Wick and Thurso gigs for blues band The Andy Taylor Group this weekend

Caithness audiences this weekend have a chance to see an Orkney-based band who have been making big waves on the UK blues scene.

The Andy Taylor Group are playing three gigs during their foray across the Pentland Firth, starting tonight (Friday).

The trio have been quickly winning new fans following their performances at festivals and concerts throughout the country.

They were recently dubbed by Blues Matters Magazine as one of the most exciting emerging blues talents in the UK.

Singer and lead guitarist Andy Taylor is joined by Dylan Pepper, on drums, and Marcus Cordock, on bass.

They have played at the Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival, the Skegness Great British Rock & Blues Festival and Edinburgh Blues Club while their debut album, Drifting Days, has attracted rave reviews.

The Caithness connection was forged when Thurso-based music aficionado Iain Elder met the band during the Orkney Blues Festival in Stromness at the end of September.

He has helped pull together their mini-tour, which is being sponsored by Northlink Ferries.

They kick off with a performance on Friday evening at Wick's Harpers Bar, when they will be backed by local musician Sid Davidson.

The band will then play the following evening at the Invictus bar in the Royal Thurso Hotel, supported by Charlie McIntosh and Howlin Gael.

They round off with a Sunday afternoon appearance at Thurso's Mr Cs when John Holmes and Colin Manson provide the warm-up.

Pepper said: "We really like the idea of promoting live music links between Orkney and Caithness and hope the support is there for what promises to be an amazing weekend.

"I'd like to thank Iain for all the work he has done in putting up posters and helping spread the word about our gigs in Caithness."

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