Of course there's more to Scotland that Tartan, Bagpipes, Whiskey and Haggis, But I had to start somewhere and all those things have endured for hundreds of years and unlock something in me that goes back even longer..Something really ancient so While I wanted to visit a kilt-maker, whiskey place and all that I happily settled for . Perhaps my appreciation for Scotland and its influence on me is happening the longer I live in the relentless sunshine of California. Not that I'm complaining but when I go back to Scotland now, the wet air and constant bloody rain is a welcome change. I am a Pisces and need the water to feel clear in my head and Los Angeles is a dry crispy desert right now. Should We all do a rain dance?
Last year while shooting my Documentary on Little Jimmy Scott I went to London to interview Jools Holland the notable musician and Television host. I knew I would zip up to Scotland to see my dad and took my cinematographer with me to film. While we stayed in Edinburgh I went on Twitter looking for a Gaelic singer and wouldn't you know I found Gaelic Singer Joy Dunlop who was a brilliant sport. We had hoped to spend more time with her in Argyll but alas we had to head back to London so we spent the afternoon with her on the banks of Loch Lomond where she agreed to sing outside in the pissing rain. When we were standing there, the noise of the water was booming so loud I thought what the fuck are we doing? there is no way we will hear her over this.. but when she started singing in Gaelic, her voice cut through and almost silenced the sounds of rushing water next to us. It was powerful and almost eerie. To have experienced Gaelic music sung by a person who clearly embodies the rugged and unpretentious spirit of Scotland's people was brilliant. I look forward to getting back to Scotland this summer and hanging out with Joy at one of the many Gaelic singing competitions she judges across the highlands and Islands. I hope she will introduce me to more singers who are studying this gorgeous music and we can help them out with whatever they need. Cheers- S
