We caught up with Scottish singer KT Tunstall ahead of her performance on Wedesday night at the Gaiety Theatre.

Following the release of her multi-platinum debut album, Eye to the Telescope, in 2004 K T Tunstall enjoyed a decade of success.

During that time she played everywhere from the rooftops of Las Vegas hotels to Giant’s Stadium; she was nominated for a Grammy, won a BRIT and the Ivor Novello, and saw her songs used everywhere from opening credits of The Devil Wears Prada to Hillary Clinton’s 2008 campaign theme.

But three years ago Tunstall turned her back on music and fame.

’I was utterly burnt out,’ she later recalled.

She decided to take some serious time out and moved to a little house in Venice Beach, California, where she lived a quiet life for the better part of a year before she realised it was time to return.

Now back writing songs and performing again, Tunstall says: ’This feels like the beginning of the second chapter of my career.’

We had a quick question and answer session with the singer before she returns to the island stage again, following on from her popular concert in 2008.

You have said this is the second chapter of your career - how does it feel different from the first one?

I feel like I know myself so much better now.

After navigating nearly 15 years of making records, touring all over the world, and getting more and more involved with the business side of my work, I love it more than ever and have a much better idea of how to preserve my health and sanity within this mad world of music. Creatively, I feel the most free I ever have.

What other places are you playing on this tour?

Apart from solo shows and festivals all over the UK, I’ve played Japan, Canada and the US, and I’m off to Europe and the Middle East in October and November.

Is your Californian hideaway still home?

It is! I can’t get enough of the sunshine, I love it.

And Venice Beach is just permanently chilled out, which is good when you don’t keep a normal work schedule. Any day of the week can feel like a lazy Sunday.

Which is best Californian food or good Scottish grub?

Sorry Scotland - the food in a California is superb.

I particularly love sushi and Mexican food, so it’s a bit hard to compete.

But nothing will ever beat some Stornaway haggis.

Which venue around the world is your favourite to play?

I loved playing the Eden Project in Cornwall - 7,000 people with these huge Geo-Domes that light up in time to the music, and a zip-wire over the audience.