The Glasgow Irish: Glasgow probably has the largest Irish community in Scotland, and certainly has the most active Irish traditional music community in the whole of the land. The island of Ailsa Craig is known as Paddy’s Milestone as it marked the mid-way point on the Belfast to Glasgow boat journey. Small wonder, then, that this vibrant Glasgow Irish community saw Girvan as a halfway house at which to meet up with singers and musicians from the other side, at the same time getting a break away from the city at a holiday weekend.
These musical meetings also allow a cross-fertilisation between the two communities, allowing each to learn and to refine techniques, renew old acquaintances, and make new ones. And, of course, the craic is always mighty!