In Tune with Nature

Would you like to support me on my 333-mile walk, north to south through Scotland, making a wee difference?

Part trek, part musical odyssey: I plan to walk from the northwest highlands (Loch Maree Torridon) to Leadhills (one of Scotland's two highest villages). Along the way, I will perform my music at three venues (Glencoe Visitor Centre, Mugdock Country Park and The Hopetoun Arms, Leadhills) featuring both old tunes and new tunes, some of which will be inspired by the walk itself.

My goal is to raise awareness about Scotland's remarkable natural landscapes, celebrate its stunning beauty, its unique geology and assist in the conservation of its wildlife, engaging with individuals and communities along the way.

Your support will make a difference in three key ways:

1. By sponsoring my challenging adventure, you will help cover the musicians’ fees and the creation and performance of music and songs inspired by nature during the three gigs. Like many, I turn to the landscape for solace, for peace and, as an artist, for inspiration. But I fear these safe spaces, these breathing spaces, our Scottish wildlife are at risk from large-scale developments and mass infrastructure. 

My fellow musicians and I will strive to communicate the importance of preserving these breathtaking landscapes, cherishing their quiet and calm, reducing metal while enhancing wildlife, linking to the timeless rugged mountains and the changing seasons found in the peat, bog, and among the leaves of the trees, which contribute to Scotland's distinctiveness. We will share stories through song about the experiences I encounter and also play some on-the-spot musical improvisations with audience participation! Maybe a song about a bat or a bothy mouse?

2. You will also be making a difference by donating to The Bat Conservation Trust, which is committed to protecting bats and their habitats. I will be traversing many of these charming bat habitats, celebrating their existence and highlighting the importance of protecting and maintaining quiet, safe spaces for all wildlife. It’s vital to acknowledge how many new developments threaten our wildlife and beautiful countryside. Please help me quietly and gently celebrate our wildlife without causing a loud disturbance, as they would prefer it that way, with a peaceful heart.

3. Your contributions will aid the Mountain Bothies Association, too. These are volunteers who look after bothies/shelters for our use. Brown dog and I will be incredibly thankful for their shelter on the way, allowing us to rest during our journey and stretch our legs after being in the tent! These bothies/shelters provide a haven for people in the hills during bad weather and offer a place to rest tired feet! They are remarkable spots, with doors left open for those who love to walk in the often remote landscape. We must advocate for the right to roam and the availability of open shelters in our mountainous terrain. Let’s continue to walk freely and utilise mountain bothies, which keep their doors open for both us humans and the countryside and wildlife to thrive.

YOUR DONATIONS WILL BE DIVIDED EQUALLY BETWEEN THESE 3 CAUSES

Please, join me and support me on this journey as I make my way through Scotland, with Brown dog, on foot and paw to celebrate, honour and marvel at what we still possess, so that together we can raise our voices to celebrate, cherish and keep safe the natural beauty that we hold so dear.