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Oct 31 2008 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday
STIRLING’S Winter Festival will kick off in style this year with a visit from Santa – and X Factor finalists the MacDonald Brothers.
It begins on Saturday, November 22, with a day of festivities. A special guest starts off the celebrations when the Thistles Santa and reindeer make their way from Corn Exchange Road at noon down King Street to take their place in their pen outside Costa Coffee.
Santa will be accompanied on the festive procession by the MacRobert Christmas pantomime cast before making his way to officially open his grotto in the Thistles along with his helpers. The grotto will be open to the public from 12.30pm at its new site outside HMV.
Celebrations continue in Port Street from 2-4.30pm with the Central FM roadshow including a performance from the MacDonald Brothers. Stageworx, Stirling’s local stage school will be performing and Central FM’s Wallace the Bear will be making a special appearance. The MacDonald Brothers will also help Provost Fergus Wood switch on the Christmas lights at 4.30pm.
Provost Wood said: “Come and join us this year as we celebrate what promises to be a magical time in Stirling.”
For full details of Stirling’s Winter Festival look out for the Winter Festival leaflet which will be available from November 10 in the Thistles Shopping Centre, libraries, the Albert Halls, the Tolbooth, the MacRobert and other venues.
The Ayrshire Post - 28th October 2008
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the MacDonald Brothers will top the bill at this year`s Christmas lights switch-on in Ayr.
Provost Winnie Sloan will declare the festive period well and truly started when she flicks the switch at 5pm on Sunday, November 23.
De Ville, kids favourite Magic Malky and the Paul McKenna band will also be there to ensure that the family fun day has something for everyone.
The switch-on will take place at Wellington Square and for the first time it will be broadcast on a big screen.
Published: 24 October, 2008
THE MACDONALD Bros breezed into Oban on Saturday evening on the last stop of a whistle-stop promotional tour of Scotland which they are hoping will be a world record-breaker.
The former X Factor finalists, brothers Craig and Brian, aimed to visit 48 stores across the country in seven days and it looked like their Guinness Book of Record attempt had been achieved when they reached Oban’s Tesco store but it all had still to be officially signed off.
The brothers were playing a song from their new album, Young Celts, at each of the venues but unfortunately it all proved too much for Craig’s voice, which disappeared while in the north-east and a trip to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary confirmed that he could not sing or speak for several days.
The usually quieter younger brother Brian rose to the challenge and spoke for the pair of them when they appeared in Oban. They went back to their roots as traditional musicians, Craig on the fiddle and Brian on accordion, playing an instrumental song from the album.
Around 100 people of all ages turned up to the store to get the new album, posters and the odd drum stick signed.
Ashley MacMillan, aged 14 of Oban, even asked the boys to sign her plaster cast after jumping off a swing and breaking her knee in the process.
Brian told The Oban Times: ‘It has been crazy. We didn’t expect it to be as hard a week as it has been but it’s been great. A lot of people have come out to support us.
‘Dundee was crazy,’ he said. ‘It was about 10.30 at night with about 200 people, all these kids were screaming and jumping up and down.’
Commenting on his brother’s lack of voice, he said: ‘It’s the quietest he’s ever been!’
MacDonald brothers have X appeal VIDEO - Ayr Advertiser 15th October 2008
By Roisin McGroarty & Kevin Paterson
HUNDREDS of old and young MacDonald Brothers fans were out in support during the boys recent world record attempt in Ayr and Girvan.
The famous brothers drove up and down Scotland in an attempt to do the highest number of instore signing’s in one week - in the world - with the biggest backing from their South Ayrshire home fans.
The attempt saw them appear at 40 shops and supermarkets across the country - including Ayr and Girvan - in just one week with a gruelling average of seven performances a day.
But the pop icons from Alloway pulled off some fantastic shows.
Check out the next edition of the Ayr Advertiser for the MacDonald Brothers picture special.
‘X-Factor’ brothers’
By Les Stewart
Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday 14th October 2008
THE McDonald Brothers – Brian and Craig – who made a huge impact on the X-Factor will be at Asda’s Dunkeld Road store at 7pm tomorrow.
They will be singing live, promoting their new album and also signing autographs.
Pudsey will also put in an appearance to help raise cash for Children in Need.
Macs-imum Exposure
Scottish Sun
13th October 2008
X FACTOR stars The MacDonald Brothers started a tour of Scotland yesterday — in a bid to set a world record for the most in-store gigs.
Brian, 21, and Craig, 22, will play 48 shops and supermarkets in a WEEK to promote album Young Celts.
After shows in Paisley, Largs, Girvan and Ayr, Brian said: “We got a brilliant reception.”
