from 

2012, In the Spirit of Duke. 

In a break from the orchestra’s previous Ellington 

concerts, this latest celebration of Ellington’s genius 

will see the orchestra joined for part of each concert 

by the exceptional young vocalist Lucy-Anne Daniels. 

Still in her early twenties, Leeds-born Daniels has 

already appeared at prestigious jazz venues 

including Ronnie Scott’s in London and Dizzy’s Jazz 

Club in New York and her background in gospel 

music is a particularly apt asset for singing 

Ellington's songs. 

“Duke Ellington has been a key figure in jazz for 

almost a hundred years,” says SNJO musical 

director, saxophonist Tommy Smith. “His music 

has been an inspiration across numerous eras, from 

providing the rhythm for dancers in the 1920s and 

popularising jazz during the swing era to playing 

with the then younger generation including Charles 

Mingus and John Coltrane in the 1960s and beyond. 

He continues to challenge and reward the young 

musicians who are emerging today.” 

To deliver the authentic Ellington experience for its 

audience, the SNJO will again apply meticulous 

attention to period detail. This includes recreating 

the Ellington Orchestra stage set-up, showing the 

same sartorial elegance, using specially sourced 

period brass mutes and playing musical scores 

specially transcribed from Ellington concerts. 

“We want to involve people in as close as possible to 

a genuine Ellington performance,” says Smith. 

“There are obvious differences in personnel, of 

course, but the intention is to make the music come 

alive similar to the way it blossomed whenever the 

Duke Ellington Orchestra rolled into town.” 

The SNJO with Lucy-Anne Daniels will play Glasgow 

Royal Concert Hall on Friday 8 December, the 

Laidlaw Centre, St Andrews on Saturday 9th and 

Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh on Sunday 11th. 

The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) is 

considered by many to be one of Europe’s foremost 

contemporary big bands. 

Founder/Director Tommy Smith established the 

SNJO in 1995 as a not-for-profit organisation with a 

crystal clear artistic vision and core values of 

versatility, discipline and expression. 

The SNJO is dedicated to promoting jazz as a preeminent 

art form through performances, original 

compositions, recordings, and educational outreach 

programmes. This commitment extends to the task 

of developing promising young jazz musicians 

through the ranks of The Tommy Smith Youth Jazz 

Orchestra. 

It should therefore come as no surprise that many of 

the leading lights in world jazz have enthusiastically 

shared the stage with the SNJO. People like Jazzmeia 

Horn, Cleo Laine, Jacqui Dankworth, John Scofield, 

Gary Burton, Bobby Watson, Dave Liebman, Joe 

Lovano, Bill Evans, Kenny Wheeler, Joe Temperley, 

Tam White, Carol Kidd, Norma Winstone, Gary 

Novak, Mike Stern, Bob Mintzer, Keith Tippett, Niall 

Greig Fulton, Tam Dean Burn, Benny Golson, 

Rebecca Kilgore, Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers, 

Branford Marsalis, Joe Locke, Jim Mullen, Mike 

Maineri, Maria Schneider, Bobby Wellins, Martin 

Taylor, Laura Jurd, Giuliana Soscia, Paolo Fresu, Eddi 

Reader, Keith Tippett, Courtney Pine, Mike Walker, 

Ingrid Jensen, Arild Andersen, Peter Erskine, Kurt 

Elling, Makoto Ozone and Randy Brecker have all 

joined the orchestra to explore virtually every room 

in the house of the jazz. 

The SNJO repertoire has included re-imaginings of 

works by the great, the good and the gigantic, 

including Weather Report, Herman, Rich, Carter, 

Strayhorn, Goodman, Kenton, Basie, Gillespie, 

Mingus, Jaco, Corea, Monk, Metheny, Shorter, Miles 

and Coltrane. They have also recorded vivid 

interpretations of Mozart, Prokofiev, Piazzolla, 

Gershwin and Ellington to rave reviews, alongside a 

remarkable re-reading of Miles Ahead, an ECM-tinted 

set on Celebration and Tommy Smith’s suites, World 

of the Gods, Torah, and Beauty & the Beast. The 

SNJO has built a growing library of original 

compositions underpinned by a deep understanding 

and appreciation of improvisation. 


www.twitter.com/SNJO2 




page 16: glasgow + surrounding area 

24 JANUARY 


SARAH JANE SCOUTEN plus support :: 

At The Glad Cafe, Glasgow. Sarah Jane 

Scouten is a Canadian folk and Americana 

songwriter. Her songs pay their respects to 

60s and 70s country songwriters Willie 

Nelson, John Prine, Bobby Gentry and 

weave in British folk revival elements with a 

continuous thread leading back to her roots 

in bluegrass and old time music. After a 

transformative four years, training as a 

herbalist in the hills of southwest Scotland, 

Sarah Jane is releasing her fifth album 

Turned to Gold (Light Organ Records). 

