Glasgow Letter
Norman MacLean
Regrettably, I never met Norman MacLean (who passed away last Thursday, aged 80 years) but his humour, musicality, and eloquence inspired me greatly and it was, therefore, with an enormous sense of sadness that I heard of his passing.
His stage-presence was legendary and for years I have heard my father rave about his performances in Fort William before my time.
He was born in Glasgow, won the Gold Medal at the Glasgow Mòd in 1967, and was a former writer of the Glasgow Letter.
I have often planned to look into The Oban Times archives in order to research Letters from years gone by.
I now intend to do so in the coming weeks and hope to include some of my findings in my column.
I can only imagine what the Glasgow Letter must have been like whilst it was under the authorship of a man of Norman MacLean’s wit and erudition.
For just now, all I can say is that (for all his widespread fame and popularity) my thoughts and prayers go out to those closest to him who loved him best.
Lewis and Harris Association Ceilidh
The Lewis and Harris have a great line-up for their opening ceilidh of the 2017/2018 season.
Josie Burgess, Eilidh Jenkins, Kenneth Thomson, Calum Angus MacDonald, and Rory MacDiarmid (on the accordion) will all entertain the audience. Details of the evening, as well as other events next weekend, are included in the What’s On section below.
Blas mark Kenna’s 80th
This coming Saturday September 9 looks to be a great night up in Dunvegan as the Blas festival helps Dr Kenna Campbell MBE mark her 80th birthday.
As I wrote in this column earlier in the summer, when she received her MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, Kenna is an extraordinary ambassador for Gaelic language, music, and culture, and for many years has been a tremendous help to young Gaelic singers down here in Glasgow.
Only last week, I was round at Kenna’s getting help with some songs for my own run of Blas concerts this week.
As well as imparting lots of her immeasurable knowledge, she made me a cracking mug of soup and sent me away with a jar of manuka honey which is good for the singing voice!
Taking to the stage with Kenna will be Seumas Campbell, Mary Ann Kennedy, Wilma Kennedy, Eubha Fraser, Rachel Walker, Darren Maclean, Finlay Wells, Lorne MacDougall, and Euan Burton.
What’s On
Monday September 11: Iain Powrie Tribute Band at Glasgow Accordion and Fiddle Club at 7pm in Scotstounhill Bowling Club. Friday September 15: Opening Clydebank Ceilidh of the season in the Napier Hall, Old Kilpatrick at 7.30pm. Friday September 15: Glasgow Lewis and Harris ceilidh in the Crawford Hall, Beith Street, at 7.30pm. Saturday September 16: Glasgow Skye Association Opening Concert in the Crawford Hall, Beith Street, at 7.30pm.
Pub Scene
Islay Inn.
Friday September 8: Deep River
Saturday September 9: Twist of Fate
Sunday September 10: Calum MacPhail Duo
Park Bar.
Friday September 8: Gunna Sound
Saturday September 9: Dodgy Ground Sunday September 10: Beinn Lee Ceilidh Band