We’re delighted to welcome Withered Hand (aka Dan Willson) to Armathwaite Old School Hall for an intimate evening of beautifully crafted songs, warm vocals and distinctive alt-folk.

Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Dan Willson has been making music as Withered Hand since the release of his debut album Good News in 2009. Over the years, he has quietly built a devoted following, earning a reputation for his thoughtful songwriting, infectious melodies and singular musical style.

His 2014 album New Gods brought Withered Hand wider recognition, featuring contributions from friends and fellow Scottish musicians including Belle & Sebastian, Frightened Rabbit and The Vaselines, and earning an AIM Award nomination. His third album, How To Love, followed in 2023 to widespread critical acclaim.

Dan has also collaborated with Mercury Prize-nominated singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams, with the pair releasing Willson Williams, which was shortlisted for both Scottish Album of the Year and UK Americana Album of the Year in 2024.

Now, with a fourth Withered Hand album, Beauty for Ashes, due for release in autumn 2026 on Fence Records, this is a great opportunity to catch Dan in an intimate live setting.

His music has been described by MOJO as featuring “beautifully constructed lyrical frameworks”, while Rolling Stone USA praised his “killer melodies” and “warm, woozy sing-song charm.” The Scotsman has called him “one of the greatest Alt-folkies”, with The Herald describing his music as “as life-affirming as music gets.”

Alongside his music, Dan is a passionate advocate for the power of songwriting and creativity, having led workshops at Moniack Mhor, Scotland’s Centre of Creative Writing, and the Arvon Writing Foundation.

Come along for a relaxed and intimate evening with one of Scotland’s most distinctive singer-songwriters.
For more info on this event please contact Gill.