It’s odd to think of anything resembling a conventional gig, but yes, shows are happening – and the Edinburgh Festival has started just in time for the relaxation of gig rules, though it’s reassuring to know that many gigs will be taking place outdoors, even if they have a roof on them.

In Edinburgh, there’s three weeks of shows at a specially-constructed venue at Edinburgh Park (on the outskirts of the western side of the city) opened last Sunday with Kathryn Joseph (outdoors but under a welcome roof)

This week there’s:
Monday 9th – Tide Lines
Tuesday 10th – The Staves
Wednesday 11th – The Snuts
Thursday 12th – Neu! Reekie feat. Edwyn Collins
Friday 13th – Richard Dawson
Saturday 14th – Floating Points
Sunday 15th – Erland Cooper

At Edinburgh’s Summerhall this week, in a covered marquee named the Secret Courtyard, three shows – Sacred Paws on Friday 13th, Stanley Odd on Saturday 14th, and Kapil Seshasayee on Sunday 15th.

There are further gigs by James Yorkston, Hamish Hawk, Siobhan Wilson, Withered Hand, Andrew Wasylyk and Carla J Easton all coming up before the 29th
full listings here.

Finally, some online activity – one of the biggest losses to the gig calendar was the cancelation of Doune the Rabbit Hole, especially galling as it was only a matter of days before restrictions were lifted and the government insurance scheme was announced, with other events being able to start as ‘gateway events’.

Anyway, some small consolation as on Saturday 14th from 3pm – 3am, a livestream event (remember those?) – Upside Doune – Live From The Rabbit Hole, 12 hours of live acts and DJs. Just like being there…