Tiree: Outside The Box

This photo is a bit of a cheat. It's technically not from today but it was too good an event that I had to put it up.

I've been to a number of Celtic Connections events while I've been a student in Glasgow but last night was easily the best gig I've attended.

Tiree: Outside The Box was a tribute to Gordon Connell, a local hero in Tiree, who has taught and mentored some of the best accordion players in Scotland - all of whom hail from the small island of Tiree. It is remarkable that an island with a population of around 650-750 has produced four of the best Celtic bands in Scotland.

It was a pleasure to listen to Gunna Sound, Skipinnish, Skerryvore and Trail West all at the same concert. The phenomenally talented musicians helped entertain a sell out crowd at Glasgow's O2 ABC. Each band played a half hour set before a mass collaboration finale (pictured above), which Gordon Connell joined in with.

If ever there was ever an advert for Scottish Celtic music then last night was it. A fantastic idea from Celtic Connections and Daniel Gillespie (Skerryvore band member) organised it brilliantly. My only hope now is that it becomes an annual event. If not then there is always the Tiree Music Festival.