Dougie MacLean tribute to man who put him in music.

Musician says his pal was reason he ended up in music business

Music legend Dougie MacLean has paid tribute to a fellow musician who played a key role in the launch of his career.

Ewen Sutherland, who was a compere and performer at Dougie’s Perthshire Amber festival, died after a short illness at Perth Royal Infirmary.

Close friend Dougie, who scored an international hit with Caledonia, will be among the musicians taking part in a celebration of Ewen’s life, following a funeral service on Monday.

He said: “Ewen was the reason I ended up in the music industry in the first place. If he wasn’t at my school, I don’t know where I would be today.”

The pair were friends at Blairgowrie High, where Ewen first performed with the school operatic society and alongside his classmate David Wilkie.

Aged 17, Ewen and Dougie formed the duo Cruachan.

Dougie said: “It was such a great time. We played for the skiers at the Spittal of Glenshee, as well as at Braemar Night in Blairgowrie and at the town’s Angus Hotel.”

They evolved into Puddock’s Well after Ewen and Dougie were joined by classmates Andy Stewart and Martin Hadden.

“We started to get a bit more serious,” said Dougie. “We were playing further afield at music festivals throughout Scotland.”

Dougie joined the Tannahill Weavers, one of the biggest bands of the 1970s traditional folk revival, and went on tour around the world, while Andy and Martin joined the band Silly Wizard.

Ewen, who stayed in the area and studied agriculture, never gave up his passion for music and always stayed in touch with his schoolmates.

Dougie said: “We never lost contact. Ewen became an important part of the Perthshire Amber Festival when we launched 12 years ago.

“He was a really popular compere at our open mic afternoons.

“For the last 20 years or so, one of his big loves was taking part in the Music In Hospitals project, where he performed for patients.

“He also played widely as part of the Gallivanters Ceilidh Band.”

Ewen, who worked on farms and ran a corner shop in Blairgowrie, had two craft shops in Killin. He also hosted coach trips around Scotland and, over the years, taught hundreds of people to play guitar.

He was 63 and is survived by his son Gavin, daughter Vairi and two grandsons.

Dougie said: “Ewen will be very sadly missed by everyone who knew him. We are all absolutely devastated.

“It happened so suddenly.” Ewen’s funeral will take place at Kirkcaldy Crematorium from 12.45pm on Monday.

A musical send-off will be held at Butterstone Village Hall from 4pm.

Ewen Sutherland, left, with his long-time friend and musical partner Dougie MacLean. Ewen has died aged 63.