I remember seeing Andy in "Robinson Crusoe" in Portobello in 1992. It was a really well done show, with good lights, etc., but the best part was Andy and his band doing the final half-hour. Just magic!
If only we could go back in time…
I worked with Dixie when he was a salesman for an animal health company between 1978 – 1980. A really nice guy. I assume that he's no longer with us.
Thank you for all the infomation on "A Scottish Soldier". I have loved the song since it came out when I was 7 years old, it gets played at least once a week. I always imagined that the soldier had fought in the Wars of the Spanish Sucession not an earlier period, great words to a beautiful melody.
A really fantastic tribute and archive of Andy Stewart information and his life’s work.
It is really great to have this and hopefully it will be about for many many years.
I came on to try and find a really good website that I found years ago dedicated to Andy, and although I could no longer find that one, I came upon the absolute gem.
Thanks again for keeping The legend that is Andy Stewart alive for all.
To be able to watch the show on Youtube is wonderful. I love the dancing and Andy Stewart singing Soldier Laddy is iconic. The combination of kilts and the 50s female fashion, for the reels, are the loveliest. Pure nostalgia for a Scottish landscape of the past.
I was born in New Zealand in the early 70's. My parents emmigrated from Scotland in the 50's. Andy's music was a staple in our household growing up. It was always just background noise. Now with my parents gone and in my 50s I have rediscovered a love for his wonderful music. What absolute musicianship he had and what a showman! Truly one of the greats.
Nice to see a website dedicated to Andy! I was taught art at Arbroath High School by Andy's pal, Ken Roberts. Then I was taught science by his dad at Arbroath Academy. After school I worked at my father's garage and serviced Andy's car! Still remember seeing him perform at the Whitehall Theatre in Dundee. Proud to have so many connections to a legend!
Andy was the most fabulous singer and entertainer. I dearly love all his songs but ‘Oh What a Ceilidh’ and ‘Campbeltown Loch’ always bring a smile to my face and ‘When the Heather Bells …’ brings joy to my soul. Thank you for keeping his songs and memory alive with your excellent website. He is sorely missed!
He was the best Scottish entertainer, New Year’s Eve has never been the same.
Very sad reading this, but what a wonderful tribute to a truly wonderful man and entertainer. Andy Stewart was New Year.
Lovin’ the Youtube Site and new look on here. Keep up the good work. Hopefully more random stuff will start to appear.
When I lived in Aberdeen in the 60’s we would watch Andy at the White Heather Club… R.I.P Andy xx
Does Scotch Corner still exist…I’ve looked on the archives but cant find any.
FROM ADMIN: I don’t know for certain, but I would be surprised if any existed in STV’s archive. Scotch Corner was shown at lunchtime and sometimes repeated the same day as part of “tea-time” TV. They were then most probably wiped after these transmissions.
Met Andy with Jimmy Warren in Penticton, Canada in1967..a great performer…..Jimmy and I go on to meet strangely enough passing through airports in different countries
Nice to see your great website about Andy! Over the years I often wondered if he ever officially credited P/M John McLellan DCM of Dunoon for using his lovely melody of ‘Lochanside’ in his song ‘By The Lochside’. It was good to see that you kindly namechecked ‘Lochanside’ in your notes.
Jock McLellan DCM composed many fine melodies, though he didnt always get due credit.
Cheers! Duggy Mac
https://johnmclellandcm.weebly.com/
Excellent website. I’m fan of Andy Stewart’s music. I have watched the ”Andy’s Party” Series on YouTube and I have really enjoyed it. Great entertainment. I’m really interested in old music programmes on Grampian Television and STV . Well my favourites are John Carmichael’s Northern Nights and Thingummyjig, Shindig with Sydney Devine and Andy Stewart”Andy’s Party”. Also enjoyed the YouTube videos of Andy Stewart. Thank you so much.
Thinking back to Andy Stewart’s first tour of South Africa (I was 12 years old and already a "radical fan"), I’d like to share some memories, as follows:
Andy arrived at Jan Smuts Airport (now Oliver Tambo), Johannesburg, in December 1968. Major local newspapers mentioned his arrival and displayed a photograph of Andy being "piped" into South Africa (a piper played "A Scottish Soldier" as he walked to his car).
The tour was treated as truly newsworthy, and readio interviews abounded (South Africa had no TV at that time), including a lengthy interview on a music station – Andy chatted with a popular "dj", answering questions about his career, family, favourite pastimes / sports (said he played golf), and Scotland in general. This particular interview was mentioned in the national broadcasters’ magazine, in an article which also featured a photograph of Andy in the Johannesburg studio.
The shows on this ’68 / ’69" tour ran twice nightly (6 and 9 pm.) and did not feature any other Scottish artists, except Jock Morgan (Fiddler). The "supporting bill" included several international acts, with Andy as compere for the entire 2-hour show.
Andy played to packed theatres around the country and an impresario remarked on national radio, "A highly successful tour."
Happy New Year to all.
Scott Milne.
I’m in my sixties now and English, my mum used to insist we watched Andy every new year and she always got her way!
Mum loved Andy and although it wasn’t really my thing I used to love watching mum singing with him. He was fun, and that’s all that’s important.
Great Website – miss Andy so much. I remember Andy did a ten week season at Aberdeen, I was in thirteen times to see him. Saw him in Glasgow and in Scarborough. Great entertainment
Delighted to come across – as a US-based Scots journalist – your website centred on Andy Stewart who achieved international fame. To your knowledge has a statue of Andy ever been suggested? Do you think the idea would draw support? Comment welcome!
I have been tracking down the version of MacPhersons Lament that I heard so often at my Moms and then I found this whole site! Guess what Mom lives with me now and we are both delighted to have this whole site to explore now. Bless you for sharing.
I used to listen to some of his funny tunes before work and college in the 1980s and nineties. It cheered me up in the morning on dark winter mornings.
What a great website – i remember Andy on the lunchtime tv show Scotch Corner in the 70s! I bought the reissued Donald Wheres Your Troosers in the 80s and last week i was pleased to find the Andy Stewart Sings EP in a charity shop! I’ll look out for more of his great releases!
Always felt an affinity with the Scots! Andy Stewart was one of the very best of them. long live his memory. Steve Lategan, South Africa
Have searched so many times for Andy’s ‘Road to Aberdeen’ but cannot find it anywhere. It holds many memories. First saw Andy in Johannesburg around 1970. Lived in Banchory for many years so bumped into Andy occasionally. What an entertainer.
Hi,
I came upon this site in a quest to determine whether a recollection I have can be corroborated. I grew up in Hillhead in the 60s and I recall Andy Stewart attending one of our cub fundraising drives. I think his son were members of the Hillhead cub pack around the same time as me. I’ve always wondered whether I dreamed this up over the many decades since. I was wondering whether anybody could shed light on this?
Regards,
Harry Kolotas (Sydney, Australia)
The program that led up to the White Heather Club had its first airing on TV with a local team of dancers from Dundee called the Gie Gordons Scottish Country Dance Team, also a band and concert party.I used to get all day off from work in Bowbridge in Dundee, rehearsals all day, and the show went on the air live at 6.20 I think. Ann and Laura Brand were the best but I also liked Joe and Sally Gordon. Great times… great memories.The show was like Coronation Street now..everybody watched it.
You website is great Thanks. Ron.
A great website with lots of good information and facts. Also lots of Andy’s good music.
Brings back lots of lovely memories, thank you
I sing locally in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and after one gig, someone in the band suggested we do “Donald Where’s Your Troosers?” Looking up the song led me to your wonderful website and introduced me to the great music of Andy Stewart. Thank you so much.
What an amazing man I remember my parents seeing his shows in New Zealand
They loved his performances, we all came to New Zealand from Scotland as a family of 4 in 1958
Stephen Harris, congratulations on a fantastic website about Andy Stewart. It’s hard to imagine the amount of time and labour that has gone into searching and compiling all this detailed information. Kudos!
