More text on The Travelling Waverlies will appear her by magic soon but in the meantime here's a reminder of what we're up to...

The Waverlies are appeared at The Pleasance on Thursday, May 11th as part of an evening's entertainment to launch the new CD Travellers Way by Kenny Vass. It was a great night and I think the CD sold well. If you were lucky enough to buy a copy I'll bet you are still waking up singing the songs.

The Waverlies also appeared at The Village in Leith on Monday the 22nd as part of the EdRush Festival. Along with Nancy Somerville we took part in a joint presentation, called Foakie Doakies, which was spread over two evenings, Monday the 22nd and Wednersday the 24th of May. Dutch singer songwriter Bernard Brogue appeared with us on the Monday and despite being a great show, I'm sorry to report that there was a very poor crowd.

We've also started recording material for the next Waverlies CD, which may be called The Diggers Irregulars.

The Waverlies are essentially four poets, two of whom are also singer songwriters and all four have collaborated on songs, poetry and combined pieces. They were formed out of performances at Poems & Pints nights organised by the Phoenix Writers in various venues around Edinburgh, most prominently, The Diggers. They've done more than their fair share in promoting local poets and singer songwriters by staging regular performances with open mic spots. Mike, Billy and Bob are all well published poets. Mike is so good with words and melodies that it's just plain scary, Billy is a dry, laconic performer of some of the wittiest and most perceptive poetry being written today and Bob's poetry has inspired many listeners, not least Tom. Bob and Tom have co-written more than a dozen songs since The Waverlies were formed.

Tom Fairnie: I won a prize at school for writing a road safety slogan and ever since I've struggled to live up to that promise.  However, I did win the West Lothian Songwriter of the Year award a couple of years back so I guess that proved something. It goes without saying that I'm very proud of both achievements.

Bob Shields: The poet of relationships. A great influence on many poets, writers and songwriters.

Mike Dillon: One of the very best songwriters anywhere. His wordplay is stunning.

Billy Cornwall: The Water of Leith runs in his blood and occasionally down his trouser leg.

Mark Barnett: The missing fifth man. Mark is becoming an essential part of The Waverlies sound.

Nancy Somerville: Has performed with The Waverlies several times mainly because she has still to find a good excuse not to. 

Jane Fairnie: Sings harmony on many of the poetry/song combinations and adds a special voice to The Waverlies low growl.

Martin Boland: Has stood in as a substitute Waverley on occasions and played wonderful guitar on The Harbour At Symi.


What inspired them?

Tom: "Writers Workshops; where people like John McCauchie and Mike Dillon gave me the benefit of their critical faculties.  I'm proud to say that some of my own writing has been included alongside theirs in a publication called Elephant's Eye, which is edited by Mike and features writers in the Workshop."

Bob: "Everything from Dylan Thomas to Bob Dylan via Mike Dillon."

Billy: "Hibernian and Leith."

Mike: "Mud, tundra and stars on the road to Kirkconnell."