David Ward

Known as the 'Blind Piper of Gairlch', Iain Dall MacKay (1656-1754), from Sutherland, lost his sight aged 7 after having smallpox. Despite this, he went to Skye to study piping and became a piper and bard to the MacKenzies. After living at Flowerdale, he retired to Badachro to live with his daughter. He is buried in the old #Gairloch churchyard. [print by S.P Fuller, 1848; copy from the collections at #Gairloch Museum]

On my walks in fine spring weather. On Wed: in large walled garden 1.5 miles away, now given over only to grass & a few roses. Today: amorous toads & the burn quite low. Today ≥ 17ºC, light wind veering from SE to SW. Washing dried on line in under 1 hr. Might be snow next week!

Wooooooow!!! → Wooooooow!!! ← Wooooooow!!! →

A magpie & peacock stand off currently taking place in my garden.

#Kylestrome, in #Sutherland, c1920s [source: HLH Archives, D1751/2/2/11]

Here’s the programme I have curated for Saturday’s second “Themenkonzert” about @brettdeanmusic’s opera OF ONE BLOOD — presented by @bay_staatsoper at @Brainlab. A deep dive into Tudor music, much of which was written for Elizabeth I or Mary Stuart! staatsoper.de/en/productions…

If you’re following the Fall-out read this fantastic letter from the former bass trombone player of the BSO to the board and trustees. @BostonSymphony slippedisc.com/2026/03/boston…

Tristan & Isolda. Met Opera Openning night. “SOME OF THE BEST MOMENTS OF OPERA I’VE EVER HEARD ... A PEAK OF THE MET’S PAST DECADE” —New York Magazine “AN ASTONISHING PERFORMANCE … THE EVENT OF THE SEASON.” —The New York Times After years of anticipation, a truly unmissable event arrives as the electrifying Lise Davidsen tackles one of the ultimate roles for dramatic soprano: the Irish princess Isolde in Wagner’s transcendent meditation on love and death. Heroic tenor Michael Spyres stars opposite Davidsen as the love-drunk Tristan. The momentous occasion also marks the advent of a new, Met-debut staging by Yuval Sharon—hailed by The New York Times as “the most visionary opera director of his generation” and the first American to direct an opera at the famed Wagner festival in Bayreuth—as well as Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s first time leading Tristan und Isolde at the Met. Mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Gubanova reprises her signature portrayal of Brangäne, alongside bass-baritone Tomasz Konieczny, who sings Kurwenal after celebrated Met appearances in Wagner’s Der Fliegende Holländer and Ring cycle. Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green makes an important role debut as King Marke. Please note that video cameras will be in operation during the March 17 and March 21 performances as part of the Met’s Live in HD series of cinema transmissions youtu.be/0Ai5xn5jU0M?si…

This is very disconcerting @bt_uk I rang back a mobile number that had just rung me: except it hadn't. Some 3rd party was fraudulently ringing *as if* from that number. What can be done about this? Anything? @howardnoakley

The sounds of the hill from the Angus Glens

Happy St Patrick’s Day. Here’s an excerpt of The Fairytales of Ireland by Coates/Lockton recorded with accompanist and maestro extraordinaire @Beniskeys a few years back for @StAndrewsVoices

The cutest roadblock #Shetland

An American Dream?” - out May 22 on @alpha_classics I grew up in awe of America, but now my feelings are mainly nostalgic. With this repertoire, I wanted to express my admiration for the incredible creativity and tenacity of composers who shaped a musical language that…

Please dear friends spread the word far and wide for 18-22 year old singers to come and try and become a Luxon Amit Singing Bursary recipient 25/26 April this year..

Am I the only one who is shocked at the US commander-in-chief reported as saying "we may hit it [Kharg Island] a few more times just for fun"? Just for fun? Any commander who prosecutes war, with death and destruction, "just for fun" surely isn't fit for command.

The best-preserved pre-Christian building in the UK. The Broch of Mousa, on a small island in Shetland, is 2,300 years old and almost its original height. It is the most complete example of this type of building, one of 500 built in Scotland and nowhere else.

Roger Norrington would have been 92 today. What a character - musically and personally! On his early original-instrument performances: "We were often accused of knowing it all; but we didn't... It's always a strength not to be sure of your position. We had to search for answers."

The old Ferry House at Àrd Neackie, the peninsula on the east side of Loch Eriboll, March 1985 [photo: Ken MacKenzie / Highland Council]

Light will always break through the dark times. Stay safe, keep well. #prayingforpeace

Beautiful day between the showers. And look at the snow on the hills! We’ve had every season this last week.