Originally from Nairn in the Highlands of Scotland, Norman has been playing button accordion since early childhood. Shortly after moving to Edinburgh in 2002 he turned fully professional. Norman was the all Scotland button accordion champion 2004.

His compositions have received air play on both local and national radio stations and are becoming increasingly popular in folk music circles with musicians such as Sandy Brechin, Kevin McLeod, Mike and Ali Vass, Busk Till Dawn and German band Dan due to record some of the tunes on their forthcoming albums. He is also working on his own album which is planned for release early 2006.

He was recently approached by Friday Harbour radio in Argentina and asked to present a Scottish folk music special, The fifty minute show came live from Edinburgh fringe festival and featured some of Scotland's top musicians and bands. The show proved to be so popular that it was recently re-aired.

Carrie Thomas (Fiddle/Caller):

Carrie's first introduction to the folk music scene was through the youth gaitherin out of which she formed the ceilidh band Cuchulain's raven which became notorious in Edinburgh for its unpronounceable name and half hour long strip the willow sets! She originally trained in classical music before taking up folk and receiving tuition from some of Scotland's finest fiddlers including Alasdair Fraser and Gavin Marwick.

She also performs with "Busk Till Dawn" as part of a duo with well known harpist and singer Rosie Morton.

Billy Oke (Drums):

When Billy joined the band his rock/funk drum grooves brought the sound right into the 21st century and his obligatory drum solo spot has become a legendary part of the bands performance. Billy was a pupil at Broughton High music school Edinburgh where he studied both percussion and bass guitar.

He is also in much demand as a bass guitarist and plays with several groups including The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience and funk/jazz band TEWOR (The Enchanting Wizards of Rhythm).

One of the highlights of Billy's musical career to date was being asked to perform at the opening of the Scottish parliament where he played percussion in a piece caller Mackay's memoirs which was composed by Martyn Bennett.

Testimonial

"Mackay is one of Scotland's best accordionists."

- The List

"You won't hear a better button box player anywhere in the world!"

- Fergie MacDonald

"This ceilidh crew will blow your socks off"

- Loudon Temple