An actor's life for me with...Scott Kyle

Reelin', rockin' and relaxin'

Reely Jiggered on stage

This month sees the launch of a great new album from the refreshingly brilliant Reely Jiggered.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time listening to these guys, over the last few weeks, and they are a real inspiration.

The group was founded by Fiona McNeil and her sister Alison, who I worked alongside last summer in the play A War of Two Halves, along with their friend Scott McLean. They are sometimes joined by Emma Murray and Hugh Cox.

Although clearly influenced by Celtic Folk music their work brings together a taste of Mexico, Cuba and other vibrant styles from around the world. It’s a real blend of Celtic, funk, rock, pop and jazz.

They have got to be one of Scotland’s most interesting bands around at the moment as they are always in demand, playing at festivals across Scotland and going on tours to mainland Europe, Mexico, Japan and Pakistan.

Their new album Tricky Terrain is available to download now and is full of original songs and arrangements of traditional tunes selecting the landscape and people who have shaped the members of the band.

Their new project is a celebration of Scottish culture and diversity but also explores mental health and world issues using a combination of traditional music, rock, pop, dance beats and Eastern melodies. You can check them out at http://www.reelyjiggered.co.uk

Another reason why I think they’re so great is, apart from being fantastic musicians and entertainers, they are passionate about working with young people and keeping Live Music and Heritage Alive.

They have also been keeping people entertained during the world-wide lockdown by performing live from their drive every Saturday night with The Live on the Drive @ 5 Show on FaceBook.

Broadcast to the world via social media Alison and Fiona have been giving impromptu performances that certainly help lighten the mood and keep people cheerful. At the last count more than 250,000 folks had tuned in to watch them. Keep up the good work guys!

That’s entertainment!

They say necessity is the mother of invention and the current lockdown has certainly brought out the creative talent in lots of people.

Whether it’s making funny TikTok videos, performing for neighbours in the street or writing a book (like me) the extra time has produced a wealth of new ways to entertain.

I’ve been especially impressed at how people have adapted technology and social media to come up with projects they would probably never have thought of before. Whether it’s plays performed by actors in different locations via video sharing apps or people making old-time radio style productions it just goes to show you can’t put a lid on creativity.

I was recently asked to be a guest on RadioRoo, a weekly social media broadcast produced by television presenter, antiques expert and my fellow columnist Roo Irvine.

Each week she asks people to suggest songs that mean something special to them and she invites guests on to have a chat via video link. She broadcasts the whole thing via her Facebook page.

It was quite surreal being interviewed in my back garden in Glasgow by Roo, who was sitting miles away in her home in Argyll, while we listened to my choice of Rod Stewart singing The Motown Song. It always reminds me of house parties at my mum’s place when I was growing up.

Other guests who have appeared on the show include actor Tony Maudsley and Keith Duffy from Boyzone and Boyzlife.

RadioRoo is a such simple idea but it has been attracting loads of people as it serves up a bit of fun, a lot of memories and is a great distraction from all the madness.

It only takes two...

My wife and I on our wedding day

April 26 was my wedding anniversary. I can’t believe it’s seven years since Karen and I had our dream wedding at the Olympic Lagoon Resort in Cyprus.

It was a fantastic few days spent at this luxury all-inclusive destination which has been specifically designed for couples seeking romantic holidays and families to enjoy quality time together.

This year was a bit different. Instead of the golden sands of Cyprus we had the green grass of Glasgow as most of the day was spent in the garden, followed by a cosy night in binge watching old movies. It was real trip down memory lane, watching the films we went to see more than 20 years ago when we started dating.

It might not have been the most exotic if anniversaries but, in its way, it was every bit as romantic.

Community spirit

If there is one thing that gives me hope that something positive can come out of the nightmare we are all experiencing at the moment it is the renewed community spirit.

A few nights a week I’ve been working with a charity that supports thousands of people across the country who need help to live as independently as possible in their own homes. It has been a fantastic experience seeing the difference such an organisation can make to people’s lives.

I would encourage everyone to do something if they can, especially for some of the smaller charities. A lot of very valuable and sorely needed voluntary organisations are struggling at the moment.

One reason I enjoy writing for Scotland Correspondent is that while other publications charge a cover price, or hide their content behind a paywall, this magazine doesn’t!

Instead, people are asked to consider taking the money they save reading us instead of other magazines and donating it to a good cause of their choice. Every day should be #PayItForwardDay.