Danko Tour begins on Easdale!

Alexander Danko from Rostov (and Berlin) is in Scotland for his third visit. On this occasion the virtuoso accordionist is accompanied by his wife, Elena, and daughter, Vera.

Alexander and Vera Danko at An Cala

When he reached Easdale, an extraordinary slate island of archaeological interest and scenic splendour 25 kilometres south of Oban, he was greeted by a spectacular downpour; but by the next morning the tiny island was bathed in glorious sunshine: sunshine which continued during his entire stay, revealing the extraordinary setting of the island and the miraculous way in which Nature has transformed an industrial landscape.

When Jean Bisset was on Easdale last year (organising a visit of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland), she mentioned to Fiona and Steve, the proprietors of The Puffer (the only pub and restaurant on the island) that the most famous Esperanto-speaking accordionist in the world hoped to come to the Scottish Esperanto Congress in Motherwell the next year. Immediately a kind invitation was offered, for Easdale is a vigorous centre of music, ranging from classical to traditional Scottish.

Alexander and Elena entertained the pub’s clientele for two hours on the Saturday evening. The response to Alexander’s virtuosity and Elena’s authentic Russian singing was enthusiastic; and during the interval and after the concert many questions were asked about Russian music and the role of Esperanto.

Elean and Alexander Danko entertain

The Scottish Esperanto Association wishes to express thanks to Fiona and Steve for their warm hospitality.

If you wish to see what Easdale and adjacent Seil are like, click www.easdale.com ; a visit will not disappoint you.

The island is very open to world culture and the importance of the Internet. The community is diverse and growing, and certainly not "insular"! Hopefully the link with Esperanto will flourish in the months to come!