Music is our first and last memory. It’s the most interconnected and emotional of all the arts. I came across the strong impact of live music on the folk scene in Scotland and Edinburgh, with those soaring fiddles, strumming guitars and banjos, the beats and rhythms of the bohran. The immediate energy, the collective voice and instinctive collaborations. The power of the moving ballad, sung by a plaintive female singer or the emotion and memories of a traditional ballad. The impact, depth and hinterland of the traditional song.
Many of the greatest songwriters start of by singing the history and past times of the traditional folk ballads and tunes –notably Bob Dylan and Robert Burns being two.
I’ve long held a passion for the visual image. I enjoyed sketching with those varying thickness of pencils: from the softest 5B to the hard edges of 5H pencils, or with charcoal or water paints and ink. I took art at school. I explored portraits, still life and the sense of lost horizons. I play piano too, and through musicals, my national song books and Mozart, I explored my passion for music.
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I began shooting music photography in 2007. I discovered that a good image is mostly about having a good eye, while good technique and equipment helps. I shot mostly at small venues and festivals, and received good feedback and commissions.
Some highlight concerts: Michael Marra Mugdock theatre: Elton John SECC; Van Morrison Concert hall; Fleetwood Mac SECC; Bob Dylan Braehead arena; Paul Simon Clyde Auditorium; Del Amitri Hydro; Paul McCartney Hampden; Nicola Benedetti Concert hall; Snow Patrol Bellahouston; Nile Rodgers at Edinburgh book festival Unbound;
At Milngavie Folk Club: (2012 – 2018) Dick Gaughan, Dougie MacLean, Rab Noakes, Barbara Dickson, Cara Dillon, Kris Drever,
At Celtic Connections festival (2008 – 2026) Transatlantic Sessions, Grit orchestra, Capercaillie, Richard Thompson, the Chieftains, Punch Brothers, Julie Fowlis, Eddi Reader, Aly Bain, Jerry Douglas, Kris Drver, Karine Polwart, Tim O’Brien, Martin Carthy, Russ Barenberg; Blazin Fiddles, Lau, Rosanne Cash, Ross Wilson.
I’ve also taken images at Edinburgh international Book festival from 2010 – 2025. This festival is the first and biggest book festival begun in 1983.
Many famous faces, authors, artists, scientists, musicians, politicians attend – Seamus Heaney, Neil Gaiman, Edna O’Brien, Alexander MacColl Smith, Carol Joyce Oats, Ruth Rendall, Alan Cumming, Brian Cox, John Byrne, Alex Salomd, Ian Rankin and many more.
Writing
I have been rediscovering and reframing the genius Scots poet Robert Burns, after hearing his songs sung again at Celtic Connections music festival. I discovered there are so many myths surrounding him. I wanted to find the real authentic poet behind the many myths.
I write on music, arts, poetry and history – mostly on all things Scotia. Since 2015 I have been exploring the life and times of our great Scots bard Robert Burns and how he became the genius songwriter. I have visited Burns country in Ayrshire. Burns was also about the whole of Scotland – from his Scotia travels and his time in Edinburgh.
I have a large archive of images on my photo website - https://pkimage.co.uk
