STORY BEHIND THE SONG

LOVED the feature on The Proclaimers in last week’s Sunday Post. What can you tell me about Letter From America? – L.

Leith-born Craig and Charlie Reid sang poignantly about emigration and “all the blood that flowed away”.

Famously namechecking proud provincial towns including Methil, Irvine and Bathgate, the brothers’ lyrics touched on the Highland Clearances and Scotland’s post-war industrial struggles.

The twins were Scottish music’s best-kept secret ahead of the release of their debut album.

However, Paisley songwriter Gerry Rafferty, the man behind hits such as Baker Street and Night Owl, was a supporter.

As producer, he helped re-work their original arrangement, and the result reached No 3 in December 1987.

Both acoustic and band versions were included on the acclaimed LP, This Is The Story.