Well, here we are again. Thanks to all of you who have pointed out that you’ve been missed off the list. My apologies. I hope this one gets to everyone. Also, it has been pointed out on more than one occasion that this particular letter is LATE. You’re right, another apology (this can’t go on) but I have not had a minute. So, here I am with a minute.

This is what is, and has been, happening. Many of you are asking if I’m enjoying living in Germany. Truth is that I don’t know. I’ve hardly been there. Any home of mine is just a base. I am still enjoying the concept and do love the flat, it’s contents and surroundings. I’m very lucky.

I had another successful tour of Germany with Vic Besch. That was a Robert Burns tour.

This was also the month that I picked up my new motorbike. Honda Blackbird XXY. Bright Blue. It’s already had a few things happen to it. It was only one day old when my (dubious) friend who shall NOT remain nameless, Pete Gray of Sheffield, shunted it off its sidestand with his car. There was, thankfully, minimal damage. It’s really a great bike though. I was over a year without one but could stand it no longer.

Although I enjoyed Kent, it was there my week old bike had a puncture. Nice start. £150 for a new tyre.

MAY / JUNE

America was very good this time. I’m doing more of these Highland Games come music festivals. Amazingly, they seem to like me. I’m glad to report that Bill and Karen Reid, the organizers, are keen to use me more. Long may that continue. They don’t make me wear the kilt either. Although I suspect they’re planning something with the Burns’ stuff which would require that. That’s fine in that context. I do like wearing the kilt. (provided it’s a leather one, of course)

The ‘Alloway Tales’ album of Burns songs has been very well received and, I’m glad to report, has been seen in many of the major stores in the States. I hope they’re selling. Fingers crossed.

I enjoyed a few British gigs this month. Amongst them, Lichfield festival with Ian Lowthian, more of that please. Another apology coming up, to the Four in a Bar club near Burton on Trent. Due to extremely low attendance, I, mistakenly, thought it would be less uncomfortable for everybody if the night was abandoned. This also saved the club’s bank balance considerably. I later discovered that this did not go down well. So, a public apology and I hope we can sort things out.

In Auchterarder post office, some b……. lifted my £100 cash, from the counter when I turned my back. Thanks to whatever lowlife did that. I really hope you needed it that badly.

THE FUTURE

I’m looking forward to a short tour of Germany with Ian Lowthian and Iain Fraser . That will be in March. All rosy it seems.

I’ve been writing songs again. So far, they have received a lot of encouraging responses.

These days, these letters are distributed by my friend Elaine Hawkins. She is keen to make them a two way affair where you too can have an input. I would welcome this. Please feel free to contact her on editor@ianbruce.co.uk

Without the help of people like her, Bob and Roseann and Heidi, I just couldn’t do this job. Thanks to them and please contact them regarding my music at any time. You can also email me direct at Thesingingbruce@aol.com.

It’s been a good year, so far. I look forward to seeing you soon.

IAN BRUCE