Sarah Jane offers a new depth and solidity 

as a songwriter. With producer Johnny 

Payne’s (The Shilohs) gift for modern 

vintage arrangement, this is destined to be 

your next favourite road trip album. 


25 JANUARY 

The Fallen Angels Club presents ..... THE 

BLACK FEATHERS plus support :: At The 

Glad Cafe Glasgow. Harmonious and 

heartfelt, The Black Feathers is acoustic folk 

meets Americana at its finest. Made up of 

husband and wife duo Ray Hughes and Sian 

Chandler, the pair took their first steps as a 

musical twosome in 2012 — and they 

haven’t looked back since. Having already 

built up a loyal following in the UK, 

supporting the likes of Ray Davies and Eddi 

Reader, they’ve spread their wings to the 

US with sold-out shows and festival 

appearances. With a palpable on-stage 

chemistry and joyous, sunny dispositions, 

The Black Feathers draw you in by loving 

what they play and playing what they love. 

Chandler’s soaring, melodious voice offers 

the perfect counterpoint to Hughes’ rich 

vocals and riveting guitar riffs. No wonder 

Whispering Bob Harris called them 

“absolutely wonderful”. 


28 JANUARY 

The Fallen Angels Club presents ..... THE 

WYNNTOWN MARSHALS plus support :: 

At The Glad Cafe Glasgow. Dubbed “the flag 

bearers for Americana in the UK,” The 

Wynntown Marshals might hail from 

Edinburgh, but they’re channelling Nashville 

on a deeply spiritual level. Citing the likes of 

Wilco, Neil Young, Ryan Adams, and Drive- 

By Truckers as inspiration, the Marshals 

have been together since 2007 and were 

proclaimed “Europe’s best Americana band” 

in 2010. Their latest release, 2022’s Big 

Ideas, sees them hold firmly to that title. 

This is a band at the peak of their powers, 

equally at home playing jangly, radio-ready 

power pop as they are rugged, rootsy rock. 


16 FEBRUARY 


OUR MAN IN THE FIELD plus support :: 

At The Glad Cafe Glasgow. Saltburn’s finest 

songsmith Alex Ellis (Our Man In The Field) 

launches his new album “Gold On The 

Horizon” on Decor Records at The Glad Cafe. 

With his full band that includes Henry Senior 

(pedal steel, dobro), Greg Bishop (drums, 

harmonies), Raul Biancardi (synth) and Luke 

Ydstie (bass) they’ll be playing a winning 

combination of indie-folk and Americana 

with significant soulful country vibes akin to 

the likes of Ray LaMontagne, Damien Rice 

and Lambchop. OMITF move up to a new 

level with ‘Gold On The Horizon’ & songs 

that range from the raw and barren ‘Come 

Back To Me’ – which showcases Ellis’ soulful 

vocal harmonies and a sparse arrangement 

of acoustic guitar and pedal steel – to the 

spacious mirror ball slow-dance of ‘Go Easy’, 

and the full, desert noir feel that runs 

throughout the album. 


23 FEBRUARY 

THE HEDRONS :: At Room 2, Glasgow. The 

Hedrons release Tired of Taking - a brand 

new album 16 years on from their debut. 

The four-piece rock band formed in Glasgow 

in 2005 and found success with the release 

of One More Won't Kill Us prompting them 

to tour the world, even playing alongside 

acts like Sex Pistols and the Rolling Stones. 

The release of the album will be celebrated 

with a headline show at Room 2 in Glasgow. 

www.thehedrons.com 

2 MARCH 



At Old Fruitmarket, Candleriggs, Glasgow. 

