Tune Up - Music Touring Across Scotland

His lighthouse attracts musical stars from all over

A REMOTE Scots lighthouse has become a beacon for musicians from around the world. John Sutherland bought Dunnet Head lighthouse overlooking the Pentland Firth in Caithness in 1992. He travelled the globe for years as a struggling musician but now the music world is flocking to his unusual home, a venue for artists to record and play live.

Technology

He built an advanced home recording studio containing the latest digital technology. Operating it as a hobby with his son, Isaac, a steady stream of local clients recorded there. Then a couple of years ago he had a desperate phone call from a promoter searching for a Caithness venue for American country singer Steve Young. That prompted John to put on his own concerts, with unexpected results.

John, from Thurso, explained, "The old engine roomis now a wide open space that can sit 100 people. That concert went well so Isaac and I decided to organise a gig once a month."

House concerts, where smaller-name musicians play in a fan's home, are growing in popularity but John's setting makes for something different. "In the first season we had great acts like Nick Harper, Rab Noakes, Davy Graham, and Jason Ringenberg from the States. We're about to finish the third season, which virtually booked itself. The next season is almost fully booked already. Chris Hillman, one of the original members of The Byrds, told me he'd like to play here."

This is the second year Dunnet Head has been part of the Scottish Arts Council's Tune Up series, where musicians play in far-flung or musically isolated areas of Scotland. John said, "Last year it was modern folk group Aberfeldy and on Tuesday it's Glasgow singer-songwriter Roddy Hart. I don't advertise. If I did I'd need to get certain licences and install a disabled toilet. So it's best to keep them as house concerts, meaning attendance is by invite only.

"I have around 150 names and I'll contact them in the days before a concert. Usually we'll get at least 50 to 60 people.

Different bands

"I've had fans from London to Orkney asking for an invite to see an artist they're fond of."

In the 1960s and 70s John went from country to country, playing his guitar to make a living. He was in different bands, mostly based in Edinburgh.

With his wife Christine, a primary headteacher, he has two children in addition to 27-year-old Isaac — Edward (25) and Christina (22).

"I fell for the lighthouse in the 1960s when I used to drive home a young lady from the area, so when it came on the market I jumped at it," he added.