It was a welcome return to bonny Scotland yesterday morning. We made the brave decision of taking the sleeper from Euston to Glasgow which was enjoyed by some more than others. Unfortunately the small cabins are not comfortably hospitable for 3 people, 4 saxophones and luggage and the 6 foot something Huw Wiggin.

But we made it nonetheless and arrived at Helensburgh in time to catch England beat Wales in the rugby and then it was down to some hard work.

When programming this tour we really wanted to try something different and test the audience with some challenging repertoire (we will let you know how it goes down at the end of the tour). So armed with a programme ranging from Gavin Bryars, through the great Glazunov to Piazzolla, we were welcomed into the Victoria Halls in Helensburgh for our evening recital. The generous audience last night were incredibly receptive and supportive of the musical ambush that they were subject to. It was enjoyed so much that we were invited to a drinks reception for the music committee hosted in the oldest house in the town which has been warmly restored into a beautiful home with stimulating art strewn all over the walls.

This morning we are about to embark on a day of workshops at primary schools in the Helensburgh area which we are rather looking forward to. Education plays a very strong role within our musical career so having the opportunity to go into schools on this tour is fantastic. Coffee and ear plugs at the ready!!