7.30pm. Welcome to the current sound of 

Scotland brought to you by eight of Scottish 

jazz’s top creative young minds via the 

SNJO. The SNJO is considered by many to 

be one of Europe’s foremost contemporary 

big bands. Founder/Director Tommy Smith 

established the SNJO in 1995 as a not-forprofit 


artistic vision and core values of versatility, 

discipline and expression. The SNJO is 

dedicated to promoting jazz as a preeminent 

art form through performances, 








4 MAY 

SCOTTISH NATIONAL JAZZ ORCHESTRA 

& RSNO - Rhapsody In Blue :: At 

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall 

St, Glasgow G2 3NY. 7.30pm. Big cities, big 

tunes – and you’d better believe it’s going to 

swing! The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra 

(SNJO) is considered by many to be one of 

Europe’s foremost contemporary big bands. 

Founder/Director Tommy Smith established 

the SNJO in 1995 as a not-for-profit 

organisation with a crystal clear artistic 

vision and core values of versatility, 














GIGspotlight ..... 

Youth music initiative Hit The Road is 

on 'Tour 4' of 2023 from 7-10 December 

GIGnotes: December: 7th @ Talla Na Mara, Isle of Harris / 8th Assai Records, Dundee / 9th 

Websters Theatre, Glasgow / 10th MacArts, Galashiels. Tickets via eventbrite @ www.hittheroad.org.uk 

Young talented musicians Isla Scott, Siné, 

Holly J & Devin Casson tour Scotland 

with the Hit The Road youth music 

project this week, visiting Isle of Harris, 

Dundee, Glasgow and Galashiels. 

Since its inception in 2013, Hit The Road has been instrumental in 

aiding the journeys of aspiring young musicians across the country, 

offering a platform for growth, networking and artistic expression. 

The project has been a catalyst for countless success stories in the 

Scottish music scene, having supported over 300 musicians across 

120 live performances and delivered hundreds of industry sessions. 

As well as giving young musicians the chance to tour across Scotland 

and perform headline shows in their hometowns, the incredible 

initiative, run by the Scottish Music Centre, provides access to a 

series of workshops led by seasoned industry professionals. These 

workshops cover a wide spectrum of topics, from live sound 

engineering to stage production, equipping young artists with 

essential knowledge and skills to take forward into future careers. 

All Hit The Road gigs held throughout the touring season are hosted 

in safe venues across Scotland which are suitable for ages 14+. 

Ticket sales for this tour have been the best yet for the initiative with 

MacArts selling out their original allocation and moving the concert to 

their larger performance space! 

Hit The Road Project Manager Michael Cassidy said: “We’re so 

excited to be bringing Hit the Road to Harris, Dundee, Glasgow and 

Galashiels. The standard of talent amongst everyone who applied this 

year was exceptionally high so it was a tough choice but we couldn’t 

be happier with our line up for this December tour. 

“We hope everyone involved has a great experience touring with Hit 

the Road and that it gives them a real insight into the world of 

professional music as well as the chance to perform across Scotland 

and showcase their music to different audiences. It would be 

fantastic to see a full houses to support our amazing performers!” 

Hit The Road is a transformative youth music touring project that 

empowers young musicians aged 14-19 by offering them the chance 

to tour their music, gain industry insights, and connect with not only 

new young audiences but also industry professionals who can shape 

their musical journey. Since its inception in 2013, the project has 

been a catalyst for countless success stories in the Scottish music 

scene. 

The project is managed by the Scottish Music Centre and is funded 

by Youth Music Initiative via Creative Scotland and the PRS 

Foundation. 


www.twitter.com/HitTheRoadTours 


Isla Scott :: 

Harris musician Isla Scott will perform a 

headline hometown gig at Talla Na Mara 

on Thursday 7 December. Isla is a 

talented force in the trad music scene. 

At 17 years old, the singer-songwriter 

has accomplished a distinctive musical 

identity that blends the rich heritage of 

traditional Gaelic song with a mix of 

indie, pop, and folk influences. She 

brings a modern perspective to the ageold 

melodies of her island roots. 

Sin-é :: 

Dundee musician Sin-é will 

perform a headline 

hometown gig at Assai 

Records on Friday 8 

December. Heavily inspired 

by the lonely sounds of indie 

folk artists such as Justin 

Vernon, Haley Heynderickx 

and Adrianne Lenker, 

Scottish artist Sin-é wanders 

through themes of self-loss, 

religious ideology and anger, 

using low production as a means to create a raw melancholic 

Holly J :: 

Glasgow musician Holly J will perform a 

headline hometown gig at Websters 

Theatre on Saturday 9 December. 

Quickly making a name for herself in 

the up-and-coming R&B scene, Holly J is 

an 18-year-old singer-songwriter born 

and based in Glasgow, UK. Her 

signature sound — powerful yet 

delicate, refined yet experimental — 

blends modern R&B and pop influences 

with an era-defying warmth. 

Devin Casson :: 

Galashiels musician Devin Casson will 

perform a headline hometown gig at 

MacArts on Sunday 10 December. With 

her own brand of alt-pop, Devin Casson 

has hit the Borders and Northumberland 

live music scene with dynamic sets of self 

penned originals and sympathetically 

reworked covers. Having played support 

to various local and touring musicians 

including Horse McDonald, Devin is 

making her mark with her melodic guitar 

driven songs. 


page 18 


fb @ www.facebook.com/deanowensmusic 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/deanowens1 

www.deanowens.com 

www.kirstenadamson.com 

fb @ www.facebook.com/kirstenadamsonmusic 

links @ www.linktr.ee/kirstenadamson 

ADVERTISE IN OUR WEEKLY DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS 

MUSIC NEWS Scotland + MNS GIGguide + MNS FESTIVALS! 

For details email Carol : carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com 

www.davearcari.com 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/davearcari 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/davearcarimusic 



page 19: fife + central + perthshire + tayside 

FIFE / CENTRAL / 

PERTHSHIRE / TAYSIDE 


Tayside, Perthshire, 

Fife and Central areas 



8 DECEMBER 

Hit The Road presents ..... SIN-É + ISLA 

SCOTT + DEVIN CASSON + HOLLY J :: 

At Assai Records, Dundee. 7pm. Indie-folk 

act Sin-é will perform a headline hometown 

gig at Dundee's Assai Records. Heavily 

inspired by the lonely sounds of indie folk 

artists such as Justin Vernon, Haley 

Heynderickx and Adrianne Lenker, Scottish 

artist Sin-é wanders through themes of selfloss, 

religious ideology and anger, using low 

production as a means to create a raw 

melancholic soundscape. Dundee audiences 

will also have the chance to discover the 

music of three other emerging Scottish 

talents in what is set to be a fantastic night 

of music. Alt-pop act Devin Casson will 

showcase her melodic guitar driven songs, 

Holly J will share her modern R&B and pop 

influenced sounds and Isle of Harris’ Isla 

Scott will share her contemporary take on 

trad. 


9 DECEMBER 



Mood :: At Laidlaw Music Centre, Queen’s 

Terrace, St Andrews. KY16 9QF. 7.30pm. 

Featuring special guest vocalist Lucy-Anne 

Daniels, 'In an Ellington Mood' presents 

exhilarating orchestral jazz. The SNJO is 

considered by many to be one of Europe’s 

foremost contemporary big bands. Founder/ 

Director Tommy Smith established the SNJO 

in 1995 as a not-for-profit organisation with 

a crystal clear artistic vision and core values 











14 DECEMBER 

DEAN OWENS & THE SINNERS with 

special guest KIRSTEN ADAMSON :: At 

Tolbooth, Stirling. Let award-winning 

Scottish troubadour Dean Owens and his 

band transport you to a sepia stained 

downtown cantina with songs from his 

stunning new Sinner’s Shrine album 

(recorded with musicians from Calexico) – 

a unique blend of Scottish roots and 

Americana, with added desert noir. With 

special guest the award-winning singer/ 

songwriter Kirsten Adamson, who opens the 

show. 


15 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At The Albert Halls, Stirling. 

7.30pm. Fill up your festive fuel tank with 

Phil Cunningham and friends as they return 

to Stirling with their much loved Christmas 

Songbook for 2023. Join some of the finest 

musicians on the Scottish folk scene; Phil 

Cunningham, Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, 

John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr, Kevin 

McGuire and the Songbook Brass Ensemble. 

A simply unmissable night full of 

outstanding music, charm, humour and 

festive spirit. It's the most magical night of 

the year. 


