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The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Dick Gaughan deserves every moment of his newly restored reputation
'I'd heard of people doing that before,' Barbara said on Anna Massie's BBC Radio Scotland programme, Travelling Folk, 'but I couldn't believe my eyes.' The man who was so intent on watching Gaughan's renowned guitar technique, was, she added, 'a real geek, obviously a Dick Gaughan fanboy'. And whoever he was, he was far from being the last person to be bewitched by Gaughan's outstanding work on the acoustic guitar. Dick, now 77, is one of Scotland's most renowned musicians. The power of his live performances has long been recognised. As the Glasgow Herald remarked, back in 1989: 'It is impossible to listen to Dick Gaughan and remain unaffected by his work; he is a performer of such unremitting force, such devastating persuasiveness, and an orator of considerable weight … In everything he says, in every song he sings, Gaughan preaches humanitarianism.' Read more: A few years later, a Guardian review noted that Gaughan took no prisoners: 'his songs of the dispossessed were delivered with the electrifying passion of a zealot, cutting through any Aran-sweatered Celtic twilight mist like a Stanley knife at a rave … Those who welcomed a return to social realism in pop with Bruce Springsteen's depressive The Ghost of Tom Joad, should seek out Gaughan's blast-furnace performances to hear how music from the gut really sounds.' When he was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame Gaughan was described as Scotland's 'most passionate troubadour, a singer and guitarist whose performances both burn with a fierce conviction and smoulder with equally heartfelt compassion and invigorate audiences across the world with eloquently expressed conviction'. He has inspired such people as Kate Rusby, Karine Polwart and Billy Bragg. To Kathryn Tickell, the feted exponent of the Northumbrian pipes, he is one of the absolute greats of the folk music world. Dick suffered a stroke in 2016. Today, he is legally blind, and can no longer play guitar. His name and his work, however, are being widely championed. A sum of £92,000, raised by a Kickstarter campaign, led to a substantial amount being given to him to pay for his living costs. The balance is being used to finance R/evolution: 1969-83, a comprehensive seven-CD, one-DVD boxset of his recorded work, which will likely be released in November or early December, distributed by Last Night from Glasgow. At the same time, a GoFundMe appeal launched at Dick's behest has so far raised most than £32,000 to raise legal fees 'to test the claims by an entity called Celtic Music to the rights to a tranche of [his] recorded works – music recorded between 53 and 30 years ago'. The fund's target is £35,000. The albums in question are No More Forever (Melody Maker's Folk Album of the Year in 1972), Kist O' Gold (1977), Songs of Ewan MacColl (1978, with Tony Capstick and Dave Burland), Live in Edinburgh (1985), and Call It Freedom (1988). Also covered are one album he made with Boys of the Lough in 1973, and one he made in the mid-nineties with another group, Clan Alba. Dick fervently hopes that his legal process will be a bridgehead for other artists of his generation, or their heirs, whose 1970s recordings are effectively 'locked up' by the same entity. Dick Gaughan was born in Glasgow in May 1948, the eldest of three children to Dick and Frances Gaughan, from Leith. His family were all musicians; his grandfather played the fiddle and his father played the fiddle and guitar, and his mother was a Gaelic singer. Dick picked up his first guitar at the age of seven and at length began to develop his own style of singing and playing. He was in his late teens when in 1966 he landed his first paid gig, in a folk club in Bathgate's Rendezvous Roadhouse. For his pains he received £2. 'In those days it was all word of mouth and very informal and anarchic, and clubs were generally run by dedicated and pretty fanatical amateurs', he told JP Bean, author of an oral history of British folk clubs, more than a decade ago. 'As I got more work, I just kind of drifted into earning my living exclusively from playing, finally giving up other jobs in January 1970.' He released his first solo album, No More Forever, the following year. In June 1972 he joined Boys of the Lough for eight months, after which he returned to solo work, before, in June 1975, joining the electric folk band Five Hand Reel, with whom he made three albums. Handful of Earth, released in 1981, came to be regarded as classic solo Gaughan, its potent blend of traditional and contemporary folk songs underpinned by his intricate guitar work. It was his considered reaction to the 'extreme right-wing government' that had come to power under Margaret Thatcher in 1979. Its power quite undimmed by the passing of the years, Handful of Earth was voted Album of the Decade in Folk Roots magazine's poll in 1989. Alighting upon that opportunity to reassess the record, Mark Cooper, writing in Q magazine, observed: 'Despite the sense of outrage that lurks behind most of the material on Handful Of Earth, the overall mood is of a kind of gruff sorrow. Perhaps Gaughan still saw himself more as a reporter than a revolutionary and certainly the two ballads at the album's heart, 'The Snows They Melt The Soonest' and 'Lough Erne', are mournful, measured laments whose power is all the greater for their restraint. 