Just one question. Anne and Laura Brand were a fabulous singing duo who regularly appeared with Andy Stewart. But of all the White Heather performers, they are ones we seem to know practically nothing about. Your link from their names brings up an empty Wikipedia page. It appears there was once a brief article which has been wiped. A Google search brings up very little about them. One interesting fact is that Laura was a music teacher at Sciennes Primary School, Edinburgh. Does anyone have any more information or links to share about these two magic Scottish singers?
What a charming, informative and moving site.
In the early 60s, BFN (Bristish Forces Network)brought Andy St’s songs to my ears & soul. Have seen Edinburg and Aberdeen during my Navy-Years, and many years later again, driving my car from Hamburg via Oostende,Dover,Aberystwyth, Penrith a.o.
All these memories are what I call my wealthyness ….
Back in the 1960s I had only 3 LPs Andy Stewart’s greatest hits Jim Reeves and Freddy and the Dreamers the old record player on repeat ( leave the Arm off) and Andy on from morning till night …used to send dad crazy but at the age of 7 I could sing with him word for word every song on that record …God bless you …some very fond memories tonight
What a great website, we are just leaving for a short break in Scotland and to get “in the mood” played Andy’s Donald Where’s Your Troosers
This led in to googling him and finding the site, really informative and well put together, brings back some great memories of Andy on tv whilst I was growing up in England.
Hello- your site is the perfect presentation of an artist one could wish for.From my teenage years onwards in Melbourne, Australia,I avidly collected (and eventually lost)as many Andy Stewart lps as I could find. So many were in mono, and to listen to your virtual record player and the pristine stereo mixes (I love 60’s stereo) brings a lump to my throat.Andy’s voice and presentation is, for me, an emotional experience, particularly on the ballads- I’ve felt that way ever since I heard “A Scottish Soldier” on the radio. My favourite recording of his is “The Dark Island”. I saw Andy perform on three occasions over the years, the last time he was ailing, but his show included great family support.A masterful all-round entertainer,he is for me the ultimate presenter of the Scottish musical heritage (but include Kenneth McKellar on that same short list!). Like others, I am waiting for the complete cd box set of the EMI years, with all the stereos available. Till then,the virtual record player does the job. Thank you so much for this wonderful site.
Oh this took me back to my holidays in Scotland as a wee boy, my mother coming from Bannockburn. I was only 11 but remember vividly seeing Andy at the Glasgow Empire in the early 1960’s. Wonderful memories
Andy was always a part of my family’s New Year, my parents were from Glasgow and the door was always open on Hogmanay, I never knew of Andy’s passing as I was in South Africa at that time. Recently I have re – visited Andy’s work as my Dance teacher is helping people with Dementia and Andy’s music is giving them so much enjoyment. I enjoyed it as a child and will always.
Well I have just found this little gem, after looking for lyrics for one a couple of Andy’s songs online. This is not only a perfect tribute to oor Andy but for the whole of Scotland and beyond.
It most definitely the best Website i have been on, interactive everything!! this will ensure that more people get the chance to find all the need to know for this great ambassador of Scotland. thanks so much for making not only me a very happy person but everyone that comes on the site.
Superb site and well researched. Variety is international and Andy Stewart knew his craft very well. The music added is very listenable and a joy to all ages and stages! Congratulations.
Hello
Is there a published music score or song book with Music Chords and Lyrics available of Andy Stewart’s work?
From Admin:
Not since the 1960s/1970s. For the 1960s you would have to check eBay for the 1960s publication of “The Andy Stewart Album” a collection of sheet music (or the individual vintage sheet musics for his hits). For the 1970s you would have to track down an STV publication ‘Scotch Corner’.
Stephen…only just found your site. beautifully done and well designed. As set out on page one I am The Rod Buckle who re-released ‘Donald where’s your Trousers’ in 1989. The story is exactly as set out by you…I’m a bit busy right now trying to finish my second novel (the first one Just in Time…did well enough to help the old pension along a bit thank goodness..it was needed.) as soon as the second book is complete I’ll write up some of my Andy Stewart memories…and in the archives we have a tape of a potential follow up that producer Kenny Denton recorded with Andy we’ll find that also. All the best Rod Buckle.
Hi, Grew up with Andy Stewart music as our Dad was from Coatbridge, but moved to Devon after the war but he never ever forgot his roots.
Could please tell me did Andy record ‘These are My Mountains’? We played this at Dad’s Funeral seven years ago and I really thought it was by Andy but can not find it any where.
Thanks for a great site.
MESSAGE FROM ADMIN:
No, ‘These are My Mountains’ would be more associated with Kenneth McKellar, or The Alexander Brothers
Do any of Andy`s fans out there have any dates, and venues for his March/April 1976 tour of Australia & NZ. I was drafted in at very short notice to play bass with Jimmy`s band and over the years have lost a lot of my info of the (once in a lifetime for me) tour.
Thanks folks
Jeff Ainsworth
What a wonderful website.
Growing up in New Zealand in the 1960s and 70s, while far away from Scotland, our ties to Britain and Scotland meant that Andy Stewart was an integral part of our culture too.
I guess many of us just took him for granted while he was with us, and it is great to have this wonderful commemoration of him online.
I particularly appreciate your excellent efforts at thoughtful commentary and ‘adding value’ and context to the basics of his story and achievements.
Many thanks for a great site.
David McD Rowell.
Thinking of my grandad tonight. What a fabulous website you’ve created, thank you.
I used to listen every hogmanay with my family to the wonderful Andy Stewart, mum died when I was ten so this man and his music brought my mum back to me that first year after her passing. I’ve not heard him singing for years until today on my daughter’s Christmas songs cd, I cried buckets just hearing this gorgeous voice again, the childhood memories came flooding back and reminded me of lots that was great about Scotland then. I have ordered his cds today, and will enjoy bringing back happier days. Thank you Andy Stewart, my lost childhood hero.
Andy Stewart was a man of his time. His sound in the early days – with a decent sized orchestra – defined Scottish traditional music for a generation. I always loved listening to great tunes played with such style and production: eg Heather Bells Will Bloom Again ; Take Me Back; The Summer Road and many more.
As for Hogmanay; well, STV have given up the ghost a long time ago. At least BBC Scotland make some effort but traditional Scottish music is underplayed. Its going on all over Scotland but television simply does not reflect this. “Oh, its too Scottish”!
I loved Andy Stewart and got to see him in one of his trips to Australia with my then husband. He was larger than life to me then, I think I fell in love with that night. My father died in ’92 then Andy in ’93. It was two big losses in my life. I didn’t know he was so sick. Then my Husband who had taken me to see him died in 2003. Still loves ya Andy….my Scottish Soldier.
He was my hero when I was growing up. No one had a voice like his. Now I live in Australia and still listen to him. May he rest in peace.
I’m an American and live in California, but have been to Scotland many times. I think Andy’s entertainment and talent were wonderful, and I love to hear his music. He was a man at Scotland’s very heart. My best to his family.
I have enjoyed an afternoon looking for something, then came across this site dedicated to Andy Stewart; I have enjoyed reading and looking around at the sites mentioned and listening to the music. It has been great.
All through my young life we were always tuned in to Andy Stewarts Hogmanay on BBC. It was our bit of Scotland in our own home. I am 62 myself now and remember those parties as if they were yesterday, even remembering the colours so well, even though it was a small black and white television set.
I thought the celebration of life and remembrance at Christmas of all souls passed through. How lovely it was to see good cheer, flowers, and the light we read about. A very smart Gentleman. A moment to remember and say thanks to all.
My first record listened to was an Andy Stewart record when I was 13. nearly 36 years ago, and how for a young Australian lad to listen to this with my Glaswegian born Dad is a memory I will never forget, Thank you Andy Stewart, Thank you Bobby Anderson my Dad.
As a kid in the 70s I used to really enjoy being allowed to stay up and watch the show from Scotland.great memories.
It’s 31st Dec 2015 and this is the time when folk of my era would be looking forward to seeing the new year in with Andy Stewart. Wonderful memories of the ultimate performer.
This is a “Rare Hidden Gem!”
