Earlier in the year, I spent a day in Newcastle with the children. As we walked around, we discovered Sandgate -- site of the vision that inspires the singer of the Keel Row.

Naturally, I sang the song, to the maximum embarrassment of the offspring.

Here's a version of the song played on the Northumbrian pipes (another taste of mine that is not shared by the wider family). The piper (Andy May) says that a Scottish friend of his describes the tune as the "Northumbrian way of crying." Great stuff!

For those of you who don't get it -- here is a set of images of Upper Coquetdale in the Cheviots, set to the piping of Kathryn Tickell ("What it is/Fare Well" from her album Back to the Hills).

How have Ireland and Scotland managed to export their traditions so successfully? Is Northumberland deliberately keeping its beauty to itself? Perhaps the review of Rachel Unthank and the Winterset's album in the last edition of the Word might start to change people's minds. It is a great musical treat, but some may find it off-putting at first. Give it a chance -- it's a grower.