It’s probably not something in the air. But whatever the magic ingredient, Scotland has contrived to supply more than its share of iconic female vocalists.

The other quality they share is durability. Horse McDonald has been actively working, touring, songwriting and recording for over 30 years and has produced 10 albums.

It’s exactly 30 years since her debut one, Same Sky, came out. And a re-mastered version of it will form part of her new Flying Solo tour, which she’s bringing to Cove Burgh Hall on Friday, March 6.

Cue much excitement amongst the fan base of a woman who, early in her career, toured with legendary acts like Tina Turner, BB King, Bryan Ferry and Burt Bacharach.

READ MORE: We chat to Horse McDonald ahead of her Cove Burgh Hall solo concert

As one reviewer pointed out she’s not just “one of Scotland’s all time great vocalists, but also possessed of a keen song writing intelligence.”

That sentiment is shared by pop idols like Will Young, who made a cover version of Careful – perhaps her best loved song.

Some gigs involve her band, and once, memorably, she played Barrowland with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

But the Flying Solo UK tour does what it says on the tin: Horse herself, with her guitar, an armful of songs and personal memories.

She says touring solo is not for the faint-hearted, since all the arrangements are down to her, and “if anything goes wrong, there’s nobody else to blame”.

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Yet she also enjoys the artistic freedom of being in charge of her own life, which is one of the reasons she set up her own recording label after years with the corporate big boys like Capitol.

What she doesn’t much talk about, but one of the many things that make her special, is her commitment to people such as Nordoff Robbins, the UK’s biggest music therapy charity.

It works with people who have autism, dementia, life limiting illnesses or a whole range of mental health issues.

It’s truly inspirational stuff when you read about the sheer power of music to effect minor and not so minor miracles.

Horse McDonald, Flying Solo, Cove Burgh Hall on March 6. Doors open 7.15pm for an 8pm start, and there will be a licensed bar.

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