When Absolute Classics proposed the idea, Melodies of Dumfries and Galloway, I thought I'd try to contribute as I benefit from their Education work every year. For the last few years, I've been given the chance to learn from fantastic professional musicians in 1 to 1 masterclasses, who visit to perform in the Absolute Classics' Festival, held every August across Dumfries and Galloway .

For my melody of Dumfries and Galloway, I am arranging one of the Langholm Common Riding Songs for solo cello. Rowan Tree is  a traditional song, usually sung, amongst many others, during the celebrations held for Langholm Common Riding.

Langholm Common Riding is a tradition upheld for over 250 years which takes place every year on the last Friday in July. This was due to take place on Friday the 31st of July this year however under the current circumstances Langholm Common Riding 2020 cannot take place in its customary way. This is going to be an enormous miss for the town and everyone who visits to celebrate Langholm's great day.

All the boys and girls in and around Langholm learn the Common Riding songs, and a concert is held in Langholm Parish Church around the second week of June to sing them and celebrate.