In January, 2014, Falkirk was officially designated a Creative Place. The successful bid to Creative Scotland's 2014 Creative Place Awards was co-ordinated by Falkirk Community Trust on behalf of a number of partner agencies (see sleeve notes). The Falkirk Music Pot is one of three projects forming part of the Creative Place programme entitled 'Acts of Discovery' which complement and build on the distinctive features of cultural activity in the area. Falkirk born musician Brian McNeill was invited to become involved and brought expertise, passion, energy and a wealth of experience to the project. A career spanning 45 years has established Brian as one of the most acclaimed forces in Scotland's music. He's been described as 'Scotland's most meaningful contemporary songwriter' (The Scotsman). Add to that his work and influence as performer, composer, producer, teacher, musical director, band leader, novelist and interpreter of Scotland's past, present and future and you have a man who has never stood still. He has performed around the globe, both as a soloist and with some of the most influential Scottish bands, including The Battlefield Band. Brian brings many of his own songs to the project, including such classics as 'The Lad's o' The Fair', 'The Boys That Broke The Ground' and 'The Best o' The Barley' and also plays some of his own compositions. Special mention must be given to Sylvia Barnes' interpretation of Brian's song 'The Travelling Nation's Pride' but this album is full of gems, including a wide variety of sounds from local singers and musicians plus pupils of Falkirk schools, The Bo'ness and Carriden Band and solo pipers Amy Low and Emma Buchan. The wonderful 'Kelpies Suite', consists of seven pieces of song and music. Scotland's links with Malawi in southern Africa are numerous and Falkirk High School has an ongoing partnership with Bandawe Girls Secondary School, resulting in three tracks from singers and pupils of this school, giving the album an international dimension. Brian McNeill and Jacqueline France spent a week at Bandawe School in September, 2014, working with the girls and recording them. The eye-catching cover was designed by Brian McNeill, with additional artwork by Jacqueline France. Booklet designed by Iain Stretford. Mastered by Peter Haigh, Pier House Studios.