The gig is part of their winter tour and the only date out with the Central Belt.
Ayr Pop Duo The MacDonald Bros Are Jetting Off To Australia And Asia To Promote Their New Album.
The Celtic Music Starlets Will Undertake A Range Of Promotions, Including Appearing On Australia`s Flagship "Morning Show" And Performing In A Variety Of Venues.
They Will Also Perform At The Biggest Celtic Festival In Oz -
And Fans Can Join In The Fun By Watching Footage Uploaded By Craig And Brian Themselves Onto Their Own Website Every Day.
2nd September 2008
By Kerry Harvey
Oh Wower of Scotland!
The MacDonald Brothers are all set to offer strum-thing really special at our glittering Big-hearted Scotland bash.
The X Factor stars will show-case songs from their new album and belt out classics to entertain the unsung heroes being honoured at our upcoming awards.
And they`ll do a rock cover of Flower of Scotland to rouse guests in a night of tears and cheers as we reveal the winners of our gongs.
Craig 23, said: "I`ll find it hard not to get emotional. There are so many people who have had a hard time, it makes you realise you take things like health for granted. We`re particularly keen to support this because money raised will be going to good causes in Scotland.
The popstars will perform a 20 minute set for an audience packed with TV Celebs, sport stars and musicians.
Brian 22, beamed: "Its emotional but we`ll get a lot of enjoyment out of it too. It`ll be great to see the faces of nominees light up. We`ll be singing the favourites like 500 miles and Shang-A-Lang".
The brothers from Alloway, Ayrshire - whose album Young Celts is out on October 13 - will also do a version of Flower of Scotland that they recorded this week.
They donned Scotland strips and kilts for a video to be shown on Setanta before the World Cup Qualifier against Macedonia on September 6, along with an interview with the sports channel`s Scott Booth.
Craig said "Its one of our favourite songs. We think its about time it was modernised."
Setanta has donated a bumper range of prizes for the big night at Glasgow`s Marriott Hotel on September 5, including £4000 for Sports Person of the Year.
We`ll also be handing out gongs for Fundraiser of the Year, Child of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Bighearted Scot of the Year, Hero of the Year and a Special Achievement Award.
Seven Scottish charities will benefit - Epilepsy Scotland, Alcohol Focus Scotland, CLIC Sargant Momentum, Penumbra, Native Woods and Sense Scotland.
Award nominations are closed but you can still book tickets at £95 each, or £950 for a table of ten. Call 0141 639 0708 for details.
When Wiil You See The Likes Again!
24th August 2008
MacDonald’s show time
by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday
29th July 2008
SINGING sensations The MacDonald Brothers visit Perthshire on Thursday on the latest leg of their Highlands and Islands tour.
The Ayrshire duo, who rose to fame on TV talent show The X Factor, will be appearing at Pitlochry Town Hall.
Brian and Craig, who are devout fans of former Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, have released two albums and scored a clutch of hit singles, with their second LP, The World Outside, including the Elton John song, Runaway (Do You Love Me).
Ever keen to perform live, the pair joined Westlife on the majority of their UK tour dates earlier this year.
The popsters’ third album, With Love, was released in February.
Tickets for the show are available from the West Moulin Road venue on 01796 473866.
Daily Record July 17th 2008
picture courtesy of west fm
Beverley Lyons And Laura Sutherland
THE MacDonald Brothers have landed their own radio show.
On Monday, the day before they head on a tour of the Highlands and Islands, the X Factor finalists will host their own a show on 96.7 West FM/Westsound 1035am.
Craig and Brian got the slot after appearing on the station to talk about their involvement with No.1album The Big Scottish Songbook.
The boys, who sang a version of Flower of Scotland on it, got such a good response from listeners that station bosses decided to give them control of the airwaves.
They'll play the songs that influenced them growing up, their favourite songs of today and will also play a few live tracks.
Canal Festival Is a Huge Hit
By Colin Hutton
DESPITE the rain pouring down for the first ever Clydebank Canal Festival excited revellers did not let the weather dampen their spirits.
Families flocked to the canal side to catch a glimpse of TV talent show duo, The MacDonald Brothers, who were headlining the day’s events.
And with a rousing finale — a rendition of the Scottish national anthem, Flower of Scotland — the Bankie audience forgot about the lashing rain to give the boys a great send off.
After wowing the crowd with a mixture of singalong classics, such as Shang-a-lang, the singing brothers, Craig and Brian, then took time out of their busy schedule to sign autographs for their adoring fans.
Eldest brother Craig, 21, told the Post: “The festival itself was great and there were a lot of people there to start with.
