I read Jack's mention of Newton Stewart, and it was the first I'd heard of it. Then I went out to the shops. Standing in the queue at Wilko's, the next bloke looked at me and said "Aren't you the saxophone player ? Where did I see you, was it Newton Stewart ?". (To which I replied "That's right, clarinet, never been there, Newcastleton ?". We agreed on Moniaive). He seemed to have a good opinion of Newton Stewart, anyway. The website has a few pubs that claim to welcome musicians (I'm a session animal). I might go & have a look ...

I agree with the comments about Newcastleton - not as much energy in the sessions as there used to be, watch out for the midges, but can still be nice. I think there's been new blood on the committee for the last few years, making a bit of a difference. Good weather helps.

Thanks for the list, Freddy.