Doug & Mary at A'The Airts Cafe, Sanquhar

A special evening of acoustic music in wonderful surroundings.About us:
Doug & Mary are an acoustic duo from Dalbeattie in South West Scotland, bringing nearly 30 years of shared musical and life experience to the stage. Having performed extensively in local rock, blues, and jazz bands, they also focus on delivering intimate acoustic performances built around strong songwriting and genuine connection.
Their set centres on original, heartfelt songs which carry a quiet Scottish sensibility and are performed with warmth and honesty, combining Dougs expressive guitar work with Marys emotive, compelling vocals. Alongside their own material, Doug & Mary draw inspiration from influential songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Dougie Maclean and contemporary artists including Brandi Carlile, reimagining selected songs in their own stripped-back acoustic style.
Known for their relaxed onstage rapport and natural banter, Doug & Mary create engaging, personal performances that resonate with audiences in listening rooms, small venues, and festival settings alike.About the Venue:
In 2000 some Sanquhar residents had the vision of turning a run-down building in the High Street into an arts, crafts and cultural centre, to help with the regeneration of the area. Local consultation showed considerable support for the idea.
After a lot of hard work and considerable commitment, funding was acquired to purchase the site and building work commenced, but stalled in 2008 when some anticipated funding was lost. In the meantime, a group called Friends of A the Airts was set up to organise cultural activities in Upper Nithsdale.
With support from the Big Lottery and the Scottish Government among others, building started again in April 2010, and the centre was finally completed in November 2010. We had a fantastic opening day on 20th November 2010 with over 500 people through the doors.
An official opening followed on 2nd December, when local solicitor Kenneth McLean unveiled a plaque and thanked our many supporters.
Since then we have had a varied programme of events including music, drama and poetry. The caf and the shop are thriving, we are building partnerships with other local and non-local organisations and there is increasing interest in the centre as a base for a wide variety of arts, crafts and cultural activities.
To date, our project has continued to receive support and funding from the Big Lottery Growing Community Assets Fund and Dumfries and Galloway Council, as well as project related funding from the Hugh Fraser Foundation, The Gannochy Trust, Sanquhar Community Council, Propel, The Robertson Trust, the Holywood Trust, Santander and Foundation Scotland.