INSIDER was organised at very short notice to make up for the absence of the Outsider Festival, which had been due to take place in the Aviemore area this weekend before being cancelled due to the economic downturn. Although booked-up Outsider acts such as Teenage Fanclub, King Creosote and Malcolm Middleton aren't playing, Insider can congratulate itself for luring the next generation of Scottish talent to the Highlands for what should be a pretty fine weekend. Location: Inshriach House, near Aviemore. Fascinating fact: [...]

You won't see much of me at gigs this week, because my little brother is visiting. I am gutted at having to miss the Major Matt Mason gig last night, but I just ended up being too tired and having too much to do in too little time. Samamidon is playing in Edinburgh next Monday, so that needs to be publicised. He's a bit good, and Meursault are doing an acoustic slot in support, so it promises to be an amazing night. The gig is going to be at the Bowery , which is [...]

We've never quite understood the motivation of hangers-on who would turn up for the opening of a jam jar. We're ridiculously choosy with our free time but last night The Pop Cop was made an offer we couldn't refuse with an invite to the official launch of The Picture House in Edinburgh. Let's be honest, it's not every day you get the chance to quaff quiches and compliment Fran Healy on his taste in sleeveless jumpers. (Lesson learnt: it's harder than you think to take the piss out of [...]