Hey SD, some good points there and I wouldn't argue with most of them. Incidentally, Hognmanay Live is always broadcast in England, I always watch it and it's usually very good. My remark about the programme being below-par was simply as a result of comparison with previous years, simple as that. You're correct about the problems with the OB stuff from Edinburgh - tough on the production guys but hey, that's what they get their big pay-cheques for.

My first two postings were in defence of KR who seemed to be taking most of the folkie flak, quite unfairly IMOH. I've seen all of her appearances on TV and she doesn't come over particularly well (I'd guess it's the nerves thing) but I don't see a small number of below-par TV appearances as a legitimate reason for the kicking she's had in this thread. I especially objected to the bitchiness about her choice of dress - she's a young, independent woman and is perfectly entitled to wear whatever she wants. She's also an excellent live performer, generous as an artist and a great young ambassador for the Tradition.

My main dislike (apart from the daft 'Monarch of The Glen' guy) was the inclusion of Roseanne Cash as the main artist when there are so many other great home-grown talents around (Okay, I mentioned Bonnie Raitt earlier - she sounds like a yank but I'm pretty sure she was born in Scotland :-)). If you read my stuff again, you'll see that I'm batting for a Scottish production starring Scottish performers.

IMOH
JB