I loved Andy Stewart growing up in Glasgow…he always made New Year special
I grew up listening to these tunes and they are still great today, I still play them at my gigs where people still love them young and old. I also think BBC Scotland should broadcast The White Heather Club again as a repeat interest culture show.
Can’t get enough of this excellent fan-site! I’d like to share some of my memories of Andy’s shows in South Africa, as follows:
On his 2nd tour of South Africa (Dec.1971 to Jan. 1972, I saw his show at a “packed” Civic Theatre in
Johannesburg. He was at his brilliant
best, and after he’d “ended” his performance with a stirring rendition of “Scotland The Brave”, the audience insisted on more! Andy responded by singing “Wee Hoose ‘Mang The Heather” and then, very movingly, a song which I don’t think he ever recorded (?) – “Hame O’ Mine”.
In 1973, Andy brought a White Heather Show to South Africa for the first time. I was at the opening show at the Johannesburg City Hall (full to capacity!). Andy was still at his best – what a great show it was! I remember a special moment when he interrupted his programme to take a request from the audience – someone asked for “The Star O’ Robbie Burns”, which Andy obligingly sang with great gusto, accompanied by Jimmy Blue and his band. Although Andy usually ended his ’70’s shows with “Here’s Tae You”, this particular concert closed with him and the whole company singing “We’re No Awa’ Tae ‘Bide Awa'”.
This is the only way that fans, like myself, can still live the memories of the great Andy Stewart MBE. So why have the BBC and STV not started any repeats? It’s not any problem – they have shows archived, so BBC1 Scotland and Scottish TV, get your fingers out and start re-runs of Scotland’s greatist artist, and we can start to enjoy his songs and stories once again. He is and always will be the best.
Wow, that brought back memories! I must admit that I am 61 and of the age that thought of this as Tartan kitsch! Remember that when the White Heather Club was “thrilling” the nation, Hendrix was pickin the beats!
I do realise, however, that there was a definite audience for a Scottish based, Scottish produced show of it’s type and can only applaud the producers who helped it go for so long, putting some beautiful Scottish trad music on the map. Thanks especially to Joe, Robin and Jimmie for this.
And Andy. What can be said about Andy? To me, for a period in the 60s and maybe even the early 70s, he was Mr Scotland! He did more to sell the country to overseas visitors than any “Scottish” politician of the time and was responsible for sales of kilts going through the roof! Maybe the show did eventually turn into it’s own “shortbread tin,” but of the period, it was classic. Can anyone even “imagine” BBC “Scotland” doing a traditional music show on a weekly basis, these days? It wouldn’t be allowed! Too Scottish!
What a wonderful site celebrating the life and music of, in my opinion, the greatest Scottish Entertainer of all time. From concerts at the Empire in Glasgow to listening still to his early 60’s records here in Adelaide Australia Andy Stewart is etched in my memory from childhood till now. Not even the distance from Connel Ferry to Adelaide has erased his music from my heart and memory.
Has anyone got access to the lyrics of Oh Kate!, cannot find them on the internet…
Many thanks for this great site
Alistair MacPherson
Adelaide Australia
From Admin:
Oh Kate!
(Stewart-Grant) 1961
Now I met a bonnie lassie coming down the Cairnie Brae,
And I thought that I would follow her and see what was her way,
She was awful neat and awful sweet and needless for to say –
She stole away my heart in the morning.
Oh Kate! from Éireann’s lovely isle,
Won’t you cuddle close my lass and give my lad a smile,
I’m a Scotsman and I’m proud of it but och, I’d walk a mile –
Just to get a glimpse of you in the morning.
Now her mother was a Rafferty and came from Donegal,
And her father was a sailorman from anywhere at all,
But it only goes to show me lads the world is very small –
Or I never would have met her in the morning.
She has said I can come calling if I really have a mind,
With a careless invitation of her teasing womankind,
Sure I’d find a way to get there lads if even I was blind –
For I followed her myself in the morning.
There will be wedding bells a-ringing lads if I can have my way,
And the Shamrock and the Thistle be united in a day,
In a cottage that I call my own the darlin’ girl will stay –
and I’ll have her by my side every morning.
My first record was A Scottish Soldier – my Granny bought it for me. I was a big Andy Stewart fan as a kid; and even now I listen to him on my iPod. Such a shame he had such bad health, tho his genre wouldn’t be fashionable these days.
I love Andy Stewart, Scottish Soldier always reminds me of my first holiday at Butlins in Ayr in 1962, this record was playing constantly or so it seemed, I also remember Andy on Hogmanay, he made New Year’s Eve something special. After Andy stopped doing the Hogmanay show it all just went to pot, look at what we have now, Jools Holland couldn’t lace Andy Stewart’s boots!! RIP Andy, Scotland’s Greatest Entertainer.
Having been brought up with Andy Stewart and his Hogmanay count downs (Hogmanay is not the same as used to be!) I have to say this website is a wonderful tribute to a man who brought us so much.
It seems that I recently discovered through my genealogy project that we were/are distant cousins (3rd Cousin 1x removed) so it is nice to see his history recorded through this page, I only wish I had met him. X
Been a fan of Andy a long time. Miss him so much – he is better than the singers you get today. A great man for Scotland
Does anyone have a picture / photograph of Bernard Ebbinghouse and Alan Roper who backed Andy on numerous records. I would be very grateful if someone could help me with the above request. Thanking you,
Sam Devins.
I first saw Andy Stewart at the Gaiety in Ayr while on my honeymoon. I predicted then he would make it big time. When I emmigrated to the USA I was instrumental in bringing Andy over to the USA in the middle seventies to a Scottish concert in Cleveland Ohio. He was a big success. I also remember his agent Jimmy Warren.
My very first record was ‘A Scottish Soldier’ and from that day on I have always loved Andy’s music. Travelled up from Derby to see him live in Glasgow and was thrilled when I met him at the stage door afterwards. Genuinely nice guy.
How / where can I get to know more about Andy Stewart’s wonderful “Message?” A classic.
From Admin:
I think you mean ‘The Rumour’. See this page: https://whiteheather.club/songwriting/
Does anyone have the words to The Tractor Song sung by one of the Brand Sisters x
Andy was a part of my childhood – I watched him at the Tivoli in Aberdeen where I was born. Nobody could make Scots feel like Scots like he could. A true showman. God bless his wife and children. Xx
How I have longed for the lyrics to The Scottish Soldier. Thank you.
From Admin:
A Scottish Soldier
(Stewart, Arr. Iain MacFadyen) 1960
There was a soldier, a Scottish soldier
Who wandered far away, and soldiered far away
There was none bolder, with good broad shoulder
He’d fought in mony a fray, and fought and won!
He’d seen the glory, he’d told the story
Of battles glorious, and deeds victorious
But now he’s sighing, his heart is crying
To leave these green hills of Tyrol.
Because those green hills are not highland hills,
Or the island hills, they’re not my land’s hills!
And fair as these green foreign hills may be
They are not the hills of home.
And now this soldier, this Scottish soldier
Who wandered far away, and soldiered far away
Sees leaves are falling, and death is calling
And he will fade away, in that far land!
He called his piper, his trusty piper
And bade him sound a lay, A pibroch sad to play
Upon a hillside, but Scottish hillside
Not on these green hills of Tyrol.
And so this soldier, this Scottish soldier
Will wander far no more, and soldier far no more
And on a hillside, a Scottish hillside
You’ll see a piper play his soldier home!
He’s seen the glory, he’s told the story
Of battles glorious and deeds victorious
The bugles cease now, he is at peace now
Far from those green hills of Tyrol.
Can we please have a request to the BBC to make the videos into DVDs.
It’s about time these videos were released. The Tractor Song on the White Heather Club video is my party piece and no-one has ever heard of it. A great era of Scottish music. xx
Brings back many memories. My boyfriend Ron Silver played in Joe Gordon Folk Four group. He and another member of the group used to come over and ‘jam’…made my old Mum so happy. Everyone liked Andy Stewart, great guy.
