James Mackenzie's return to school

INVERNESS musician James Mackenzie is heading back to school for his next batch of dates - with five Inverness schools to get a live set from the much-tipped Highland artist.

James, who has just released debut solo mini-album Curtain Road will tour across the UK to support it later in the year, but first includes his own former school on his latest giglist.

James said: "As a former Inverness High School pupil, I was very keen to go back and perform.

“Music was such an important part of my life growing up, so I’m really delighted that, from an initial idea, we have been able to develop the tour to include five schools in the city next month.” 

Curtain Road was one of the fastest-selling albums in the Inverness branch of HMV last week and was recorded at London’s Strongroom Studios with Grammy Award-winning producer Steve Orchard (Travis, Chris Cornell).

James' highlights from last year included his main stage performance at RockNess, plus playing Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Insider, Loopallu.

James will play his schools' dates as follows: Monday March 5 Charleston Academy, Tuesday March 6 Culloden Academy, Wednesday March 7 Inverness High School, Thursday March 8 Inverness Royal Academy, Friday March 9 Millburn Academy.

Curtain Road is available now from iTunes and all good retailers. For more details go to www.jamesmackenzie.co.uk