Marching to a different tune

Clanadonia's music is the authentic tribal sound of Scotland's Pictish clans. They've been entertaining audiences from across the globe for over 20 years at international music festivals and the like, with their drums and pipes. Today they were back in the streets of Glasgow during Celtic Connections fortnight, in a prime position at the foot of the Concert Hall steps at the top of Buchanan Street. Their blend of tribal rhythms, bagpipes and tartan clad mayhem had attracted a small crowd - and also a chap on the steps having his lunch and being wowed by their high energy sounds.

For this composition I selected the three drummers next to the statue of former First Minister of Scotland Donald Dewar. This position followed from the Yes vote for Scottish devolution in 1997. So, in this year when we vote whether to have a separate parliament rather than a devolved one, this scene is quite symbolic. Poor Dewar died of a brain hemorrhage aged just 53. I don't imagine in his wildest dreams he would have envisaged 15 years or so down the line we'd be contemplating independence.