I grew up listening to Andy Stewart on his wonderful records at my aunts’ place, who were born in Scotland. His ability to inject humour in his songs along with impersonations made him an outstanding entertainer. When listening to ‘A Scottish Soldier’ and ‘Barbara Allen’, it brings tears to my eyes – to lose such a great man at such a young age (60 is not old, as I’m approaching it!) I had no idea he was hampered with such poor health his whole adult life.
Thank you for such a detailed web site.
From Canada!
After watching various videos of the late great Andy Stewart it has made me very proud to be scottish. Although Andy had a short life he was a true entertainer, a gentleman and a true Scotsman. He is a true legend and will always be remembered as one of Scotland’s greatest sons. RIP ANDY SIMPLY THE BEST.
Wonderful site and loved hearing the familiar old tunes as I always enjoyed watching Andy Stewart on television and listening to him on the radio with the family.The site is marvellously put together. Most enjoyable. Well done!
Andy Stewart was my childhood idol. I grew up during the years when his career was at it’s peak; was privileged to see some of his “live” shows while he was still in good health and in top form! To this day, he remains my favourite singer and entertainer.
His name was well-known not only to Scots the world over, but also to people of many other nationalities. He made a huge and long-lasting impression throughout Australasia and North America – and here in South Africa, he was probably the greatest ambassador Scotland ever had. With respect, I think it’s strange that he didn’t get more than an MBE.
A very special person who I met only once at a dance in Friockheim. He will always be my favourite entertainer and his songs and music bring back great memories of my mother and all the family watching the White Heather Club on black and white TV in front of a roaring coal fire. A great website.
I am a faithful follower of Andy Stewart, and have been since I was young boy. I am an ex-Scottish Soldier and I am in my early 50’s but to my dying day will remain faithful. Please do not forget, he is still a great man. His battle is now over, but he lives forevermore. May he be at peace now.
Fantastic site to the late great Andy Stewart. A multi-talented entertainer.
The site is very well presented with excellent slick graphical editing and the recordings are of impeccable sound quality. Every effort has been made to use the original stereo mixes, where ever available.
I have a copy of ‘Donald Where’s Your Trousers’ on the Decca label by Calum Kennedy and the song is credited to Kennedy in brackets below the song title (the B-side of the single is Geordie Munro) so how can Andy Stewart claim to have written it if Calum’s version is credited to him as the writer of the song – or am I missing something here?
Answer from Admin:
In answer to your question, the actual chorus (“wind blow high/wind blow low”) and verses about “coming down from Skye” and the “slippery hall” are part of a “Traditional” commonly known as ‘Highland Donald’. Traditional means that the song has been around so long that no-one knows the actual author of the song – folk music is littered with examples of songs and melodies from hundreds of years ago that passed into popular use and then at a much later time were “collected” (finally written down for preservation).
If an artist sufficiently adapts, alters, or adds to a Traditional, they are quite entitled to a writing credit – indeed Robert Burns did such a few times. Andy and Calum’s versions have distinct differences in the verses (and Andy has his Presley section), so are equally entitled to their own credit. (Sometimes “Trad.” is noted in the credit – sometimes not).
Anyway, after more than fifty years, I think everyone can agree that Andy’s version is the one that lasted and as such it could be said that he made the song his own.
Enjoyed the site, fitting tribute to a real great – sadly health problems cut short his time at the top. I first worked with Andy on “Scotch Corner” and many times over the years and it didn’t matter if you were in a TV studio, theatre or grounds of a castle in Aberdeenshire – he gave it his all.
Tremendous site! Really well researched, thought out, and presented. Love the discography. Great to hear the unreleased tracks. Don’t suppose you’d consider doing such a site for other Scottish greats of the same era, such as Kenneth McKellar, Callum Kennedy, and The Alexander Brothers?
I would really like someone to help me out here, my mother danced in The White Heather Club with Andy Stewart. She sadly passed away in 1996 when I was 11 years old and I’d really like some footage of my mum performing. Her name was Joyce Campbell D.O.B 4/4/54.
Help, Many years ago Andy had an EP record out, one of the tunes was about a Scots boy and an Irish girl… anyone know the name of the song?
Reply from Admin:
I think the song you are referring to is Oh Kate! from the EP ‘Andy Sings’.
Excellent site all round, and highly informative. Andy Stewart was a credit to Glasgow and to entertainment, as well as being a graduate of the city`s Royal Conservatoire.
His successful and record-breaking seasons at the Glasgow Empire in the 1960s should have made Moss Empires Ltd think again about their policy of short visits by USA performers, but the Moss board had decided to sell out and concentrate on running commercial television companies.
Thanks for the memories… Andy was a great entertainer, Scottish Hogmanay has never been the same without him and the wonderful artists who were on his shows.
Thank you for the Hogmanay link to “This Is Your Life”! Truly a “mega-treat”! A fitting tribute to Andy Stewart, the person and his work. Hope to see that again some day!
Sad that STV no longer has Andy’s excellent “Scotch Corner” series in their archives (1972-1974). Perhaps someone out there has video-taped copies that they’d be willing to share?
Thanks for that. Made my Hogmanay very special!
Many thanks for keeping memories of Andy ‘alive’. It is fashionable now in some quarters to sneer at Andy’s work. I am just a bit younger than Andy was. He was very popular and unlike some performers he was multi-talented. Acting, impressions, singing – he did it.
My dad used to play Andy’s records and so when I came across this web site I was delighted to listen to his music once again. I felt a certain sadness in one way because it brought back memories of my dad but at the same time this is life and in many ways he is still with us.
That goes for Andy Stewart as well.
Thank you.
A great treat to listen to – my mother and father both had Scottish ancestors, loved the White Heather Club and always were fans of Andy Stewart. Brilliant web site – thanks.
An excellent web page – Turns the clock back some 50 years. Is good to hear a genuine article – well done for your web work keep it up.
No favourite just love them all.
The best entertainer ever. Was at the final show in the Empire Theatre and it was brilliant.
Sadly missed by millions.
I listen to Robbie Shepherd every Saturday night,and it was nice to hear a tribute on Andy Stewart.
We can be proud of all Scottish entertainers and I enjoy listening to them by whatever means.
Good to see a web-site dedicated to Andy. Hard to believe it is now 20 years since he died, but his music will live on. My favourite song of Andy’s is his original version of ‘By The Lochside.’ I still play it every so often.
Just heard about this website on Radio Scotland – brilliant -well done!
I was brought up in the 1950s in south of England – Scottish father, Essex mum who absolutely loved Andy – especially seeing him on the White Heather Club.
She would have loved this website!
Many thanks for all your hard work!
Enjoyed going through the Andy Stewart discography. I began collecting his albums as a teenager back in the ’70’s, and never stopped! Recently purchased the compilation cd, “The Scottish Soldier”, from Amazon.
I agree with your comments about “Song of Freedom” (1975). It surely was hit material and I think would have made the charts in the 1960’s or even early ’70’s, when his voice was still at it’s best.
I like all Andy’s songs, but I have 2 particular favourites – “A Scottish Soldier” and “Take Me Back” (the original recordings).
I love those unreleased acetates!! Both “The Hawk” and “Jock Cameron” should’ve been released as singles 50 years ago: they’re that good! Thank You so much for sharing them with us!
A brilliant site and a brilliant tribute to Andy
The ‘new improved’ version of this wonderful tribute is, to say the least, ‘outstanding’. Congratulations on a marvellous ‘labour of love’ which has resulted in a tremendous tribute to Scotland’s greatest entertainer of modern times. It is a truly brilliant site thanks to Stephen Harris.
Been a fan of Andy for a long time. Wish they would show all his TV shows again or put them on DVD. He was the best.
Lovely website. Surely there is a call for the good old fashioned Scottish Hogmanay type programme on the telly on New Years Eve?
I’m a Scot now live in the USA and have been entertaining the ‘colonials’ for many years with (among others) the songs of Andy Stewart.
Favs are ‘Donald Where’s yer Troosers’ and ‘Campbeltown Loch’ but by far the most requested is ‘Scottish Soldier’
Long live the songs of AS!
I am thrilled that a fantastic web-site has at long last been created for a truly great Scottish ambassador. I have many long lasting memories of great shows he presented and the time he spent with my family.
