I know I’m probably sounding like an old person (!) but I seem to find time going faster nowadays. I’ve even written a song about it. The last time I sent a greeting to everyone was Easter, earlier this year, and of course so much has happened since in everyone’s lives, including mine. 

 

I recall saying then that I was about to go to Belfast to perform at Anthony Toner’s birthday concerts. I had no idea what to expect really, but it was such a treat to be able to celebrate Anthony’s work with all his Northern Irish friends and to meet people I’d heard him talk about with great affection, and what a cohort of musical friends indeed. I sang with Anthony and was backed by a great band made up of his associates in music, locally. It was such great weather too, I recall, and after Nick was persuaded to also attend, we had a lovely time all together in Belfast. I’ve always loved the city, even from my early days singing in folk clubs, in sessions at Pat’s Bar and then of course at the Festivals at the University in the Whitla Hall, and all sorts of other great venues over the years. 

 

I’ve had some great personal trips this year and the first was to Copenhagen in the Spring to visit a friend. It’s such a beautiful city and we walked and walked all over and took canal trips around. There’s masses of water there, and of course, it’s right on the sea, so I can do nothing but recommend it highly. The Danes speak perfect English, too, which is a relief, as Danish is very difficult to pronounce. 

​

I was also in France in summer visiting old friends who have relocated to the far south of the country. I love France and where they live is very unspoilt, farming country with fantastic real food. I’m always astonished at the local markets, with their charcuterie and cheeses, breads etc., and all so fresh. And for me, the history fiend, fabulous ancient buildings and churches to explore... a treat for the senses in every way.

 

I’ve done lots of shows this year but I am finding it difficult to embrace travel days and hotels like I once did. I’ve made a rule, for the time being, that folks will have to come to me, instead of vice versa for a while, until I decide whether to retire from live performance or not. You see, I keep getting asked to do interesting things, so I waver! 

​

However, after I cancelled a traunch of shows at the end of September and early October, due to illness, I decided to scale things back, geographically, having stated how much I love playing with Nick and having David on sound, with the marvellous Anthony Toner in my shows. It’ll be so difficult to let go when I do. 

 

I have a dream to have a pug and always have loved them. I’ve never been able to have a dog with my working life and loads of going away. I heard that pugs don’t like being alone, so we decided that if we had a pug, we should have a friend for him and Oliver loves Beddywhippets, so if you hear of a beddywhippet going, let us know at the website!! This is of course part of the ‘retirement’ plan, so I guess no one will tell me, even if they know of hundreds of beddywhippets! They are difficult to find in Scotland too. 

 

I’ve just completed my last shows of 2025 and am looking forward to going to India in January to explore the south and Kerala. I return for Edinburgh's Lord Provost Robert’s Burns Supper at the end of the month, where I am giving the Reply to the Toast to the Lassies. I’ve also put together a little gathering of old friends to remember Archie Fisher, the great Scots musician, writer and singer, who just died. We’ll remember him fondly, particularly his great voice and guitar playing, sadly missed. It’s not a concert but folks may decide to break into song, if so moved. 

 

Then onward for now… it seems that the folks in the north of England will be benefitting from my decisions regarding work, for now, but I do hope to keep in touch with you all. I’m so pleased you like the reissues so much and of course, my latest offering of ‘Perfectly Designed’, the collection of my work since 2005 with Troy Donockley and laterally Nick Holland in the producer’s chair. 

 

Have a lovely Christmas time, and I hope it's peaceful and joyful. May 2026 bring all you wish for, and good health and happiness in the New Year. See you along the road, hopefully, soon.

 

Love,

 

BARBARA x