This was a weekend of getting back to my Scottish roots not having been in Edinburgh for 30 years. We booked into a B & B near the Airport in preparation for Frenzy, it was hot and sunny, not the Scotland I remembered of my youth. Edinburgh was absolutely fantastic, better than I had remembered a beautiful, historic and centre of culture, something for everyone of all ages. From this visit it has shot up into the very top of my top ten cities in the world, tie first with Bern in Switzerland.

Walking down Princes Street with the sun beating down on my neck weaving in and out of numerous kilted buskers, shoppers and tourists; to the south of the road is the park and stunning views of the historic area looking up to the Castle where they were already setting up the stadium in preparation for the Festival events and Tattoo; a must visit. Lots to do and too much to see so we will have to revisit soon...

Time to head to the Highlands Centre and Frenzy, a great line up and on arrival things were well under way, the atmosphere was wonderful, a youth group playing a version of hand ball, queues lining the field for grub, crowds of lads having a kick about, some sleeping, some eating a late lunch, families enjoying a laugh together and music thumping into the blue clear sky. Inside it was a bit more business like with stands packed with offers on CD’s, books and magazines. The hall was huge; a vast metal hanger type building with curtain drapes to soften the sounds (not the best for acoustics but hey) where else can you fit in a crowd of nearly 10,000.

D: boys enter stage right in their grey suits with the crowd still buzzing from a great time of worship led by Chris Tomlin, we had managed to move near to the front where the sound was best. Their set was packed with energy, passion, power and conviction with many of the songs off Kingdom of Comfort shouting out the message of Gods grace, love and mercy but also with an edge and a sense of urgency to bring justice, to speak up for those without a voice and bring healing to a broken world. ‘Stare the Monster Down’ (a personal favorite) along with ‘Kingdom of Comfort’ and ‘Give it what you’ve got’, these were not nice sing a longs, (Praise the Lord!) disturbing and haunting sounds that engaged us in the the real world of pain and poverty left me squirming in discomfort. Then in contrast ‘How sweet the name’, ‘All Gods children’ and ‘My Soul Sings’ likely to become a huge church Anthem, helped me lift my eyes and heart in this life full of paradox to see His majesty and supremacy.

Thanks boys and Frenzy a great day! Thanks Scotland and in particular Edinburgh for being beautiful!

A final bit of advice.... ‘Give it what you’ve got’ because ‘Love will find a way’!

Al