16 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE and MÀNRAN :: At Forfar 

Reid Hall, Forfar. From their traditional Tiree 

roots Skerryvore have developed both in 

size and sound to create a unique fusion of 

their traditional music and songs with the 

urban sounds of rock, pop and funk. The 

band’s ability to fuse traditional Scottish 

music and rhythms with a range of other 

genres is a trademark of their distinctive, 

high energy sound. Award-winning folk 

supergroup Mànran have announced the 

release of their new single Wild Mountain 

Thyme, the band’s unique take on the 

beloved Scottish folk song is set to raise 

money for charities helping the homeless in 

Scotland this Christmas. The band’s latest 

release comes as they get set for a run of 

live winter dates across Scotland, including 

performances at the MG ALBA Trad Awards 

in Dundee and Hoolie in the Hydro in 

Glasgow, organised by Mànran’s very own 

Gary Innes, as well as shows in Aberdeen, 

Strathpeffer, Kingussie and Skye. 


www.manran.co.uk/live 

20 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At Perth Concert Hall, Perth. 

7.30pm. Fill up your festive fuel tank with 

Phil Cunningham and friends as they return 

to Stirling with their much loved Christmas 

Songbook for 2023. Join some of the finest 

musicians on the Scottish folk scene; Phil 

Cunningham, Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson, 

John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian Carr, Kevin 

McGuire and the Songbook Brass Ensemble. 

A simply unmissable night full of 

outstanding music, charm, humour and 

festive spirit. It's the most magical night of 

the year. 


28 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE and MÀNRAN :: At Albert 

Halls, Stirling. From their traditional Tiree 

roots Skerryvore have developed both in 

size and sound to create a unique fusion of 

their traditional music and songs with the 

urban sounds of rock, pop and funk. The 

band’s ability to fuse traditional Scottish 

music and rhythms with a range of other 

genres is a trademark of their distinctive, 

high energy sound. Award-winning folk 
















1 MARCH 



At Dundee Rep, Tay Square, Dundee. 

7.30pm. Welcome to the current sound of 

Scotland brought to you by eight of Scottish 

jazz’s top creative young minds via the 

fb @ www.facebook.com/The-Fallen-Angels-Club-149553931728736 

twitter @ www.twitter.com/KevoMorris 



page 20: aberdeen / north east / moray ::: highlands + west coast + islands 

SNJO. The SNJO is considered by many to 

be one of Europe’s foremost contemporary 

big bands. Founder/Director Tommy Smith 

established the SNJO in 1995 as a not-forprofit 


artistic vision and core values of versatility, 











ABERDEENSHIRE / 

NORTH EAST / MORAY 


Aberdeenshire and the 

north east area 



17 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At Music Hall Aberdeen, 

Aberdeen. 7.30pm. Fill up your festive fuel 





scene; Phil Cunningham, Eddi Reader, Karen 

Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian 

Carr, Kevin McGuire and the Songbook 

Brass Ensemble. A simply unmissable night 

full of outstanding music, charm, humour 




30 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE :: At Aberdeen Music Hall, 

Aberdeen. From their traditional Tiree roots 








sound. 


HIGHLANDS + 

WEST COAST / ARGYLL 

Send us all your gig dates 

for the Highlands 



8 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE :: At Inverness Leisure, 

Inverness. From their traditional Tiree roots 








sound. 


HORSE (acoustic-y with strings) :: At 

Craignish Village Hall, Craignish. A Horse 

show is always a special one, but given that 

there’s a new album coming out and this 

year is also the 30th anniversary of 'God’s 

Home Movie' (her 2nd album), there’s much 

to celebrate. 

www.facebook.com/HorseMcDonald 

9 DECEMBER 

HORSE (acoustic-y with strings) :: At 

Community Arts Centre, Nairn. A Horse 

show is always a special one, but given that 

there’s a new album coming out and this 

year is also the 30th anniversary of 'God’s 

Home Movie' (her 2nd album), there’s much 

to celebrate. 

www.facebook.com/HorseMcDonald 

18 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At Eden Court Theatre, 

Inverness. 7.30pm. Fill up your festive fuel 





scene; Phil Cunningham, Eddi Reader, Karen 

Matheson, John McCusker, Kris Drever, Ian 

Carr, Kevin McGuire and the Songbook 

Brass Ensemble. A simply unmissable night 

full of outstanding music, charm, humour 




29 DECEMBER 

MÀNRAN & PEATBOG FAIRIES :: At The 

Square, Strathpeffer. Award-winning folk 















30 DECEMBER 

www.eddireader.co.uk/shop/ 

label @ www.facebook.com/RevealRecords 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/eddireader 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/eddireader 



:: a MNS business profile feature 

The Radio Rooms :: Tweedmouth, Berwick-Upon-Tweed. TD15 2AW :: www.facebook.com/theradiorooms :: www.radiorooms.co.uk :: info@radiorooms.co.uk 

:: The Radio Rooms is an independent grassroots venue and event space that 

was created in March 2019 in Berwick-Upon-Tweed - serving north Northumberland 

and the Scottish Borders we are the main platform for new and up and coming 

artists in the area, and strive to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone. 

