Well, I’ve not seen such a sparse gig guide since the last time T in the Park clashed with Scotland in the World Cup Final. However, there’s a small set of shows to ease the gig-goers into 2018…

On Tuesday the 9th January, former Felson Dean Owens is in his natural habitat, at Leith Folk Club (in the Victoria Park House Hotel). Presumably playing some tunes from forthcoming album ‘Southern Wind’ (which is out in February).

The following night, the 10th, The Skids are back, in the intimate surroundings of King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, giving new album ‘Burning Cities’ an airing.

And they’re also at The Lemon Tree in Aberdeen on Friday.

Meanwhile, at Edinburgh’s La Belle Angele the same night, it’s former Kraftwerk percussionist Wolfgang Flür.

And in Glasgow on Friday, part of New Years Revolution at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, the (cliche alert) ‘hotly-tipped’ BooHooHoo.

On Saturday, at Glasgow’s Sub Club, and perhaps a tune from the Beating Heart Of South Africa (a favourite round these parts), Auntie Flo.

Finally, the gigging year gets under way in Dundee on Sunday night, with a show at Deacon Brodie, featuring Californian pop-punk on tour – with In Her Own Words and For the Win.