'Yet this collection is full of songs which trace the diaspora of the Irish and the Scots as poverty drove their poor towards America. Landlords, bailiffs and beagles pursue the emigre of 'Craigie Hill' just as the hunters pursue the birds in 'Now Westlin Winds'. 'Despite the straightforward power of Leon Rosselson's 'World Turned Upside Down' (since popularised by Billy Bragg) and Ed Pickford's 'Worker's Song', it is the juxtaposition of these contemporary songs with the haunting traditional material which makes this both a poetical and a polemical collection with the poetical holding the balance.' In the mid-eighties in Belfast, a city where Gaughan often played, his music was discovered by a university student by the name of Colin Harper. Today, Colin is, amongst other things, a music writer and curator, author of an excellent biography of Dick's fellow Scot, Bert Jansch - and creator of the very Kickstarter campaign that has marked such a resurgence of interest in Gaughan. Read more On the Record: 'Handful of Earth is a masterpiece,' he said earlier this week. 'As a young listener …I was drawn in by the power and charisma of his stage performances, and the magic guitar playing on things like 'Erin-Go-Bragh' and 'The Snows'. But the deeper magic reveals itself in the more subdued songs, especially 'Craigie Hill' and 'Both Sides the Tweed'. 'Compiling a box-set of live and BBC material as we speak, I know now the other songs in his repertoire in 1980/81 that he might have recorded for Handful of Earth but I can see why he didn't - the mood of it would have changed. 'He got the contents of it exactly right. It's frustrating that much of Dick's 1972-88 commercially recorded work is currently inaccessible. Handful of Earth is the only album from that period that's been physically available ever since. But by happy chance, it's the best of them all!' Handful of Earth would later be described by Billy Bragg as one of his all-time favourite albums. 'World Turned Upside Down', he said, saw Gaughan grabbing the song "by the scruff of the neck and [chucking] it into the twentieth century where it lands at my feet and I think 'f———' hell, that is an incredible song. 'Both Sides Of The Tweed',' he added, 'is probably the best song you could ever imagine about English and Scottish thoughts of independence'. The comedian Stewart Lee accorded Handful of Earth a similar accolade, taking the view that it was 'a great album of Scottish nationalist songs and really old Highland ballads, with this fantastic intricate guitar playing'. It is all happening for Dick Gaughan now: the forthcoming boxset (there will be roughly 500 copies on sale to the general public), plus limited-edition releases of Live at the BBC (on vinyl), a CD, Live in Belfast 1979-82, and a twin CD collection, Live in the 70s. More is on the way. 'Next year', adds Colin, 'we hope to release an expanded True And Bold: Songs of the Scottish Miners [originally out in 1986, long out of print], a 2-CD Andy Kershaw Sessions Plus: 1984-2005 - Dick's six Andy Kershaw Radio 1 sessions plus the best of his other BBC recordings from the 'second phase' of his career - and Collaborations, an exciting album of the best of his studio recordings gifted to themed albums/tribute albums and vocal guest performances with other artists, all from 2000-2015. And from Topic, a new vinyl remaster is in the works.' Dick Gaughan deserves every last moment of his newly restored reputation, having paid his dues in more ways than one. Criss-crossing the country, driving long distances at uncongenial hours and playing in venues that frequently erred on the wrong side of glamorous, was not for everyone. But he persisted, because he was a musician, and because he was very good at it. 'By the time I knock off all the costs of doing my job,' he reflected to JP Bean for his book, Singing from the Floor: A History of British Folk Clubs, 'I probably end up keeping about 15 per cent of what I earn and my taxable income over a year is roughly what I'd earn stacking shelves in Tesco. 'Being on the road isn't a career - it's a way of life. Anyone who gets that the wrong way round isn't going to hack it for long. After a decade they're going to be completely burned out and bitterly disappointed unless they get lucky and hit commercial success outside the folk world … It's just the way of life I chose and it's the price you pay if you decide to do something outside the accepted mainstream.' * The GoFundMe page can be found at Dick Gaughan Live at the BBC 1972-79 (vinyl) is available for pre-ordering from Last Night From Glasgow: ; details of the forthcoming R/evolution boxset can be found at
