I spent three wonderful summer months in Shetland a few years ago. I thought I liked traditional music before that, but sitting in at some of the sessions there gave me a real kick in the pants and showed me what it was really all about.

Anyone know if Debbie Scott is still playing?

The Lounge had regular sessions, and there were one or two other places in Lerwick. There was a hotel up on the west coast a few miles north of Scalloway that had sessions.

What a fantastic place, not a tree in sight and gales howling up the voes most of the time....

I went into a camera shop in Lerwick and asked if they rented equipment out - specifically a pair of binoculars so I could do some birdwatching. Guy looks at me a bit strange, and says "Oh no, we don't do that sort of thing here". Being schooled in Manchester manners I just thought, huh, snotty git. Then he says "But I could lend you mine if you like". Talk about being put in your place.