Our recently renovated space is designed around a collection of vintage radios ranging from the 1920s onwards, and 

we place an emphasis on quality and local products throughout our bar and kitchen. 

The Radio Rooms host a variety of quality performances, gigs and events throughout the year and our space is also 

available for private events such as weddings, birthday parties and corporate events. We can help you plan, organise 

and host your perfect event - from weddings to lectures; birthdays to plays. Our knowledgeable team can help with 

decor, music, audio and lighting equipment, food and drink, entertainment; and any other detail to ensure a brilliant 

time is had by all. 

Here are some of our quality small business suppliers: Bari Tea (Alnwick), Fentimans (Hexham), Giacopazzi's (Eyemouth), Hepple Gin 

(Morpeth), Holy Island Gin (Holy Island), The Kelso Gin Company (Kelso), Left Field Kombucha (Eyemouth), Tempest (Galashiels). 

Our openings hours are 4pm to late, Friday, Saturday and Sunday - extended hours in the summer, please check the Event Listings 

on our website and Facebook page to see what is happening every week. For booked events we can open at any time you wish, just 

drop us an email if you have any questions! Email: info@radiorooms.co.uk 

www.radiorooms.co.uk // www.facebook.com/theradiorooms 

Upcoming Gigs @ Radio Rooms ..... 

20 OCTOBER 

JOHN REED :: £10 on door. After a lifetime of international business travel, John has retired to Berwick upon Tweed to focus on making music in 

his Berevic home studio. A lifetime lover of music, John is both surprised and flattered to have been compared to some of his music heroes: Roy 

Harper and Ian Anderson being two of those. It seems there must be something in the Blackpool sea air. Unlike the other two, John was actually born 

and raised in the town. While comparisons are nice, John prefers his music to be taken on its own merits. Its powerful political content is occasionally 

hurled out with venom, but more often as an infusion for the more discerning listener to absorb, comprehend, and interpret as they wish. Although 

often unable to hear what others seem to hear in his songs John says: “That’s just the beauty of music. Artists create works for others to take 

ownership in their own way”. 

www.johnreedmusic.com/gigs/ 

3 NOVEMBER 

DAVE ARCARI :: 8pm. £12.00+fee. Scotland's alt.blues troubadour Dave Arcari stops off on a series of UK dates promoting the vinyl release of his 

latest album Devil May Care. Dave Arcari’s alt.blues sounds owe as much to trash country, punk and rockabilly as they do pre-war Delta blues and 

have been showcased via seven internationally-acclaimed solo album releases. A finalist in the UK Blues Federation’s UK Blues Awards 2023, Arcari has 

had his music featured in numerous BBC TV programmes as well as popular USA series The Deadliest Catch. The ultimate validation for Arcari’s music 

and performance came in 2019 when National Reso-Phonic Guitars launched the ‘Dave Arcari signature model’ guitar. Arcari joins an elite and 

exclusive group of players who have signature models and is the first – and only – musician outside the USA to be honoured by the iconic instrument 

maker whose name is synonymous with the development of the blues genre. 

www.facebook.com/davearcarimusic 

10 NOVEMBER 

The Warehouse Announcement Presents ..... One Night Stand Live with THE WAREHOUSE ANNOUNCEMENT, PAVE THE JUNGLE and EASTER 

STREET + more! :: At Radio Rooms, 95 Main Street, Berwick-Upon-Tweed. TD15 2AW. We are delighted to let you all know that we will be blowing the 

roof off The Radio Rooms in Berwick upon Tweed on Friday the 10th November! We will be joined by an all star lineup of local music legends and we 

can’t wait to make some noise once again……..it’s been a while! 

