Village Hall, Ullapool, 6 March 2010

The Vatersay Boys

HAVING been going to Ullapool on camping holidays since the young age of 18 months, it’s one of my favourite places in Scotland. Always keen for a reason to return, the chance of seeing one of my favourite festival bands, The Vatersay Boys, in the village hall soon had me booking into a hotel for the night (March is too cold for camping!).

Wandering about the village on Saturday afternoon, it didn’t matter what shop or café you were in, everyone was talking about the gig that night. Although I love staying in the big city of Inverness, and enjoy all the benefits of city living, it was quite extraordinary and wonderful to see the whole community buzzing with anticipation.

And the party was already in full swing when I arrived, with couples young and old in the middle of a very quick and energetic Strip the Willow: a much changed scene from the last time I saw the band at The Ironworks, where the people dancing in the crowd were very much in the minority – at least at the beginning of the evening!

However, I was far removed from city comforts (well, an hour anyway) – and this gig was taking place in front an almost native crowd, The Vatersay Boys having played at several Loopallu festivals over the years. Indeed, the first time I ever had the pleasure of enjoying their music was at said festival two years ago, and I now try and catch them whenever I can.

And although I have seen them play several times, my enthusiasm for watching the band never fades. Every time I have seen them I have always had a great time and enjoyed listening to the music and joining in with a few ceilidh dances myself – the aching arms and legs the next day telling me I’m not quite as fit as I used to be! And the band always appear to be up for a good time and making sure that the crowd have an equally good time as well.

And the crowd’s (or the band’s) enthusiasm never waned throughout the evening. The dance floor was filled all evening long, which I believe is always a good sign. Once again, the band seemed to enjoying themselves as much as the crowd, and I think all those in attendance would agree another fantastic night was had in Ullapool. Now, how long ’til Loopallu?

© Elizabeth Sinclair, 2010

Links

• The Vatersay Boys