I've just been spending the last three weeks in Asheville, North Carolina, in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. I received a grant from the Scottish Arts Council to do a research project tracing the development of Scottish traditional ballads in this area. I have met some wonderful ballad singers and recorded different versions of songs which travlled over to NC with the Scotch-Irish in the 17- and 1800s. The hospitality of the mountain folk has been exceptionally warm and I am grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way. This weekend I attended the US' largest Americana/roots festival, Merlefest, where I was allocated a last minute slot on the Songwriters Stage prior to a breathtaking set by Darrell Scott. Back home tomorrow to finish off my album and to start the UK festival circuit!