Scotland has become a second home for many Irish country singers and musicians over the last few decades. In the early days it was mainly Glasgow because of the long-established and enduring tradition. For close to 30 years, Mick Flavin and his band have been making the crossing to Scotland on a regular basis. He still looks forward to those trips in a special way. “We always feel so much at home when we are over in Scotland and especially in the Highlands or the islands. That natural rapport is very strong between us and Scottish audiences have long been very faithful to the Irish country artists who have made many friendships with them over the years,” says Mick.
Scotland has become a second home for many Irish country singers and musicians over the last few decades. In the early days it was mainly Glasgow because of the long-established and enduring tradition.
For close to 30 years, Mick Flavin and his band have been making the crossing to Scotland on a regular basis. He still looks forward to those trips in a special way. “We always feel so much at home when we are over in Scotland and especially in the Highlands or the islands. That natural rapport is very strong between us and Scottish audiences have long been very faithful to the Irish country artists who have made many friendships with them over the years,” says Mick.
“I have been going over there for nearly three decades now and I still get that special feeling when I visit Fort William and other places up north. We have done regular shows in Aberdeen, Inverness, Fort William, Thurso, Wick, Invergordon and various other towns.
“I remember doing concerts with Philomena Begley in the Edencourt Theatre in Inverness back the years and there were always full houses for us. Philomena had a great following in Scotland.
“We have also done shows in Portree on the Isle of Skye as well as Stornoway on the isle of Lewis and Orkney and Shetland as well. The boat trip up to Shetland which we do every few years is one long haul.
“It takes over 12 hours one way from Aberdeen to the island and then you have to face the same journey back again. But the welcome is always great and we have made many friends on the islands down through the years.”
Mick’s affinity with Scotland has seen him record a number of Scottish songs, including an original by Aidan Cunningham. The number, Maggie McCloud, has the opening line, I met her up in Fort William, and has become one of Mick’s often requested songs.
Loyal friends
“We have some amazingly loyal friends in Scotland,” says Mick. “John and Morag McGregor from Conon Bridge in Ross-shire, about 12 miles from Inverness, have been very close friends for years. They come to our Irish weekends as do a number of other Scottish people. The Scottish people who follow our kind of music always make us feel so much at home when we visit their area. They love their country music and the chat and the banter.
“I love Scotland and always feel that old buzz when I am heading over there.”
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