Highland band Scooty and the Skyhooks prepare for Thurso stop as part of tour celebrating four decades of music
As the band recall it, “four Beauly lads decided to start a band for the love of music”.
Fast forward to 2024 and they are still giving it their best as they prepare to make a stop in Thurso in June.
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Originally known as ‘Rotation’, Scooty and the Skyhooks are this year celebrating 40 years of providing music to the Highlands and further afield the band by embarking on an anniversary tour, revisiting some of their favourite haunts.
Ed Scooty Campbell , Davie Ross and Alan Brindle were then joined by Davie Tuach and James ‘Jazz’ Henderson.
Their first public appearance was in the Moorings Hotel, Muir of Ord.
With a set list of song covers, recreating numbers originally performed U2 and Simply Red, mixed with 60s soul music floor fillers, their performances have proved extremely popular with their local following over the years, playing gigs all over the Highlands.
They first appeared in Thurso at a Gala Marquee at Millbank in July 1988, and later went on to hold gigs in the Weigh Inn Motel.
They are now preparing to make their return with a gig on Saturday June 22 at the Royal British Legion, Thurso.
Speaking about the band over the decades, lead singer Davie Ross said: “Who’d have thought we would still be around four decades later!
“In 1984, the band name was changed and Scooty and the Skyhooks were formed. The name was thought up by drummer Alan because of a certain apprentice painter being sent by his peers for some skyhooks!”
A year later, they were given the opportunity to support Showaddywaddy in Eden Court Theatre, a performance which led to many exciting support slots that the band were to play over 4 decades.
Since then, Scooty and the Skyhooks has supported Deacon Blue, Jools Holland, Martha Reeves and the Vandalls, and Runrig. They continue to have an annual slot at the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival.
Two members of the band are originally from Caithness, Kelly Macleod, additional vocals and Frank Gunn on keyboards.
Mr Ross added: “It’s hard to believe we’ve been around this long. The continued support we receive is absolutely amazing.
“We really appreciate it. We just want everyone to have a really enjoyable time and hopefully turn back the clock for one night with lots of dancing, fun and reminiscing.”
Lorraine Christie from LWC Events said: “I am delighted to support Scooty and the Skyhooks on their 40th Anniversary tour, having taken them to Thurso in 1988 it is exciting to take them back for this special tour.
“The event takes place on Saturday June 22 at the Royal British Legion Thurso, and it would be so good to have a full house to welcome this amazing band to Caithness again”.