Of all Scotland’s New Towns, East Kilbride arguably managed to prove the one that provided the most cultural interest. Cumbernauld had the kudos of being the home of Gregory’s Girl, but that was greatness thrust upon it. East Kilbride, at least for a while, provided art and attitude that was all its own.

“You have to write your column tonight,” said Mrs Williamson.  “Do you know what you’re going to do yet?” “Yes,” I replied, “I’m going to write about Scotland’s World Cup songs.” Mrs W: “Have there been many?” Me: “Oh yes.” Enjoy.

In addition to their previously announced Brooklyn gig with Belle and Sebastian, Teenage Fanclub have now added 14 more shows in the US and Canada. Ticket links are below. You can also download The Fannies’ new album ‘Shadows’ through the Dear Scotland shop:

Thankfully, rather than my usual rambling attempts to describe the band I feature each week, I can direct you to a previous article I wrote on Glasgow’s The Lava Experiments. The second in their series of ‘Blackbody’ EP’s was a cracking wee voyage into the world of psychedelia, so I must admit I was pretty […]

This week in Scottish Entertainment / Actor News, Gerry Butler receives a nomination for a Teen Choice Award and signs up to be the “Machine Gun Preacher”, photos of Alan Cumming in The Tempest, James McAvoy is up for auction and Craig Ferguson reveals that he will host Shark Week. Saba has the details:

The magnificent Phantom Band made one of the best albums of 2009 and are currently working on the follow up. However, they’ll be taking a break from the studio to play Le Rock Etats Festival in France next weekend. Vic has more on The Phantom Band and this week’s gig list.

Each Sunday we present some of the best new photos of Scotland in the gloaming, the magical time before sunrise or after sunset. This week featuring images of Balmerino, Liathach, Dysart and Fairlie Bay.

‘They Shoot Music Don’t They’ regularly film the world’s best new bands on the streets of their hometown Vienna. Recently they visited Scotland to capture some of our finest musicians in unusual places. With their permission, we can now share these brilliant films with you. This week, Jesus H. Foxx in an Edinburgh Living Room:

Before finding success as an author, Fifer Ray Banks worked as a wedding singer, a double-glazing salesman, a croupier, a dole monkey, and a disgruntled temp. He recently spoke with our friends at Byker Books about deep fried Mars bars, John Terry’s libido and more.