Scottish
‘I never wanted to sing into a vacuum’: Scottish folk pioneer Dick Gaughan’s fight for his lost music
A skilled interpreter and social justice champion, Gaughan is a hero to the likes of Richard Hawley and Billy Bragg. Yet much of his work has been stuck in limbo for decades – until a determined fan stepped in
By Jude Rogers
‘It felt to me as if the world had forgotten about the Frank Sinatra or Elvis Presley of folk, or a singular figure in the mould of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash or Richard Thompson.” So says Colin Harper, curator of a slew of new releases celebrating the stunning music of Scottish musician Dick Gaughan. Harper had recently reconnected with his music after several decades, “and I couldn’t believe the quality of it. His singing and guitar playing were astonishing – he performed traditional songs and championed social justice so powerfully.”
But if you haven’t heard of the 77-year-old Gaughan, it’s not surprising: much of his work has been unavailable for years, the rights to it having been claimed by the label Celtic Music, who have not made it available digitally. Gaughan doesn’t recall receiving a royalty statement from the company in 40 years. He is battling for ownership and, in turn, hopes to help other veteran folk artists regain control of their catalogues. “To find that the music I made, that I put a lot of work into, is just not available – it’s like your life isn’t available,” he says.
Born in Glasgow in 1948, and raised in Leith in an impoverished musical family, Gaughan became a jobbing musician at 22, later recording 12 solo albums and multiple collaborations. Capable of both stunning delicacy and fiery spirit in his performances, he recorded nine sessions for John Peel (solo and in groups), who said during one of his 1977 shows: “He’s a singer so good that prolonged exposure to him could drive you daft.”
Gaughan became a much-loved regular at folk clubs up and down the country. Later in his career, he brilliantly led Emmylou Harris, Kate and Anna McGarrigle and Kate’s 21-year-old son Rufus Wainwright on folk ballad Wild Mountain Thyme, on a 1995 episode of Scottish TV show Transatlantic Sessions. “I was so lucky to work with Dick Gaughan at an impressionable age,” says Wainwright. “His ability affected my singing for the duration.”
Richard Hawley also saw him in the 2000s at Greystones folk club in Sheffield. “It was very quickly apparent to me that this man was a force to be reckoned with,” he says. “It was a night of powerful song that I’ll never forget.”
Folk musician and BBC presenter Archie Fisher dies aged 86
The singer, songwriter and guitarist had presented BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk from 1983 to 2010.
Folk musician and former BBC Scotland presenter Archie Fisher has died at the age of 86.
The singer, songwriter and guitarist had presented BBC Radio Scotland’s Travelling Folk from 1983 to 2010.
Born in Glasgow into a singing family, he released a number of albums over the years and was among the earliest steel-string players in British folk music.
In 2006, he was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours for services to traditional Scottish music.
In posts on social media, Scottish singing star Barbara Dickson described him as “the great Archie Fisher”.
She said: “My musical mentor and huge cultural icon here in Scotland. Rest in Peace, Archie. Bx”.
Scottish BBC radio and TV presenter Vic Galloway said: “I’m very sad to hear the news about the passing of Archie Fisher.
“I met him many times at the BBC over the years & he was always a real gentleman, as well as being a great broadcaster. Obviously he was a legend of Scottish folk & traditional music as well… Archie RIP.”
Scottish folk singer Iona Fyfe said: “So sad to hear of the passing of Archie Fisher. A true folk music hero and inspiration. Rest easy Archie. Thoughts with the family and all who loved Archie and his music.”
Fisher, who died on Saturday, moved to Edinburgh in 1960 and lived in the south of Scotland in his final years.
Source: Folk musician and BBC presenter Archie Fisher dies aged 86
‘Fancy a pint of Chic Murray for dinner?’ – A Guide to Scottish rhyming slang
Though most people will be familiar with Cockney rhyming slang, they perhaps won’t know that Scotland also has its own version.
Keeping up with Scots words, the accent and even regional dialects can be hard enough, but throw in Scotland’s love of word play and it can leave many without a Scooby (as in Doo – clue, get it?).
From asking someone if they are Corned Beef to going for a Chic Murray – here are some of our favourite Scottish rhyming slang phrases.
Chic Murray – Curry
Though many have started using another famous Scottish Murray for this one (Andy), it will always be the original and best for us.
Example: “Fancy a wee Chic Murray for dinner tonight? I canny be bothered cooking.”
Corned Beef – Deif/Deaf
This one sees corned beef rhymed with deif (the way Scots would pronounce deaf), and is usually aimed at someone who isn’t listening.
Example: “Listen pal, are you corned beef? I told you to beat it.”
Hauf Inch – Pinch
A good one for someone who is known to be on the light-fingered side.
Example: “Aye it’s a cracker eh? Wee Davey hauf inched it for us.”
Mick Jagger – Lager
If someone asks if you fancy a Mick Jagger, it’s usually an invite for a pint and not referring to the great man himself.
Example: “I’m guessing most us will be choking for a Mick Jagger when the restrictions are over and the pubs re-open.”
Hampden Roar – Score
Though you might think this would be used for football, it’s more likely to be used when asking for more details about something.
Example: “What’s the Hampden for later? Where are we going?”
Single fish/Lillian Gish – Going for a pish
There’s a few different versions of this one, but these two are the most popular, alternatively you can also be going for a Barry White.
Example: “I’m away for a Lillian Gish.”
Gregory Pecks – Specks/glasses
One of the most widely used expressions, Gregory Pecks refers to your glasses.
Example: “Where’s your Gregory’s? You’ll not be able to see what’s happening later withou them.”
Sky Rocket – Pocket
Another of those expressions that Scottish das are fond of.
Example: “Stick that in your sky rocket and save it for later.”
Pan Breid – Deid/Dead
Hugely popular in Scotland, the old pan loaf also doubles up as another way of saying dead.
Example: “I’m telling you, that budgie is pan breid.”
Hank Marvin – Starving
If someone in Scotland mentions Hank Marvin, it won’t be the guitarist of the Shadows that they are referring to. It usually means they are hungry.
Example: “Is there anything decent in the fridge? I’m Hank Marvin.”
Source: ‘Fancy a pint of Chic Murray for dinner?’ – A Guide to Scottish rhyming slang