Harry Barry prize honour for Blair
A prize to celebrate the life of Uddingston composer Harry Barry was awarded at his former school last week.
Violinist and drummer Blair Moore was the second recipient of the Harry Barry Prize for Music at Uddingston Grammar.
Harry’s family launched the award, which includes recording time in a studio, in 2015, in tribute to Harry who wrote hundreds of jingles and songs during his 50-year career.
Blair of Uddingston, is looking forward to recording at Riverside Music Complex, in Busby.
The 17-year-old, who is planning a career in sound technology, said: “I’m interested in sound engineering as well as performing so I’m hoping to pick up tips. I’m delighted to win.”
Broadcaster Bill Torrance, a lifelong friend of Harry’s, believes the award is a fitting tribute.
He added: “I can’t think of a better way to remember Harry. The studio was his second home.”
Folk musician Alastair Mcdonald, said: “I am so pleased to see this tribute to a truly great wordsmith.”
The Uddingston singersongwriter, dubbed Scotland’s jingle king, is responsible for some of the country’s most well-known ads.
One “hit”, Forrest Furnishing, is still on air after almost 40 years.
Harry’s back catalogue includes everything from Ally’s Tartan Army to producing work for Fran and Anna, Tiger Tim Stevens and The Krankies.
He also wrote traditional Scots songs Lochinver and Scotland Again.
Harry, who died suddenly in 2013, was known for The Big Elastic Band.
The debut album, When Big Roy Sang On Annie Mcgregor’s Juke Box, centred on a Uddingston cafe.
Other prizewinners at Uddingston Grammar last week included Cara Mcsherry, winner of the Crawford Family Dux Memorial Prize; Proxime Accessit, Heather Smyth, who was presented with the Clow Ross Memorial Prize; Emma Hunter, S6 Endeavour Award; Rebecca Steven, Harper Award for Character and Commitment and Chelsea Chatham, Audrey Butterfield Award for Citizenship.