Alex
Secretary:
Kettering & District Caledonian Society
www.ketteringcaledoniansociety.org
My auntie, SHEILA PATON spent many years working with Andy and loves him to bits. She will be thrilled to see this site.
A brilliant tribute to a brilliant man – as a child I developed a serious crush on him and now 50 years later, I can see why – his voice and passion are truly fantastic, and living abroad I shed a fond tear to ‘A Scottish Soldier’, and have a chuckle at ‘Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?’ I started teaching English in Vietnam 6 years ago and now I teach at a University in Turkey – in the process I rediscovered Andy, and my students adore him – I also did a project on Scotland here with some orphans for a competition – and at the end of their presentation, they joined Andy in a rendidtion of ‘A Scottish Soldier’ – they won the competition! Andy was the best!
I am looking for someone to assist me in trying to figure out the lyrics for once piece in the song ‘You’re Welcome, Jimmy Shand’. When listening to the song, at 01.47, we think the lyrics are (but doesn’t seem to make sense):
“Now here’s good health to Jimmy, May he find the Scottish days, Maybe I be fine and dandy, As the music that he plays.”
Could anyone help me please? I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
El
ANSWER from Admin:
“Now here’s good health to Jimmy,
May he find it all his days.
May he aye be fine and dandy,
As the music that he plays.”
I have enjoyed this site very much. Andy was a much loved performer. I recognised his acting ability early on before he became known for The White Heather Club. His Hogmanay shows did reflect reality at the time. I know, I was about Andy’s age. Remember Andy for the pleasure he gave a lot of people.
What a great website!
We’re featuring an article on Andy in the March issue of Scottish Memories magazine.
Matt
Editor, Scottish Memories
www.celebrate-scotland.co.uk
Fantastic website which my 7 year old daughter has enjoyed using to help prepare her class talk on her chosen ‘Famous Scot’. Thank you!
At long last an Andy Stewart website! It’s really brilliant just as was Andy! I grew up watching him on Hear Here and before that Scotch Corner. I am too young to remember his White Heather Club appearances.
I am hoping that maybe someone will put all Andy’s recorded work together into a boxed set of CD’s for us all to enjoy. Maybe they should also put some of his shows on DVD and how about someone writing a book on his life! The recent TV tribute was good, long overdue but too short! Still this is a good start and great tribute to a wonderful Scotsman, a marvellous singer and first class entertainer who unlike so many today was interested enough to meet and greet his fans and show an interest in them as people.
Long may his memory and music live on.
I recall as a kid, taping all of Andy’s shows especially, ‘Scotch Corner’ made with the Jimmy Blue Scottish Dance band in the 70’s. I was at school at the time, and could not stand missing one single programme!
I also recall, the many Hogmanay shows he made. To me, New years Eve meant scottish music, and Andy Stewart.
The memories, and the man’s wonderful music will live on.
Unfortunately I did not discover Andy Stewart until 4 years after his death, so I never got to see him in concert in the USA where I am from.
However, his music is timeless and is now the soundtrack to all my trips to Scotland! Andy’s tunes have taught me so much about the culture, geography and history of my ancestors homeland. When I listen to him I just want to dance and sing along!
Thank You so much for creating this excellent website. I now use it as THE definitive source for all things Andy: especially his discography.
A great website and a fitting tribute to Scotland’s greatest entertainer. There will never be anyone like him again. Andy’s music has been the soundtrack for most of my childhood and youth. I am a lifelong fan.
A wonderful, professional, entertaining site… much more than a “fan-site”.
Sally & myself worked with Andy a great deal over the years. I was also on Andy’s first White Heather appearance… and we were together again for his very last appearance in the Usher Hall!
He spent ages chatting & reminiscing with Sally and I, that night… and I’m so glad that he “triumphed”, in spite of the late, late appearance!
Thanks for this web tribute to Scotland’s greatest entertainer! I’ve been a fan of his since I was 11 years old. As a child growing up in South Africa, I saw Andy Stewart’s stage shows in Johannesburg, where he performed for large audiences in 1968, 1971 and 1973. A newspaper reviewer referred to Andy’s opening concert at the Johannesburg City Hall in May 1973 as “a gathering of the clans” – most of the men in the audience were in kilts!
An excellent tribute to a great Scottish entertainer. I remember well the White Heather Club and Andy’s shows at Glasgow Empire.
What a fantastic tribute to a great entertainer! Great content, superb design. Thanks for all the wonderful memories of an era which should never have ended.
I remember seeing Andy in "Robinson Crusoe" in Portobello in 1992. It was a really well done show, with good lights, etc., but the best part was Andy and his band doing the final half-hour. Just magic!
If only we could go back in time…
I worked with Dixie when he was a salesman for an animal health company between 1978 – 1980. A really nice guy. I assume that he's no longer with us.
Thank you for all the infomation on "A Scottish Soldier". I have loved the song since it came out when I was 7 years old, it gets played at least once a week. I always imagined that the soldier had fought in the Wars of the Spanish Sucession not an earlier period, great words to a beautiful melody.
A really fantastic tribute and archive of Andy Stewart information and his life’s work.
It is really great to have this and hopefully it will be about for many many years.
I came on to try and find a really good website that I found years ago dedicated to Andy, and although I could no longer find that one, I came upon the absolute gem.
Thanks again for keeping The legend that is Andy Stewart alive for all.
To be able to watch the show on Youtube is wonderful. I love the dancing and Andy Stewart singing Soldier Laddy is iconic. The combination of kilts and the 50s female fashion, for the reels, are the loveliest. Pure nostalgia for a Scottish landscape of the past.
I was born in New Zealand in the early 70's. My parents emmigrated from Scotland in the 50's. Andy's music was a staple in our household growing up. It was always just background noise. Now with my parents gone and in my 50s I have rediscovered a love for his wonderful music. What absolute musicianship he had and what a showman! Truly one of the greats.
Nice to see a website dedicated to Andy! I was taught art at Arbroath High School by Andy's pal, Ken Roberts. Then I was taught science by his dad at Arbroath Academy. After school I worked at my father's garage and serviced Andy's car! Still remember seeing him perform at the Whitehall Theatre in Dundee. Proud to have so many connections to a legend!
Andy was the most fabulous singer and entertainer. I dearly love all his songs but ‘Oh What a Ceilidh’ and ‘Campbeltown Loch’ always bring a smile to my face and ‘When the Heather Bells …’ brings joy to my soul. Thank you for keeping his songs and memory alive with your excellent website. He is sorely missed!
He was the best Scottish entertainer, New Year’s Eve has never been the same.
Very sad reading this, but what a wonderful tribute to a truly wonderful man and entertainer. Andy Stewart was New Year.
Lovin’ the Youtube Site and new look on here. Keep up the good work. Hopefully more random stuff will start to appear.
When I lived in Aberdeen in the 60’s we would watch Andy at the White Heather Club… R.I.P Andy xx
Does Scotch Corner still exist…I’ve looked on the archives but cant find any.
FROM ADMIN: I don’t know for certain, but I would be surprised if any existed in STV’s archive. Scotch Corner was shown at lunchtime and sometimes repeated the same day as part of “tea-time” TV. They were then most probably wiped after these transmissions.
Met Andy with Jimmy Warren in Penticton, Canada in1967..a great performer…..Jimmy and I go on to meet strangely enough passing through airports in different countries
Nice to see your great website about Andy! Over the years I often wondered if he ever officially credited P/M John McLellan DCM of Dunoon for using his lovely melody of ‘Lochanside’ in his song ‘By The Lochside’. It was good to see that you kindly namechecked ‘Lochanside’ in your notes.
Jock McLellan DCM composed many fine melodies, though he didnt always get due credit.
Cheers! Duggy Mac
https://johnmclellandcm.weebly.com/
Excellent website. I’m fan of Andy Stewart’s music. I have watched the ”Andy’s Party” Series on YouTube and I have really enjoyed it. Great entertainment. I’m really interested in old music programmes on Grampian Television and STV . Well my favourites are John Carmichael’s Northern Nights and Thingummyjig, Shindig with Sydney Devine and Andy Stewart”Andy’s Party”. Also enjoyed the YouTube videos of Andy Stewart. Thank you so much.