www.facebook.com/warehouseannouncement 

The Radio Rooms is an 

independent grassroots venue, 

serving north Northumberland and 

the Scottish Borders


page 22: highlands + west coast + islands + orkney + shetland 

MÀNRAN :: At The Badenoch Centre, 

Kingussie. Award-winning folk supergroup 

Mànran have announced the release of their 

new single Wild Mountain Thyme, the band’s 

unique take on the beloved Scottish folk 

song is set to raise money for charities 

helping the homeless in Scotland this 

Christmas. The band’s latest release comes 

as they get set for a run of live winter dates 

across Scotland, including performances at 

the MG ALBA Trad Awards in Dundee and 

Hoolie in the Hydro in Glasgow, organised 

by Mànran’s very own Gary Innes, as well as 

shows in Aberdeen, Strathpeffer, Kingussie 

and Skye. 


WEST COAST ISLANDS 

+ ORKNEY + SHETLAND 


for all of the Scottish islands 



Isle of Bute …. 

Transclyde Music is a group of like minded 

people on the Isle of Bute whose aims are to 

promote live music on the island. For their 

latest gig news go to …. 

www.facebook.com/Transclydemusic 

1 DECEMBER 

HEIDI TALBOT & BOO HEWERDINE :: At 

Mareel, Shetland. Boo and Heidi have 

recorded and toured together extensively 

going all the way back to Heidi’s first solo 

tour of the UK in 2005. Born in Ireland, 

Heidi became a folk star in the USA as a 

member of the Irish American band Cherish 

the Ladies, and now lives in Edinburgh. Boo, 

one of England's most celebrated singersongwriters, 

now celebrates their longstanding 

musical relationship spanning over 

18 years. 

www.facebook.com/BooHewerdinemusic 

www.facebook.com/Heiditalbotofficial 

7 DECEMBER 

Hit The Road presents ..... ISLA SCOTT 

+ DEVIN CASSON + HOLLY J + SIN-É :: 

At Talla na Mara, Harris. 7pm. Harris trad 

musician Isla Scott will perform a headline 

hometown gig at Talla Na Mara. Isla Scott 

from the Isle of Harris is a talented force in 

the trad music scene. At 17 years old, the 

singer-songwriter has accomplished a 

distinctive musical identity that blends the 

rich heritage of traditional Gaelic song with 

a mix of indie, pop, and folk influences. She 

brings a modern perspective to the age-old 

melodies of her island roots. Hebrides 

audiences will also have the chance to 

discover the music of three other emerging 

Scottish talents in what is set to be a 

fantastic night of music. Galashiels Alt-pop 

act Devin Casson will showcase her melodic 

guitar driven songs, Glasgow's Holly J will 

share her modern R&B and pop influenced 

sounds and Indie-folk act Sin-é from 

Dundee will showcase her thoughtprovoking 

sound. 


1 JANUARY 

MÀNRAN :: At Portree Community Centre, 

Portree. Award-winning folk supergroup 

Mànran have announced the release of their 

new single Wild Mountain Thyme, the band’s 

unique take on the beloved Scottish folk 

song is set to raise money for charities 

helping the homeless in Scotland this 

Christmas. The band’s latest release comes 

as they get set for a run of live winter dates 

across Scotland, including performances at 

the MG ALBA Trad Awards in Dundee and 

Hoolie in the Hydro in Glasgow, organised 

by Mànran’s very own Gary Innes, as well as 

shows in Aberdeen, Strathpeffer, Kingussie 

and Skye. 


AYRSHIRE + 

DUMFRIESSHIRE 

+ Carlisle 


for Dumfriesshire, 

South West and Cumbria areas 



2 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE :: At Darvel Town Hall, 

Darvel. From their traditional Tiree roots 








sound. 


14 DECEMBER 


SONGBOOK :: At Easterbrook Hall, 

Dumfries. 7.30pm. Fill up your festive fuel 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/HelpMusiciansUK 

fb @ www.facebook.com/HelpMusiciansScotland 



page 23: ayrshire + dumfriesshire :: scottish borders :: + 1 hour over the border 













SCOTTISH BORDERS 

+ Berwick -Upon-Tweed 

went from indie record label Chemikal 

Underground onto the major label Go! Beat 

and then; back again to Chemikal, touring 

the world and funnelling life's experiences 

into a unique concoction of music that 

explored beauty, sadness, intoxicants, sex, 

love, and death all rolled into one. 

www.facebook.com/MacArtsCentre/events 

8 DECEMBER 

GUN with support THE GODFATHERS :: 

At MacArts, Galashiels. Scottish Rock 

legends return to Galashiels! 