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'Most beautiful place' in UK where thousands visit to 'discover magic'
Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, is a popular destination amongst Brits and tourists, who continue to flock to the island to experience its rich heritage and stunning landscapes Holidaymakers craving a magical getaway don't need to worry about the expense of flying abroad to find one - an "enchanting" haven sits right on Northumberland 's shoreline. Lindisfarne, known as Holy Island, boasts incredible history and is regularly celebrated as one of Britain's most breathtaking spots. The tiny population of roughly 160 residents in this small retreat swells to over 650,000 as visitors flock from around the world each year to witness its magic, the Lindisfarne website confirms. Travel experts at have identified the circular path around its coast as among Northumberland's most stunning, where plentiful wildlife and ancient monuments can be spotted along the way. For guests needing somewhere to stay while exploring this unique spot, numerous holiday homes are on offer for booking on Lindisfarne itself, reports Teesside Live. One charming choice is Deja Blue, an 18th-century dwelling dubbed "steeped in history and charm" - providing a perfect retreat in one of England's most historically significant locations. Sleeping up to five people plus a pooch, Deja Blue offers stunning views over the village green on Holy Island where Queen Elizabeth II planted a tree during her 1958 trip, and has earned acclaim as a "lovely home from home" from guests. The property is positioned directly in the heart of the village, just moments away from Holy Island's spectacular ancient landmarks, and remains incredibly popular with bookings fully secured until 2026. Starting at £582 for a week-long break, Deja Blue stands as one of only three cottages available for Holy Island on alongside Tidal Cottage from £819 for seven nights, and St Coombs Farmhouse from £1,305 for seven nights. Over on Sykes Holiday Cottages, visitors will find merely two properties on offer: Causeway Cottage from £575, and Curlew Cottage from £660, both accommodating up to six guests. Availability and prices might vary depending on the season and the time of booking. Holy Island's rich heritage remains vibrantly present today, with historical treasures dotted throughout the island, from the captivating Lindisfarne Castle perched above the shoreline to the 12th-century remains of Lindisfarne Priory, formerly home to medieval Northumbrian monks and saints. Under English Heritage management, admission to Lindisfarne Priory is priced at £9 for adults and £5 for children, with the organisation describing it as "among the most atmospheric of England's historic sites". English Heritage characterises Holy Island as having an "otherworldly aura", and describes Lindisfarne Priory: "It echoes with the memories of the monks and saints of Anglo-Saxon and medieval Northumbria. It also offers abundant wildlife and wonderful coastal views." Meanwhile, Lindisfarne Castle remains under National Trust stewardship, welcoming visitors throughout the week with tickets costing £12 for adults and £6 for children. What's more, the magnificent Gertrude Jekyll walled garden alongside comes free of charge, having been crafted in 1911 and exploding with fragrance and vibrant hues throughout summer. Lindisfarne offers far more than just historical appeal - its seaside location creates a haven for wildlife and nature lovers, whilst providing the perfect backdrop for spectacular scenery. Visit Northumberland captures it perfectly: "Words cannot describe the magic of The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, particularly as you cross the causeway, admiring staggering views as you go, and feel as though you are entering a secret world as you approach the island." It's precisely this enchantment that saw The Times crown Lindisfarne amongst England's most stunning locations earlier this year, describing it as a "mystical place" offering "a real sense of peace". The publication justified its choice by noting: "The island's name dates back to the time when this was an early outpost of Christianity, and whether you're a believer or not, it remains a place of serenity and contemplation, which puts daily life into perspective." If you're planning a visit to Holy Island, it's vital to check the tide crossing times, as the island becomes cut off twice daily due to the tide - leading to hundreds of drivers needing emergency rescue each year. Northumberland County Council strongly urges visitors not to attempt to travel to and from the island during a rising tide - a full list of safe crossing times can be found here.
