String Driven play NXNW
No, the above is not a typo. The band ventured on a trip during August that may not have had the kudos of SWSW, but everyone agrees that NXNW was equally satisfying. A stripped down version of the band – Chris, George & Andy – crossed the Atlantic to perform at a tiny gig in a small island pub.

Easdale Island has a population of about 70, no shops & no cars but it does have a delightful little venue… The Puffer Bar. With everyone travelling separately in horrendous weather, they all crossed the famous Atlantic bridge to take them to Seil Island.
Yes, we are still in Scotland. About 15 miles South of Oban to be precise.

A few miles on and a small ferry transported everyone over on the three minute crossing to Easdale Island. The gear was transported to the gig in wheelbarrows ( U2 , eat your hearts out).

A reasonable turnout were treated to two excellent sets and the closing numbers were blessed with a rare appearance by Pauline, who rattled her tambourine one more time. The band went down so well that efforts are being made to return to the Community Hall with the full band later in the year.

The next morning, after a walk round the island and some breakfast, the barrows were redeployed to transport the gear down to the ferry. The low morning tide made the exercise that bit harder and all hands were required.

The next gig was at Achmore which was about another 170 miles further North. Dick, who had been unable to make the Easdale gig, left that morning from Glasgow. Andy set off in his car while Chris & Pauline took the tourist route, courtesy of their sat-nav. George & tour manager Chester arranged to rendezvous at Ballachullish in order to reduce the carbon footprint. Strangely, all four cars arrived simultaneously at Achmore and drove in convoy into the village. You could not have scripted it.
Whilst setting up in the delightful little hall, the band were conscious of movement outside. Curious to see if this was the audience arriving, they saw that there was likely to be a stampede for tickets as a herd of cows were lurking outside on a luscious piece of grass. They had taken a stroll out of their field and had come down to the village where, after their snack, they returned to the field. Theories ranged from a passing cattle truck bus tour stop to the local bovine equivalent of McDonald’s.

With the cattle gone, the crowds arrived and an excellent turnout were treated to a great performance. The well equipped hall allowed the band plenty of space and, for once at a small gig, were able to be reasonably lit. Pauline reprised her previous night’s performance and the small local hall at Achmore really rocked.

Next up are our two Glasgow gigs and then the jaunt down to London. Before leaving, Dick left his mark!!!
Rock on…..