l STORYTELLER and author Ewan McVicar has written a show to celebrate the 200th anniversary of David Livingstone's birth.

The Light of the World commemorates not only one of Scotland's greatest explorers but also the friendship between Livingstone and the chemist James "Paraffin" Young, who made West Lothian the capital of Scotland's shale oil industry, and the dedication of Livingstone's companions Susi and Chuma, who carried the explorer's body to the African coast and sent it home without one vital organ. "You can have his body," the accompanying note said, "but his heart belongs to Africa." McVicar tells the story, with accompanying magic lantern slides and songs from folk singer Christine Kydd. The show, whose title comes from an advertising slogan for Addiewell No. 1 Oil, plays St Mungo's Museum, Glasgow on February 28 and a special birthday performance in Livingston's birthplace, Blantyre, on March 19.

www.ewanmcvicar.webs.com

l CAITLIN Rose releases the follow-up to her much-praised debut album Own Side Now on Monday. The Stand-In was recorded with a posse of musicians and producers in her native Nashville and features songs from her own pen as well as collaborations with others, including Gary Louris of The Jayhawks. The album combines its country roots with nods towards the golden age of Hollywood and the Broadway musical stage. She visits the UK for a short run of dates from the date of the album's release, ending with a show at Glasgow's CCA on March 2.

www.thecaitlinrose.com

l FORMER Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor has had to cancel his concert at Backstage at the Green Hotel, Kinross, this Saturday due to illness. Other dates in England and an Australian tour have also been cancelled. Refunds for Saturday's gig are available through the ticket suppliers and David Mundell, the promoter, is hoping he will be able to arrange a rescheduled date in the not too distant future.

www.mundellmusic.com