On Saturday 27th August, visitors to The Devil’s Porridge Museum at Eastriggs , Dumfries and Galloway were treated to a wonderful concert of folk music from Claire Hastings, accompanied by Jenn Butterworth. Doors to the museum were opened on Saturday evening for a unique concert in a very different venue which seemed to be a real hit with both the visitors and artists.
This year Claire released her debut album, ‘Between River and Railway’ which features the song ‘The Gretna Girls’, written following a visit Claire made to The Devil’s Porridge. It therefore seemed apt for the museum to invite Claire to perform this song, along with wonderful selection of others, in the museum itself. ‘The Gretna Girls’ was appropriately left until last as the crowd was treated to a fantastic array of tunes, even being invited to join in on one or two.
Kayleigh Scott, Museum and Learning Manager said “We had a great turn-out and everyone really enjoyed themselves. Many said that this was their first visit to The Devil’s Porridge.
It’s fantastic that we have been able to make so many new people aware of HM Factory Gretna and the women who worked there and the local heritage, inspiring them to visit the museum, and all through the wonder of music.’ Kayleigh Scott Museum and Learning Manager.
‘The museum would like to say a huge thank you to Claire and Jenn for making the trip out to see us”.