9 DECEMBER 

era-defying warmth. Isla Scott is a talented 

force in the trad music scene. At 17 years 

old, the singer-songwriter has a distinctive 

musical identity that blends the rich 

heritage of traditional Gaelic song with a 

mix of indie, pop, and folk influences. She 

brings a modern perspective to the age-old 

melodies of her island roots. Heavily 

inspired by the lonely sounds of indie folk 

artists such as Justin Vernon, Haley 

Heynderickx and Adrianne Lenker, Scottish 

artist Sin-é wanders through themes of selfloss, 

religious ideology and anger on tracks 

such as ‘this is alone’ which uses low 

production as a means to create a raw 

melancholic soundscape. 



Scottish Borders and 

Northumberland areas 



2 DECEMBER 

TRUCKER DIABLO with support 

WILDFIRE :: At MacArts, Galashiels. Irish 

rock legends and all-round good guys 

Trucker Diablo return to MacArts! The one 

thing you do expect from Trucker is big 

riffs, big choruses and big performances. 


7 DECEMBER 

ARAB STRAP: Philophobia 25th 

Anniversary Show :: At MacArts, 

Galashiels. Arab Strap started out as an 

intimate project with home-recorded tapes; 

shared between friends, but after the 

unexpected success of their inimitable debut 

single; The First Big Weekend; they quickly 

found themselves, along with pals Mogwai, 

as some of the most exciting and cherished 

music coming out of Scotland. The band's 

first gig was recorded live for John Peel, 

who became an early devotee. The band 

TORRIDON :: At MacArts, Galashiels. Folk 

Rock Highlanders Torridon have built up a 

reputation for rocking venues and festivals 

throughout Scotland, including Belladrum’s 

Tartan Heart, The Gathering, Loopallu, Mull, 

Killin, EDF & Butefest Festivals. 


10 DECEMBER 

Hit The Road presents ..... DEVIN 

CASSON + HOLLY J + SIN-É + ISLA 

SCOTT :: At MacArts, Galashiels, 

Galashiels. 7pm. Tickets are FREE. As it is 

run up to Christmas and with cost of living 

still having a major impact on society, the 

shows are free however you need to get a 

ticket. With her own brand of alt/pop, Devin 

Casson has hit the Borders and 

Northumberland live music scene with 

dynamic sets of self penned originals and 

sympathetically reworked covers. Having 

played support to various local and touring 

musicians including Horse McDonald, Devin 

is certainly making her mark with her 

melodic guitar driven songs. Quickly making 

a name for herself in the up-and-coming 

R&B scene, Holly J is an 18-year-old singersongwriter 

born and based in Glasgow, UK. 

Her signature sound — powerful yet 

delicate, refined yet experimental — blends 

modern R&B and Pop influences with an 

15 DECEMBER 

SKERRYVORE :: At Hawick Town Hall, 

Hawick. From their traditional Tiree roots 








sound. 


Email your 

gig dates to ..... 


www.krisdrever.bandcamp.com 

facebook @ www.facebook.com/krisdreversings 

tweet @ www.twitter.com/KrisDrever 



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ADVERTISE IN OUR 

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PUBLICATIONS 

MUSIC NEWS Scotland - GIGguide - FESTIVALS! 

For details email Carol: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

page 26 


Read MNS FESTIVALS! @ https://bit.ly/mns-festivals-dec23-7 

plus read MNS FESTIVALS! and MNS GIGguide @ http://wp.me/P12d6v-21 

ADVERTISE IN OUR 

3 WEEKLY DIGITAL 

PUBLICATIONS 

MUSIC NEWS Scotland - GIGguide - FESTIVALS! 

For details email Carol: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com

ADVERTISE IN OUR WEEKLY 

DIGITAL EDITIONS ..... 

MUSIC NEWS Scotland 

Scotland’s digital music newspaper with all the latest news from the Scottish music scene 

MNS GIGguide 

Our weekly gig guide giving a comprehensive snapshot of live music in every corner of the country 

MNS FESTIVALS! 

Our look at Scotland’s music festivals with the latest news and a full listings for the year 

To advertise with MUSIC NEWS Scotland 

email: Carol: carol.musicnewsscotland@gmail.com 

Read all our digital publica- 

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