Scotsman
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Kathryn Tickell, East Neuk Festival review: '
Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening, Anstruther Town Hall *** Nizar Rohana, St Ayle Church, Anstruther **** 'Darkening' may be a local term for twilight, but there was little atmospherically Twilight-Zone-ish about renowned Northumbrian piper and fiddler Kathryn Tickell's quintet. It packed quite a punch – too much so at times, with drums and volume levels threatening to take the edge off the sweetly bubbling tone of her Northumbrian pipes. I could have listened all night to her duetting nimbly with accordionist Amy Thatcher, as well as taking up fiddle to propel the latter's deftly percussive clog dancing. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kathryn Tickell and friends (Picture: Georgia Claire) With new guitarist Tim Bloomer, drummer Joe Truswell and Stef Conner on support vocals, lyre and synth, this was a weighty if infectiously boisterous folk-rock outfit. Songs included a version of the Collier's Rant sung in earthy 'Pitmatic' miners' dialect, and Jimmy Nail's heartfelt homeland paean My Northumbria, while instrumentally, as well as brisk jigs and hornpipes, there was High Way to Hermitage, inspired by Mary, Queen of Scots' fateful journey, although an upbeat treatment did rather fail to convey that Border stronghold's grim reputation. Tickell's pipe lament for the felled Hadrian's Wall sycamore hit the spot, introduced by that quintessentially moorland call of the curlew. If Tickell's Northumbrian pipes carried tradition, Palestinian oud player Nizar Rohana's instrument seemed freighted with history. The taut, microtonal melancholy emanating from his Arabic lute turned one's thoughts, inevitably, to the only too present afflictions of his region. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Metro
27-06-2025
- Metro
'Delightful' but lesser-known village is the perfect spot for a UK seaside break
A cold pint on a summer day is one of life's greatest pleasures — and apparently so is a trip to its namesake. In a recent survey of 4,000 Which? members, the consumer champion crowned Beer, Devon, as one of the UK's top seaside towns, only beaten to the top spot by popular Northumbrian resort, Bamburgh. This lesser-known spot, just west of Seaton on the Jurassic Coast, was given an 80% destination score by voters, landing it second place on the list ahead of Portmeirion, St David's and Sidmouth. Visitors gave Beer five stars for scenery, along with four stars for both value for money and peace and quiet. Its beach and seafront were less highly-rated with three stars each, but 42 of the 52 who'd been there said they were satisfied with the location and would recommend it. It seems Tripadvisor reviewers agree too: David D called beer a 'delightful quaint village', while Keith J urged people to 'raise a glass to Beer,' adding: 'Charming village, great local food, lovely people. It's a great place to stay for a relaxing holiday. Highly recommended.' Fancy trying Beer for your next UK seaside trip? Here's a taste of what to expect. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Bamburgh Beer Portmeirion Saint David's Sidmouth Tynemouth Dungeness Tenby Aldeburgh Wells-Next-The-Sea Source: TripAdvisor The main draw of this picturesque village – mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 – is its beach, which is a pebbled bay surrounded by limestone cliffs and dotted with old-school deckchairs. Although it doesn't boast the golden sands of nearby Seaton, Beer Beach comes with its own unique set of attractions. Get a feel for its history as a smuggler's haven with a tour of Beer Quarry Caves or head out on a boat trip with a local fisherman — or, if you'd rather stay on land, sample their wares at one of the stalls selling fresh seafood and various other refreshments. For those that prefer a more chilled out break, you can hire a beach hut and before taking a picnic up to Jubilee Gardens for incredible views along the coast. Alternatively, more adventurous types can see the sights via the South West Coast Path (on foot or by bicycle). There are a number of independent shops, restaurants and pubs to enjoy too, with visitors pinpointing Gina's, Smuggler's Kitchen, Barrel of Beer and The Anchor as particular highlights. Don't forget to check out Pecorama, a popular tourist attraction featuring model railways and award-winning gardens located on the hillside just above Beer. And if you don't mind venturing a few miles outside the village, the likes of Crealy Theme Park & Resort and the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary