Double CD puts Biggar talent on record

No fewer than 20 local artistes, ranging from Biggar and District RBL Pipe Band to All the Franklins, Anya McCullagh and the Biggar Singers, are performing on the double CD of community music.

“Everyone in Biggar goes on about what fantastic talent there is in Biggar, and I thought ‘let’s record it and then let people hear it because it is pretty good’,” said project leader John Riley.

Biggar Music Development Group obtained windfarm funding, and it will plough any profits back into helping the careers of new musicians, perhaps with recording or promotion costs.

“Disc Two of the double CD is very much for the young musicians who are trying to make it in the industry, while disc one is for the enthusaistic amateurs, like the Dukes of Uke and Biggar Big Band, who do it for pleasure on a voluntary basis in the town,” said John, who plays in the Dukes ukele band.

“Disc Two is for young people who are looking for a break. There are a lot of good ones on that!”

The tracks were recorded by Joe Lynch - one of the performers - mostly in the Red Road Studios, a converted church in Dunsyre.

Music from Biggar will be launched on Sunday, December 6, at the Corn Exchange at 3pm.

Tickets for the launch are £7.50, but that includes a free copy of the double CD, and the audience will have the chance to hear the performers talk about their music and a selection of performances. For launch tickets, go to www.biggarcornexchange.org.uk or at the door on the day.

In all 1000 CDs are being produced, and a lot of the shops in Biggar are willing to take them. The CDs will cost £7.50 each.

Artists include Biggar Singers, Alison Bishop, Kieron O’Neill, and Jim Duncan.