Thinking back to Andy Stewart’s first tour of South Africa (I was 12 years old and already a "radical fan"), I’d like to share some memories, as follows:
Andy arrived at Jan Smuts Airport (now Oliver Tambo), Johannesburg, in December 1968. Major local newspapers mentioned his arrival and displayed a photograph of Andy being "piped" into South Africa (a piper played "A Scottish Soldier" as he walked to his car).
The tour was treated as truly newsworthy, and readio interviews abounded (South Africa had no TV at that time), including a lengthy interview on a music station – Andy chatted with a popular "dj", answering questions about his career, family, favourite pastimes / sports (said he played golf), and Scotland in general. This particular interview was mentioned in the national broadcasters’ magazine, in an article which also featured a photograph of Andy in the Johannesburg studio.
The shows on this ’68 / ’69" tour ran twice nightly (6 and 9 pm.) and did not feature any other Scottish artists, except Jock Morgan (Fiddler). The "supporting bill" included several international acts, with Andy as compere for the entire 2-hour show.
Andy played to packed theatres around the country and an impresario remarked on national radio, "A highly successful tour."
Happy New Year to all.
Scott Milne.
I’m in my sixties now and English, my mum used to insist we watched Andy every new year and she always got her way!
Mum loved Andy and although it wasn’t really my thing I used to love watching mum singing with him. He was fun, and that’s all that’s important.
Great Website – miss Andy so much. I remember Andy did a ten week season at Aberdeen, I was in thirteen times to see him. Saw him in Glasgow and in Scarborough. Great entertainment
Delighted to come across – as a US-based Scots journalist – your website centred on Andy Stewart who achieved international fame. To your knowledge has a statue of Andy ever been suggested? Do you think the idea would draw support? Comment welcome!
I have been tracking down the version of MacPhersons Lament that I heard so often at my Moms and then I found this whole site! Guess what Mom lives with me now and we are both delighted to have this whole site to explore now. Bless you for sharing.
I used to listen to some of his funny tunes before work and college in the 1980s and nineties. It cheered me up in the morning on dark winter mornings.
What a great website – i remember Andy on the lunchtime tv show Scotch Corner in the 70s! I bought the reissued Donald Wheres Your Troosers in the 80s and last week i was pleased to find the Andy Stewart Sings EP in a charity shop! I’ll look out for more of his great releases!
Always felt an affinity with the Scots! Andy Stewart was one of the very best of them. long live his memory. Steve Lategan, South Africa
Have searched so many times for Andy’s ‘Road to Aberdeen’ but cannot find it anywhere. It holds many memories. First saw Andy in Johannesburg around 1970. Lived in Banchory for many years so bumped into Andy occasionally. What an entertainer.
Hi,
I came upon this site in a quest to determine whether a recollection I have can be corroborated. I grew up in Hillhead in the 60s and I recall Andy Stewart attending one of our cub fundraising drives. I think his son were members of the Hillhead cub pack around the same time as me. I’ve always wondered whether I dreamed this up over the many decades since. I was wondering whether anybody could shed light on this?
Regards,
Harry Kolotas (Sydney, Australia)
The program that led up to the White Heather Club had its first airing on TV with a local team of dancers from Dundee called the Gie Gordons Scottish Country Dance Team, also a band and concert party.I used to get all day off from work in Bowbridge in Dundee, rehearsals all day, and the show went on the air live at 6.20 I think. Ann and Laura Brand were the best but I also liked Joe and Sally Gordon. Great times… great memories.The show was like Coronation Street now..everybody watched it.
You website is great Thanks. Ron.
A great website with lots of good information and facts. Also lots of Andy’s good music.
Brings back lots of lovely memories, thank you
I sing locally in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and after one gig, someone in the band suggested we do “Donald Where’s Your Troosers?” Looking up the song led me to your wonderful website and introduced me to the great music of Andy Stewart. Thank you so much.
What an amazing man I remember my parents seeing his shows in New Zealand
They loved his performances, we all came to New Zealand from Scotland as a family of 4 in 1958
Stephen Harris, congratulations on a fantastic website about Andy Stewart. It’s hard to imagine the amount of time and labour that has gone into searching and compiling all this detailed information. Kudos!
Just one question. Anne and Laura Brand were a fabulous singing duo who regularly appeared with Andy Stewart. But of all the White Heather performers, they are ones we seem to know practically nothing about. Your link from their names brings up an empty Wikipedia page. It appears there was once a brief article which has been wiped. A Google search brings up very little about them. One interesting fact is that Laura was a music teacher at Sciennes Primary School, Edinburgh. Does anyone have any more information or links to share about these two magic Scottish singers?
What a charming, informative and moving site.
In the early 60s, BFN (Bristish Forces Network)brought Andy St’s songs to my ears & soul. Have seen Edinburg and Aberdeen during my Navy-Years, and many years later again, driving my car from Hamburg via Oostende,Dover,Aberystwyth, Penrith a.o.
All these memories are what I call my wealthyness ….
Back in the 1960s I had only 3 LPs Andy Stewart’s greatest hits Jim Reeves and Freddy and the Dreamers the old record player on repeat ( leave the Arm off) and Andy on from morning till night …used to send dad crazy but at the age of 7 I could sing with him word for word every song on that record …God bless you …some very fond memories tonight
What a great website, we are just leaving for a short break in Scotland and to get “in the mood” played Andy’s Donald Where’s Your Troosers
This led in to googling him and finding the site, really informative and well put together, brings back some great memories of Andy on tv whilst I was growing up in England.
Hello- your site is the perfect presentation of an artist one could wish for.From my teenage years onwards in Melbourne, Australia,I avidly collected (and eventually lost)as many Andy Stewart lps as I could find. So many were in mono, and to listen to your virtual record player and the pristine stereo mixes (I love 60’s stereo) brings a lump to my throat.Andy’s voice and presentation is, for me, an emotional experience, particularly on the ballads- I’ve felt that way ever since I heard “A Scottish Soldier” on the radio. My favourite recording of his is “The Dark Island”. I saw Andy perform on three occasions over the years, the last time he was ailing, but his show included great family support.A masterful all-round entertainer,he is for me the ultimate presenter of the Scottish musical heritage (but include Kenneth McKellar on that same short list!). Like others, I am waiting for the complete cd box set of the EMI years, with all the stereos available. Till then,the virtual record player does the job. Thank you so much for this wonderful site.
Oh this took me back to my holidays in Scotland as a wee boy, my mother coming from Bannockburn. I was only 11 but remember vividly seeing Andy at the Glasgow Empire in the early 1960’s. Wonderful memories
Andy was always a part of my family’s New Year, my parents were from Glasgow and the door was always open on Hogmanay, I never knew of Andy’s passing as I was in South Africa at that time. Recently I have re – visited Andy’s work as my Dance teacher is helping people with Dementia and Andy’s music is giving them so much enjoyment. I enjoyed it as a child and will always.
Well I have just found this little gem, after looking for lyrics for one a couple of Andy’s songs online. This is not only a perfect tribute to oor Andy but for the whole of Scotland and beyond.
It most definitely the best Website i have been on, interactive everything!! this will ensure that more people get the chance to find all the need to know for this great ambassador of Scotland. thanks so much for making not only me a very happy person but everyone that comes on the site.
Superb site and well researched. Variety is international and Andy Stewart knew his craft very well. The music added is very listenable and a joy to all ages and stages! Congratulations.
Hello
Is there a published music score or song book with Music Chords and Lyrics available of Andy Stewart’s work?
From Admin:
Not since the 1960s/1970s. For the 1960s you would have to check eBay for the 1960s publication of “The Andy Stewart Album” a collection of sheet music (or the individual vintage sheet musics for his hits). For the 1970s you would have to track down an STV publication ‘Scotch Corner’.