are sure to keep the whole family entertained. Accommodation in Beer is mainly made up of guest houses and holiday rentals, with the likes of Bay View and The Dolphin Hotel coming in at just over £100 per night. More Trending Beer Head Holiday Park is a great alternative option though, with a six-berth caravan available from £425 a week and camping for as little as £30 per tent per night. By car, it takes about four hours to drive from London to Beer. The nearest railway station to the village is Axminster, around 9 miles (14 km) away on the Exeter to Waterloo line. One-way tickets from London are priced from £15.30 according to Trainline, with the journey taking around three hours. There's then a bus link from the train station to Beer – which also provides easy access to nearby towns and villages like Seaton and Branscombe – but if you'd prefer to take a taxi, it'll cost roughly £20. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Underrated UK village is a foodie heaven with three Michelin-starred restaurants MORE: Every phone in the UK is going to get an emergency alert warning very soon MORE: A surprising UK building has just been named one of the world's most beautiful
Scotsman
26-06-2025
- Scotsman
Discover Matfen Hall – a 5-star historic estate blending luxury, fine dining & Northumbrian adventures
Matfen Hall Hotel Ltd A perfect harmony of understated modern luxury and timeless, heritage charm. Matfen Hall is Northumberland's first and only 5-star hotel. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Tucked away in 300 acres of private parkland, the estate offers unparalleled peace and AA 5-star service with world heritage sites and wild adventures just minutes away. A 5 star escape Thoughtfully restored to illuminate its original grandeur, the historic Grade II listed hall is a world away from the everyday; a place to dine, golf, relax and reconnect with loved ones in unequalled comfort and splendour. Arriving by private chauffeur, guests are immersed in elegance from the moment they enter The Great Hall, bathed in jewelled light from its original stained-glass window. With spectacular views of the parkland estate, the hotel's 63 rooms and suites are individually decorated and luxuriously appointed to provide a haven of calm, unhurried luxury. Matfen Hall Hotel Ltd When the sun sets, cocktail hour in the wood-panelled glamour of 1832 bar beckons, before choosing from a range of characterful dining destinations. Set in the hall's original courtyard and with a luminous glass ceiling, Cloisters serves a magical atmosphere and table d'hote menus beneath wild Northumbrian skies. Originally commissioned for Buckingham Palace, the grand fireplace of the Drawing Room offers an opulent setting for Afternoon Tea, where exquisite patisserie is accompanied by champagne and a live harpist. And, the jewel in the crown is Emerald - Northumberland's only 3 AA Rosette restaurant. Greeted by a crackling fire, heritage panelling and magnificent estate views, guests sit down to warm grandeur and award-winning fine dining. Using the finest, carefully sourced ingredients, 8-course Tasting Menus are crafted to flow with the seasons and celebrate the best of Northumberland alongside pairing from the estate's own charismatic wine cellar. Matfen Hall Hotel Ltd A place to unwind and enjoy Harmonious and serene, The Retreat is a true sanctuary. With complimentary access to its sunlit pool and thermal suites, guests can refresh their senses or choose from a menu of blissful Germaine De Capuccini spa rituals. Outside, golfers share their round with native wildlife on scenic parkland courses, offering top-rated play, sculpted to follow the history and natural flow of the landscape. And, nestled in the grounds, The Keepers parkland lodge is a real game-changer. Golfers step straight from the green to sharpen their swing in The Golf Lab, home to the region's first Foresight Hawk Golf Simulator and a PGA pro teaching studio with laser-guided putting green. And with a sun terrace, panoramic balcony and outdoor kitchen, The Keepers restaurant is an oasis of natural light, serving up breathtaking views with relaxed, contemporary dining. Matfen Hall Hotel Ltd The jewel in Northumberland's crown With UNESCO world-heritage site, Hadrian's Wall just minutes away, Matfen Hall is a calm and luxurious haven to experience the best of Northumberland's rolling landscapes and wild history. Guests can take bespoke chauffeured tours to explore the region's icons, including the set of Hogwarts at Alnwick Castle and Kielder Observatory, home to the International Dark Sky Park and unforgettable stargazing.