“With the weather the way it was unfortunately the numbers started to dwindle, but by the time we got on stage there were plenty of people there.
knows the words and it was a great song to finish on.” “We really enjoyed the day and the crowd was absolutely great. “In the future if the weather was better then it will be an absolutely amazing festival, but we just had to try to get the crowd up for it because they were standing soaking wet. “This was the first gig that we have done in Clydebank and it is a huge priority for us to make sure we perform for our Scots fans as much as possible. “Despite the rain people seemed to forget about it and were singing and dancing. “Flower of Scotland went down a storm because, despite us doing a new arrangement on it, everyonee MacDonald Brothers are now off to perform at the Levengrove Gala Day, in Dumbarton, on Saturday before embarking on a tour of the Highlands.
But the boys ensured us they will be home soon and are already looking forward to performing in Clydebank again.
9th July 2008
Mac brothers bring X appeal to gala
By Mairead Clarkin
POP duo the MacDonald Brothers are preparing to set Levengrove Park ablaze this Saturday at the park’s annual gala day.
The singing siblings will add that Xtra special ingredient to the eagerly-anticipated event and send excitement through the Dumbarton crowd.
The musical duo, who reached the final stages of X-factor despite heavy criticism from notorious judge Simon Cowell, will headline the Levengrove Park event on July 12.
Older sibling Craig MacDonald, who has recently returned from his summer holiday, told the Reporter, that he is relishing performing in front of the Dumbarton crowd.
Craig, 21, said: “We love doing these types of shows. We are very excited to be playing in Dumbarton again, as it has been a while.
“Performing in Scotland, our home, is always very special. The crowds are always brilliant.
“Dumbarton is a great area and the response from the crowds is always overwhelming.
“I’d say to everyone, even if it’s not great weather, just come along and have a great time.”
Craig hinted to the Reporter that some of their new material, as well as their classic hits such as Shang a Lang and 500 miles, may be performed for the Dumbarton audience.
The Gala has been organised by West Dunbartonshire Council, and will feature plenty of entertainment including hosts Your Radio who kick-off proceedings at 11am.
Zippo Circus, a traditional Big Top family circus with clowns, acrobats and stunts, is to provide lots of laughter with spills and thrills.
The gala day runs at Levengrove Park from 11am until 5pm.
Check out next week's Reporter for full coverage and picture special.
http://www.dumbartonreporter.co.uk/
8th July 2008
MacDonald Bros Get Jessica`s Party Started
3rd June 2008
AROUND 600 people enjoyed a spectacular day at the huge Jessica Appeal fundraising party on Sunday afternoon.
Little four-year-old Jessica Findlay was joined by the MacDonald Brothers to officially open the event at Eglington Park, just outside Irvine.
Although the total amount of money raised is still being counted it’s anticipated that a generous amount has been raised through the raffle, face painting, arm band sales embossed with Jessica’s Journey and a host of funfair events.
X-Factor Singer Craig, there with brother Brian, said: “It was a good day and everyone was there for the right reasons.
“It is good to have something like that to take your mind off what is happening. It really was a great day.”
Mum Rachel said: “It was a really good day, we haven’t counted the money yet but we’re hoping it will help. We don’t know how long we’ll have to be in America for with the operation. It was really good seeing all these people out.”
The day was sponsored by Heathfield’s S&S Services.
picture courtesy of www.themacdonaldbros.com
THE MacDonald Brothers are leading the way on the greatest ever Scottish music album.
The Ayr duo are among top names to feature on the Great Big Scottish Songbook — released by EMI this week.
A five-disc set containing more than 100 tracks from music hall to post millennium pop hits shelves on Monday.
Artists include The Proclaimers, Runrig, KT Tunstall, Simple Minds and Jimmy Shand.
And the Macs have four tracks, including their new version of ‘Flower of Scotland’ which is being tipped to take the country by storm.
Craig revealed: “We’re really thrilled to be on the album alongside the best names in Scottish music.
“Flower of Scotland is getting a great reaction whenever we do it and we’ll have it on our new album.”
The boys are currently putting the finishing touches to their own fourth album, due for release later this year.
Apr 30 2008 Ayrshire Post
MUSIC stars The MacDonald Brothers have helped Scotland to a famous win at the new Wembley.
The Ayr lads dusted down their football boots for a charity match at the 95,000 seat arena.
And the boys played their part in a famous triumph for the Scots over an English team of celebrities.
Craig and Brian, who were joined by the likes of John Smeaton and Tommy Sheridan, helped Scotland to a 2-0 win.
But the Macs were left arguing over who played the bigger role in their nation’s success.
Craig revealed: “I was in the starting line-up whereas Brian had to settle for a place on the bench.
