I am very excited to introduce my new column in The Oban Times, Robert’s Ramblings. While I love writing my Glasgow Letter each week, and will continue to devote due care and attention to that task, I am also greatly looking forward to relishing this additional writing opportunity. Anyone who knows me, and perhaps anyone who has read my letters over the past two years, will understand that Robert’s Ramblings is a very appropriate title. I will, however, endeavour not to be too hopelessly verbose and try to keep my articles as relevant as possible.
I would like to start by writing about a club which was a massive musical inspiration to me growing up in Lochaber: The Fort William Accordion and Fiddle Club. The club has suffered from falling attendances of late, which is desperately sad considering the positive effect it has had on Lochaber’s rich musical landscape. At a wonderful gig in the Nevis Centre on Saturday night, four of the musicians involved, playing in three different bands, performed as youngsters at the accordion and fiddle club in years gone by. Gary Innes and Ewen Henderson, from Mànran, myself with Tide Lines, and Hannah Macrae with her brand new group The Full Floor Ceilidh Band, all came through the club. All four of us are now playing music full-time: Gary, Ewen and I with our respective bands, and Hannah studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Last year, Hannah, 19, made it to the final round of the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year. This April, having achieved so much since moving to Glasgow, she is returning to the club as guest artist.