Stephen…only just found your site. beautifully done and well designed. As set out on page one I am The Rod Buckle who re-released ‘Donald where’s your Trousers’ in 1989. The story is exactly as set out by you…I’m a bit busy right now trying to finish my second novel (the first one Just in Time…did well enough to help the old pension along a bit thank goodness..it was needed.) as soon as the second book is complete I’ll write up some of my Andy Stewart memories…and in the archives we have a tape of a potential follow up that producer Kenny Denton recorded with Andy we’ll find that also. All the best Rod Buckle.
Hi, Grew up with Andy Stewart music as our Dad was from Coatbridge, but moved to Devon after the war but he never ever forgot his roots.
Could please tell me did Andy record ‘These are My Mountains’? We played this at Dad’s Funeral seven years ago and I really thought it was by Andy but can not find it any where.
Thanks for a great site.
MESSAGE FROM ADMIN:
No, ‘These are My Mountains’ would be more associated with Kenneth McKellar, or The Alexander Brothers
Do any of Andy`s fans out there have any dates, and venues for his March/April 1976 tour of Australia & NZ. I was drafted in at very short notice to play bass with Jimmy`s band and over the years have lost a lot of my info of the (once in a lifetime for me) tour.
Thanks folks
Jeff Ainsworth
What a wonderful website.
Growing up in New Zealand in the 1960s and 70s, while far away from Scotland, our ties to Britain and Scotland meant that Andy Stewart was an integral part of our culture too.
I guess many of us just took him for granted while he was with us, and it is great to have this wonderful commemoration of him online.
I particularly appreciate your excellent efforts at thoughtful commentary and ‘adding value’ and context to the basics of his story and achievements.
Many thanks for a great site.
David McD Rowell.
Thinking of my grandad tonight. What a fabulous website you’ve created, thank you.
I used to listen every hogmanay with my family to the wonderful Andy Stewart, mum died when I was ten so this man and his music brought my mum back to me that first year after her passing. I’ve not heard him singing for years until today on my daughter’s Christmas songs cd, I cried buckets just hearing this gorgeous voice again, the childhood memories came flooding back and reminded me of lots that was great about Scotland then. I have ordered his cds today, and will enjoy bringing back happier days. Thank you Andy Stewart, my lost childhood hero.
Andy Stewart was a man of his time. His sound in the early days – with a decent sized orchestra – defined Scottish traditional music for a generation. I always loved listening to great tunes played with such style and production: eg Heather Bells Will Bloom Again ; Take Me Back; The Summer Road and many more.
As for Hogmanay; well, STV have given up the ghost a long time ago. At least BBC Scotland make some effort but traditional Scottish music is underplayed. Its going on all over Scotland but television simply does not reflect this. “Oh, its too Scottish”!
I loved Andy Stewart and got to see him in one of his trips to Australia with my then husband. He was larger than life to me then, I think I fell in love with that night. My father died in ’92 then Andy in ’93. It was two big losses in my life. I didn’t know he was so sick. Then my Husband who had taken me to see him died in 2003. Still loves ya Andy….my Scottish Soldier.
He was my hero when I was growing up. No one had a voice like his. Now I live in Australia and still listen to him. May he rest in peace.
I’m an American and live in California, but have been to Scotland many times. I think Andy’s entertainment and talent were wonderful, and I love to hear his music. He was a man at Scotland’s very heart. My best to his family.
I have enjoyed an afternoon looking for something, then came across this site dedicated to Andy Stewart; I have enjoyed reading and looking around at the sites mentioned and listening to the music. It has been great.
All through my young life we were always tuned in to Andy Stewarts Hogmanay on BBC. It was our bit of Scotland in our own home. I am 62 myself now and remember those parties as if they were yesterday, even remembering the colours so well, even though it was a small black and white television set.
I thought the celebration of life and remembrance at Christmas of all souls passed through. How lovely it was to see good cheer, flowers, and the light we read about. A very smart Gentleman. A moment to remember and say thanks to all.
My first record listened to was an Andy Stewart record when I was 13. nearly 36 years ago, and how for a young Australian lad to listen to this with my Glaswegian born Dad is a memory I will never forget, Thank you Andy Stewart, Thank you Bobby Anderson my Dad.
As a kid in the 70s I used to really enjoy being allowed to stay up and watch the show from Scotland.great memories.
It’s 31st Dec 2015 and this is the time when folk of my era would be looking forward to seeing the new year in with Andy Stewart. Wonderful memories of the ultimate performer.
This is a “Rare Hidden Gem!”
I loved Andy Stewart growing up in Glasgow…he always made New Year special
I grew up listening to these tunes and they are still great today, I still play them at my gigs where people still love them young and old. I also think BBC Scotland should broadcast The White Heather Club again as a repeat interest culture show.
Can’t get enough of this excellent fan-site! I’d like to share some of my memories of Andy’s shows in South Africa, as follows:
On his 2nd tour of South Africa (Dec.1971 to Jan. 1972, I saw his show at a “packed” Civic Theatre in
Johannesburg. He was at his brilliant
best, and after he’d “ended” his performance with a stirring rendition of “Scotland The Brave”, the audience insisted on more! Andy responded by singing “Wee Hoose ‘Mang The Heather” and then, very movingly, a song which I don’t think he ever recorded (?) – “Hame O’ Mine”.
In 1973, Andy brought a White Heather Show to South Africa for the first time. I was at the opening show at the Johannesburg City Hall (full to capacity!). Andy was still at his best – what a great show it was! I remember a special moment when he interrupted his programme to take a request from the audience – someone asked for “The Star O’ Robbie Burns”, which Andy obligingly sang with great gusto, accompanied by Jimmy Blue and his band. Although Andy usually ended his ’70’s shows with “Here’s Tae You”, this particular concert closed with him and the whole company singing “We’re No Awa’ Tae ‘Bide Awa'”.
This is the only way that fans, like myself, can still live the memories of the great Andy Stewart MBE. So why have the BBC and STV not started any repeats? It’s not any problem – they have shows archived, so BBC1 Scotland and Scottish TV, get your fingers out and start re-runs of Scotland’s greatist artist, and we can start to enjoy his songs and stories once again. He is and always will be the best.
Wow, that brought back memories! I must admit that I am 61 and of the age that thought of this as Tartan kitsch! Remember that when the White Heather Club was “thrilling” the nation, Hendrix was pickin the beats!
I do realise, however, that there was a definite audience for a Scottish based, Scottish produced show of it’s type and can only applaud the producers who helped it go for so long, putting some beautiful Scottish trad music on the map. Thanks especially to Joe, Robin and Jimmie for this.
And Andy. What can be said about Andy? To me, for a period in the 60s and maybe even the early 70s, he was Mr Scotland! He did more to sell the country to overseas visitors than any “Scottish” politician of the time and was responsible for sales of kilts going through the roof! Maybe the show did eventually turn into it’s own “shortbread tin,” but of the period, it was classic. Can anyone even “imagine” BBC “Scotland” doing a traditional music show on a weekly basis, these days? It wouldn’t be allowed! Too Scottish!
What a wonderful site celebrating the life and music of, in my opinion, the greatest Scottish Entertainer of all time. From concerts at the Empire in Glasgow to listening still to his early 60’s records here in Adelaide Australia Andy Stewart is etched in my memory from childhood till now. Not even the distance from Connel Ferry to Adelaide has erased his music from my heart and memory.
Has anyone got access to the lyrics of Oh Kate!, cannot find them on the internet…
Many thanks for this great site
Alistair MacPherson
Adelaide Australia
From Admin:
Oh Kate!
(Stewart-Grant) 1961
Now I met a bonnie lassie coming down the Cairnie Brae,
And I thought that I would follow her and see what was her way,
She was awful neat and awful sweet and needless for to say –
She stole away my heart in the morning.
Oh Kate! from Éireann’s lovely isle,
Won’t you cuddle close my lass and give my lad a smile,
I’m a Scotsman and I’m proud of it but och, I’d walk a mile –
Just to get a glimpse of you in the morning.
Now her mother was a Rafferty and came from Donegal,
And her father was a sailorman from anywhere at all,
But it only goes to show me lads the world is very small –
Or I never would have met her in the morning.