“But I made way for him at half time so he could come on and enjoy the victory.”
However, the younger Macdonald saw things rather differently.
Brian claimed: “If you look at the statistics, it was 0-0 at half time when I stepped off the bench.
“So the team was obviously improved in the second half with me playing.
“But seriously, it was one of the best things we’ve ever done and is up there with the X Factor.
“There was 20,000 people in the stadium and it was a fantastic atmosphere.
“And it’s an honour to play for Scotland — no matter what level of the game!”
Scotland won with goals from actor Martin Compton and ex-footballer Darren Jackson.
The team of stars had enjoyed a night out before the game to bond, with Smeaton leading the charge through London.
Craig laughed: “It was a good night and we all turned up for the game sporting hangovers.
“That was our first time meeting Smeato and he’s a great lad. It really helped to have the team bonding session because we played for each other on the pitch.”
And Brian admitted that he took a fair amount of criticism from team-mates for his support of Premier League strugglers Kilmarnock.
He admitted: “We’ve all got our problems.”
The highlighted area is an obvious error as the album was released in February - cant believe everything that is in the papers
Just goes to show how two different papers have the same story but how different the story is told.
19th March 2008
Feb 13 2008
Daily Record - Beverley Lyons And Laura Sutherland
THE Macdonald Brothers have been picked by Louis Walsh to support Westlife on their UK tour.
And the boys, who release With Love, a limited edition album of acoustic Celtic love songs on Monday, can't wait to get back out on the road later this month.
Craig told the Razz: "We spoke with Louis and he was more than happy for us to do the whole tour with the guys.
"We did the Scots and Irish dates last year straight after The X Factor tour and he and the band were very supportive.
"We're hoping to get to know Westlife better this time as we have 22 dates with them, so there might be a bit of partying."
X-FACTOR stars, the MacDonald Brothers, put on two sell-out shows for North-east pop fans in Banff on Saturday. Craig and Brian came on stage at the Fife Lodge Hotel with the familiar signature tune from the hit TV show, The X-Factor, where they first found fame.
The afternoon concert attracted a very mixed aged group, with the evening reserved for the over 18's.
They opened their set with the old Bay City Rollers hit, Shang a Lang, and the crowd went ecstatic.
Fans rushed from their seats to the front of the stage where they remained for the rest of the concert, dancing and singing along to a selection of their songs including the classic oldies, Runaway, Young At Heart, I Want You To Want Me, and Love Is All Around.
picture courtesy of Michelle
http://www.macdonaldbros-official-street-team.com/
The brothers did an acoustic set which included When You Say Nothing At All, With A Woman Like You, and an Everly Brothers selection which went down very well.
The brothers had everyone jumping and waving hands up in the air, creating a lively atmosphere.
Throughout the performance Brian and Craig interacted with the crowd, and encouraged them to sing, dance and sway in time to the music.
The crowd lapped up the lads' performance, singing and dancing along. Before the crowd knew it they were playing their last song, 500 Miles.
Both are very accomplished musicians, playing a variety of instruments including fiddle, guitar and accordion.
Afterwards, Craig told the 'Banffshire Journal': "The crowds we played to were absolutely brilliant – so lively. We've had a fantastic time here at the Fife Lodge".
Earlier in the day, group of around 20 fans braved the snowy weather and waited in the hotel grounds to catch a glimpse of the pair, hours before they were due to appear.
The Brothers had had travel problems, with the snow forcing them to crawl into town at 20mph on a back road.
Craig and Brian MacDonald in action at the Fife Lodge Hotel last week. |
One fan said: "They came across as very genuine guys, very down to earth, just making the most of the moment.
"They both said they would love to return to Banff again – all they are waiting for is the invite. And one important detail that seemed to interest the young ladies – yes, both brothers are single."
After the gig, the lads from Ayrshire delighted their fans by signing autographs and posing for photos.
picture courtesy of Michelle - www.macdonaldbros-official-street-team.com
A concert-goer said: "Despite their stardom, their feet are well and truly planted. They are plain ordinary guys, with a sense of humour, and like spending time with their fans: a quality often lacking in music stars."
"No mega egos here – they stayed until every last person had their signatures.
"These guys deserve every success. They care about their fans.
"They certainly sent their crowd home happy. Some had bought tickets for both performances, and came from as far away as Poole in Dorset just for the concert."
Starlite disco provided the support, and the brothers were welcomed on stage by Starlite's Kevin Ritchie.
Next day, the duo returned to an Edinburgh recording studio to put the finishing touches to their new album 'The MacDonald Bros - With Love' which is on sale later this month.
Banffshire Advertiser
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