Alan is delighted to be back behind the mic after triple bypass op

IT was the Covid comeback gig a legion of loyal fans waited months to enjoy.

But their delight was nothing compared to that of the Angus singer who was back behind the microphone for the first time since a health scare during an online summer show.

Arbroath’s Alan Mowatt was rattling through Rat Pack favourites when he took a turn during July’s weekly Live Fae Oor Living Room Facebook performance with wife Val.

A quick glass of water and a loosening of the bow tie, and trooper Alan was back on song.

But the 61-year-old swiftly found himself in a very different theatre when a trip to hospital revealed he had actually suffered a heart attack at the mic.

It prompted a triple heart bypass, from which the painter and decorator is continuing to recover from. But now he has made is first visit back to the songbook for a two-hour Facebook show.

And the popular couple have also lined up a Hogmanay performance.

As his road back to full health continues, Ninewells Hospital has also taken delivery of the latest blood pressure monitor bought with money the Mowatts helped to raise for the NHS.

They and fellow Arbroath singer Danny Laverty have raised £18,000 to fund equipment for hospitals.

Alan said: “I’m taking it slowly but doing very well. The care I have received has been amazing.”

In an opening quip to their latest Live Fae Oor Living Room extravaganza, Alan told the audience: “In the words of Elton John, I’m still standing”.

The couple delivered a repertoire stretching from Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash to Madness, The Proclaimers and Burns’ Ae Fond Kiss.

“We planned it very carefully around the songs I would do, the ones Val would do, and our duets,” he said. “I wasn’t being outrageous – there wasn’t any dancing around.

“One of the staff nurses from Ninewells was in the online audience so I definitely had to stick to doctor’s orders,” said Alan.

At the end of the show, an emotional Alan said he was overwhelmed by the support received.

“Music is a wee bit of rehab because it works the lungs and the medical people are delighted with that. It’s the perfect prescription,” he said.

“I loved being back singing with Val and the messages of support on Facebook mean so much.

“I’m definitely looking forward to getting back out into local pubs and clubs and have just confirmed the first gigs for next year.”