The last week in November is, for me at least, packed with signifiant anniversaries and birthdays. Doctor Who and occasional Lib Dem Voice contributor Stephen Harte (come to think of it has anyone actually seen them in the same room together?) on 23rd, Christine Jardine on 24th and, on 25th our much missed Charles Kennedy.

Today would have been Charles’ 65th birthday. So many of us will have memories of him that are special to us. He was someone who the people of this country respected and listened to. He was one of the few calming voices during the torrid Scottish Independence Referendum a decade ago and it’s so sad that he wasn’t around to influence the Brexit vote.

He had the political courage to stand firm against the Blair Government’s actions in Iraq.  And all the while he still remained firm friends with Blair’s right hand man Alastair Campbell.

A few weeks ago, I chanced upon his voice, sampled on Liberate, a Valtos and Project Smok production inspired by him. His words sum him up: “Ive always believed you have to put the people first”  “the independence of spirit which has to be highland tradition:”.

Valtos, a duo who fuse electronic and celtic music, come from Skye, which Charles represented for most of his years in Parliament, was formed in 2021. They released Liberate last year, as Radio Skye announced at the time:

Scottish electro duo Valtos, comprising Skye natives Martyn MacDonald and Daniel Docherty, have teamed up acclaimed neo-trad trio Project Smok for the new single ‘Liberate’ which will be released on Friday 3rd February.

The upbeat record celebrates the independent spirit of Highlanders, using vocal samples from the late Charles Kennedy to drive home the poignant message.

Mr Kennedy who died in June 2015, served as member for Ross, Skye, and Lochaber for 32 years and was much loved by his constituents.

In the single the Highlander can be heard passionately speaking about championing Scottish tradition and putting the people first.

This is fused with the unmistakably skilled and infectious whistle-playing of Project Smok’s Ali Levack and driving guitar rhythm and a banging electronic beat on the track, which brings a late-night club sound to music rooted in place and traditional.

I’ve had this on repeat a lot recently. It makes me smile. Enjoy.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings