Singer Kris James on his love for Glasgow and Scottish connections

Kris, 35, whose grandfather Patrick McDermott is from Scotland, says he was brought up with lots of traditions and even now loves going to Burns Night suppers around the world to keep up with his family celebrations. 

The Liverpudlian, who releases his catchy new single The Fire a week on Friday, before appearing with Lulu for her Champagne For Lulu tour at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh on November 10, said: “I’m obsessed with the architecture and the buildings in Glasgow. It’s so beautiful and historic and holds lots of history. My favourite place to play is Oran Mor because it just looks amazing and has the best sound.”

“One of my favourite places to visit is the Necropolis. I walk through there and talk to the people. Some of the graves would never have had any visitors for decades so sometimes I stand there and have a chat to them and bring the energy back. I would love to think when I die, somebody to walk past my stone and talk to me 100 years from now. It’s strange I know, but I think it’s important to remember people in any capacity.

“Also the Kelvingrove Gallery - again history is my thing. I geek out in there.

“And of course I love my haggis and so the only place for me to go is The Bothy. It’s the best place for good Scottish food and I’d love to take Lulu there. I love my coffee too and usually get a few from Laboratorio Espresso. They serve really smooth coffee and very strong!”

Kris who used to be in boyband The Scheme, not to be confused with the one time Kilmarnock based telly show of the same name, plans to perform in Glasgow as soon as he can.

He has recently toured with Will Young and Anastasia but says performing alongside Shout singer Lulu is the cherry on the cake. He added: “Lulu is just such a legend and her life stories are incredible. She is a brilliant ambassador for Scotland and I feel really honoured of be part of her farewell tour.”

Kris James