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The year in review » January 2006            

[1 Jan] I visited my old friend and mental mentor Cathal McConnell for dinner and a rehearsal with him and his partner in crime Allan MacDonald. We played in Glasgow and it was in Cathal’s own words “just like a party”.

[2 Jan]  Ventured up North with understated fiddle virtuoso Dana Lyn and Marc Clement, really enjoyed the change of style and the beautiful music. In between gigs this month I also visited some primary schools with Mairi Campbell and Sue Mackenzie as part of ABC Creative Music, good cràic, especially seeing some of the kids doing everything in double-time, wow!

Arrived back at home from Eigg via the Birnam Hotel where there were still plenty of tunes and stories to had from New Year stalwarts Tam the Banjo and Russell Hunter.

[3 Jan]  The new hall in Eigg is amazingly cosy and atmospheric. ‘The Prancing Pony Band” brainchild of the indominatable Eddie Spoons was ‘delish’ – myself Eddie and a remaining Cheesy-Wotsit from last year’s escapade on Tiree, Alisdair White, Jen McGlone and the dashing Damian Helliwell joined forces with Achiltibuie’s finest – Al Frazer on pipes and Ali ‘Beag’ MacLeod on accordion. Rockin!’