The West Highland Way Connection, released tomorrow (Fri), is a celebration of Scottish music, and includes tracks by a number of Lochaber musicians.

It is the latest offering from Scottish musician Billy McIsaac’s charity label, SFF Records, and features music from each end of the West Highland Way.

All profits from the album will benefit the Lochaber Hydrotherapy Pool and Sports Injury Clinic, which is now under construction in Fort William and is scheduled to open by the end of 2007.

SFF Records was formed in 2003 by Billy to raise funds for Lochaber Hydrotherapy. He released a CD, Here’s Tae Us in 2004, and a DVD, Here’s Tae Lochaber, in 2006. Billy’s fundraising activities together with the CD and DVD have raised over £32,000 for the charity.

Billy, whose own track, Lochaber, is on the album, has good reason to be involved, as he explains: “The charity is close to my heart. One of the three thousand people who will benefit from the pool is a close friend of mine. He was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 17 years ago. Despite all the pain he’s in, he shows great courage and humour and this is a real incentive for me to raise funds.

“The West Highland Way is one of the most popular long distance walking routes in Britain and so it is appropriate that a CD featuring the very best music from the west coast of Scotland celebrates its success.”

Midge Ure and Billy McIsaac both were members of the 1970s successful Scottish band Slik.

“I’m absolutely delighted that Midge has agreed to contribute a track to the album. I’m also thrilled by the contribution of so many Lochaber artists. It is a real showcase for the talent within the area,” added Billy.

Local musicians contributing to the album include Ingrid Henderson, Skippinish, Allan Henderson, Iain MacDonald and Iain MacFarlane.

Ingrid Henderson said: “I was delighted to be involved. It’s a great thing that Billy has been doing over the years and I’m only too pleased to be helping a really worthwhile cause in Lochaber Hydrotherapy.

“The link with the West Highland Way is very good and the album will give tourists a real taste of Lochaber. It will help continue to raise the profile of the area, and of the musicians.”

And Garry Innes, who has contributed a march and reels set, called The Wee Purple Fella, added: “I was delighted to be able to make a contribution to such a worthwhile charity. The album really highlights the fact that Lochaber is home to so many talented musicians.”

In addition to releasing the CD, Billy is also organising a sponsored West Highland Way walk, leaving Milngavie on Saturday and arriving in Fort William on Friday, March 30. There will be a CD launch evening in the Lime Tree Gallery on Saturday, March 31, from 8pm to midnight, featuring Skipinnish, Gary Innes and Rachel Walker. Tickets are available at Fired-Art, Fort William. The new album will be available from a number of local outlets.

s.taylor@lochaber-news.co.uk<

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