Scottish Highland tour 2009

Hey everyone,
I’ve been a bit slow getting this out but wanted everyone to know how great the Highland Tour went this summer. First of all, let me thank Mr. Rob Ellen (the man behind the tour) for his friendship and hard work. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Rob since about 2005 when my first cd “Fabletown” came out. He has handled all of my PR work throughout the UK, Europe etc since then, including my second cd “Rarely Fall” in 2008. Thanks again Rob!
Ok now the tour. I hit Edinburgh airport on the 21st of July where I was met by Mr. Matt Morrow ( guitar player extrordinaire ). I have known Matt for a couple of years through Nessmp3 (Mondays with Matt and Rob’s Medicine Show). Anyway, Matt had agreed to join me on tour and so we were off to his home town of Cumbernauld for rehearsal. We spent about eight hours in his kitchen playing, drinking tea and smoking cigs. Then it was off to his local pub the next day for rehearsal through a PA. It was very surreal to have just met and to have the songs sound as though we had been playing together for years. A comment we would continue to hear throughout the tour. I’m off for Inverness to meet up with Rob and begin the tour. First night in we head to “The MacKenzie House” to open for MIchael Weston King. What a great way to start off the tour. The MacKenzie house is the residence of Steve and Clancy Macdonald in Strathpeffer. It is an old infirmary that was be turned into a residence. It is also a stopping off point for musicians on tour with Rob who need a place to stay. Steve and Clancy were kind enough to let Matt and I base out of there when we were not staying with Rob or on the road. We were truly treated like family and Strathpeffer is so beautiful. We played at Sarsparilla’s which is a great little throwback soda shop there in Strathpeffer. Then we were off for Ft William to open for Eliza Gilkyson at Roy Bridge Hall with a stop at Nevis Radio for an interview and a couple tunes. Ullapool with Cara Luft and Hugh McMillan, a little more radio with Rob. I guess I could go on and on as I was there for about 23 days. I’ll condense it by naming The Riverside Pub (thanks Scott) at Conan Bridge, Aberdeen, Perth, Louisemouth and Inverness.
We finished off the tour at The Belladrum Festival on the 7th of Aug. Matt and I got in the night before and put on an impromptu set as we did sound check. Great show Saturday as we had Tom Mason and Gypsy Dave Smith join us for the last two songs.
I couldn’t have asked or had a better time on my Highland tour. The country, people and venues still have me wishing I was there. In the meantime I will wait patiently (maybe not) to heading back next year.
To all involved I thank you and wish y’all well.
See ya soon.
Tim