I saw Martin and Eliza perform on Sunday evening at the Celtic Connections tribute gig for Dick Gaughan. Martin took a couple of attempts at starting the song and had to be prompted on the lyrics (Bonnie Woodha'). However the muscle memory is there and he played guitar beautifully as he played and sang the whole song. His voice is still strong.

The reception he got was overwhelming and yes I was a blubbing heap as a result. Of course no one had any idea that would be his final performance and I guess it was sort of fitting in a way that he was surrounded by fellow musicians who all obviously adore him. Dick Gaughan said on stage that Martin and Archie Fisher were the two he had learned the most from.

I've seen Martin in various line ups, with Chris Parkinson and Norma, with Swarb and just him solo. I feel enormously privileged to have see him live, Dick Gaughan too. I wish I had seen Nic Jones.

I just got an email from the Royal Mail notifying me that a shipment has gone out from Glasgow.

I assume in a few weeks the Dick Gaughan box set will arrive on my door step. (International shipments take flipping forever these days.)

I didn't wish anyone to infer Eliza and I are acquainted

Never acknowledged?  Well, I never.

At the time I sent a message to Eliza ( never acknowledged ) saying that he shouldn't be getting on stage solo any more and urging her to ensure that if he toured again, it was with her or a trusted musician accompanying him.