Local hero Dougie to play Blair Town Hall
Scottish singer-songwriter legend Dougie MacLean is playing a special gig in Blairgowrie Town Hall next month as part of ongoing fundraising efforts for the town’s Braemar Day celebrations, writes Clare Damodaran.
The concert, which is on Saturday, July 8, is being organised by the Blairgowrie and Rattray Braemar Association.
And the former Blairgowrie High School pupil is being supported by two local talented youngsters, Jordan Fox and Callum McHoul, who are also headlining the main stage at Braemar Day this year.
Speaking to the Blairie, Dougie said: “I’ve got a long connection with Braemar Day, I used to play it years ago when I was about 16 or 17.
“Ewen Sutherland and I used to have a wee stage in the Wellmeadow. It was one of the first shows I ever did, one of the first opportunities I had to get on stage Dennis Melloy would do the dancing, it was great.
“So its nice to be involved again some 45 years further on.
“I grew up in Blair and went to school here, and used to play in the Angus.
“Braemar Day was a big part of growing up, it’s a big event.
“It’s nice to help keep traditions like that going and I’m delighted to be able to support the local community in any way I can.”
Helen Breen is chair of the Braemar Association.
She said: “This is one of the biggest fundraising events we’ve done and we’re so excited to be bringing such a worldrenowned musician to Blair - especially as he’s a local lad too.”
Dougie added: “It’s nice to see local talent like Callum and Jordan picking up the baton. The music industry is a hard business but Blair has always had a strong musical tradition and a rich musical heritage and I’m looking forward to hearing them play.”
Jordan and Callum are looking forward to the gig as well.
Jordan said: “This will be our first live performance as Jordan Fox and Callum McHoul, so to be supporting such a wellknown artist such as Dougie MacLean for our first show is incredibly exciting.
“We will be playing some of our most well-known covers, as well as our original songs and who knows, maybe a surprise or two as well, and would really like to see a good turnout from our local fans.”
All proceeds from the gig will go towards the town’s Braemar Day celebrations in September.
Tickets cost £24 from Piob Mhor on the High Street or £26 online from www. eventbrite.co.uk. Doors open at 7pm.
Braemar Day was a big part of growing up, it’s nice to keep traditions like that going