In July, Linda and I attended Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in North Carolina. At this event I was surprised and delighted to have been awarded the prestigious Agnes McCrae Morton Award that was presented to me by President, Ross Morrison and Highland Games Manager, Frank Vance.

A few months later in October I attended the Stone Mountain Highland Games in Atlanta for my 26th straight year. To my great surprise, my longtime friend, Barry Austin and his lovely wife, Caroline, made the trip from Scotland and surprised me as we checked in to our hotel. I had last seen Barry at the end of my Highlands and Islands Tour just two weeks prior to my accident in July of 2011. Having Barry and Caroline’s company for the weekend was very uplifting.

I would like to thank Frank Vance and the Board of Directors of Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Dick Swanson and the Board of Directors of the Stone Mountain Highland Games for their continued kindness and hospitality. And special thanks to Jill Cyr for providing Linda and I with excellent accommodations at the Marriott Conference Center at Stone Mountain Park as well as making the arrangements for Barry and Caroline. As always, Stone Mountain is a special place and provides the opportunity to renew old friendships. This is true of many festivals throughout North America that I have performed at throughout the years.

I had hoped to have my new CD, “Live – In Concert” out in time for the Christmas season. Unfortunately, setbacks in production have delayed the release. The problems have been resolved and it will be available very soon. For those who have not yet heard, this album was recorded at the Costa Mesa ScotFest Games in Southern California. My dear friends, Alasdair Fraser and Eric Rigler are featured on this release. The collection is a double CD of over two hours of song, music and lively banter.

In closing, please accept my wish that you have a Wonderful Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.