She has said I can come calling if I really have a mind,
With a careless invitation of her teasing womankind,
Sure I’d find a way to get there lads if even I was blind –
For I followed her myself in the morning.
There will be wedding bells a-ringing lads if I can have my way,
And the Shamrock and the Thistle be united in a day,
In a cottage that I call my own the darlin’ girl will stay –
and I’ll have her by my side every morning.
My first record was A Scottish Soldier – my Granny bought it for me. I was a big Andy Stewart fan as a kid; and even now I listen to him on my iPod. Such a shame he had such bad health, tho his genre wouldn’t be fashionable these days.
I love Andy Stewart, Scottish Soldier always reminds me of my first holiday at Butlins in Ayr in 1962, this record was playing constantly or so it seemed, I also remember Andy on Hogmanay, he made New Year’s Eve something special. After Andy stopped doing the Hogmanay show it all just went to pot, look at what we have now, Jools Holland couldn’t lace Andy Stewart’s boots!! RIP Andy, Scotland’s Greatest Entertainer.
Having been brought up with Andy Stewart and his Hogmanay count downs (Hogmanay is not the same as used to be!) I have to say this website is a wonderful tribute to a man who brought us so much.
It seems that I recently discovered through my genealogy project that we were/are distant cousins (3rd Cousin 1x removed) so it is nice to see his history recorded through this page, I only wish I had met him. X
Been a fan of Andy a long time. Miss him so much – he is better than the singers you get today. A great man for Scotland
Does anyone have a picture / photograph of Bernard Ebbinghouse and Alan Roper who backed Andy on numerous records. I would be very grateful if someone could help me with the above request. Thanking you,
Sam Devins.
I first saw Andy Stewart at the Gaiety in Ayr while on my honeymoon. I predicted then he would make it big time. When I emmigrated to the USA I was instrumental in bringing Andy over to the USA in the middle seventies to a Scottish concert in Cleveland Ohio. He was a big success. I also remember his agent Jimmy Warren.
My very first record was ‘A Scottish Soldier’ and from that day on I have always loved Andy’s music. Travelled up from Derby to see him live in Glasgow and was thrilled when I met him at the stage door afterwards. Genuinely nice guy.
How / where can I get to know more about Andy Stewart’s wonderful “Message?” A classic.
From Admin:
I think you mean ‘The Rumour’. See this page: https://whiteheather.club/songwriting/
Does anyone have the words to The Tractor Song sung by one of the Brand Sisters x
Andy was a part of my childhood – I watched him at the Tivoli in Aberdeen where I was born. Nobody could make Scots feel like Scots like he could. A true showman. God bless his wife and children. Xx
How I have longed for the lyrics to The Scottish Soldier. Thank you.
From Admin:
A Scottish Soldier
(Stewart, Arr. Iain MacFadyen) 1960
There was a soldier, a Scottish soldier
Who wandered far away, and soldiered far away
There was none bolder, with good broad shoulder
He’d fought in mony a fray, and fought and won!
He’d seen the glory, he’d told the story
Of battles glorious, and deeds victorious
But now he’s sighing, his heart is crying
To leave these green hills of Tyrol.
Because those green hills are not highland hills,
Or the island hills, they’re not my land’s hills!
And fair as these green foreign hills may be
They are not the hills of home.
And now this soldier, this Scottish soldier
Who wandered far away, and soldiered far away
Sees leaves are falling, and death is calling
And he will fade away, in that far land!
He called his piper, his trusty piper
And bade him sound a lay, A pibroch sad to play
Upon a hillside, but Scottish hillside
Not on these green hills of Tyrol.
And so this soldier, this Scottish soldier
Will wander far no more, and soldier far no more
And on a hillside, a Scottish hillside
You’ll see a piper play his soldier home!
He’s seen the glory, he’s told the story
Of battles glorious and deeds victorious
The bugles cease now, he is at peace now
Far from those green hills of Tyrol.
Can we please have a request to the BBC to make the videos into DVDs.
It’s about time these videos were released. The Tractor Song on the White Heather Club video is my party piece and no-one has ever heard of it. A great era of Scottish music. xx
Brings back many memories. My boyfriend Ron Silver played in Joe Gordon Folk Four group. He and another member of the group used to come over and ‘jam’…made my old Mum so happy. Everyone liked Andy Stewart, great guy.
I grew up listening to Andy Stewart on his wonderful records at my aunts’ place, who were born in Scotland. His ability to inject humour in his songs along with impersonations made him an outstanding entertainer. When listening to ‘A Scottish Soldier’ and ‘Barbara Allen’, it brings tears to my eyes – to lose such a great man at such a young age (60 is not old, as I’m approaching it!) I had no idea he was hampered with such poor health his whole adult life.
Thank you for such a detailed web site.
From Canada!
After watching various videos of the late great Andy Stewart it has made me very proud to be scottish. Although Andy had a short life he was a true entertainer, a gentleman and a true Scotsman. He is a true legend and will always be remembered as one of Scotland’s greatest sons. RIP ANDY SIMPLY THE BEST.
Wonderful site and loved hearing the familiar old tunes as I always enjoyed watching Andy Stewart on television and listening to him on the radio with the family.The site is marvellously put together. Most enjoyable. Well done!
Andy Stewart was my childhood idol. I grew up during the years when his career was at it’s peak; was privileged to see some of his “live” shows while he was still in good health and in top form! To this day, he remains my favourite singer and entertainer.
His name was well-known not only to Scots the world over, but also to people of many other nationalities. He made a huge and long-lasting impression throughout Australasia and North America – and here in South Africa, he was probably the greatest ambassador Scotland ever had. With respect, I think it’s strange that he didn’t get more than an MBE.
A very special person who I met only once at a dance in Friockheim. He will always be my favourite entertainer and his songs and music bring back great memories of my mother and all the family watching the White Heather Club on black and white TV in front of a roaring coal fire. A great website.
I am a faithful follower of Andy Stewart, and have been since I was young boy. I am an ex-Scottish Soldier and I am in my early 50’s but to my dying day will remain faithful. Please do not forget, he is still a great man. His battle is now over, but he lives forevermore. May he be at peace now.
Fantastic site to the late great Andy Stewart. A multi-talented entertainer.
The site is very well presented with excellent slick graphical editing and the recordings are of impeccable sound quality. Every effort has been made to use the original stereo mixes, where ever available.
I have a copy of ‘Donald Where’s Your Trousers’ on the Decca label by Calum Kennedy and the song is credited to Kennedy in brackets below the song title (the B-side of the single is Geordie Munro) so how can Andy Stewart claim to have written it if Calum’s version is credited to him as the writer of the song – or am I missing something here?
Answer from Admin:
In answer to your question, the actual chorus (“wind blow high/wind blow low”) and verses about “coming down from Skye” and the “slippery hall” are part of a “Traditional” commonly known as ‘Highland Donald’. Traditional means that the song has been around so long that no-one knows the actual author of the song – folk music is littered with examples of songs and melodies from hundreds of years ago that passed into popular use and then at a much later time were “collected” (finally written down for preservation).
If an artist sufficiently adapts, alters, or adds to a Traditional, they are quite entitled to a writing credit – indeed Robert Burns did such a few times. Andy and Calum’s versions have distinct differences in the verses (and Andy has his Presley section), so are equally entitled to their own credit. (Sometimes “Trad.” is noted in the credit – sometimes not).
Interestingly, here is a sheet music for Calum’s Beltona recording of ‘Highland Donald’, that gives the writing credit to Ian MacLeish.
Anyway, after more than fifty years, I think everyone can agree that Andy’s version is the one that lasted and as such it could be said that he made the song his own.
Enjoyed the site, fitting tribute to a real great – sadly health problems cut short his time at the top. I first worked with Andy on “Scotch Corner” and many times over the years and it didn’t matter if you were in a TV studio, theatre or grounds of a castle in Aberdeenshire – he gave it his all.
Tremendous site! Really well researched, thought out, and presented. Love the discography. Great to hear the unreleased tracks. Don’t suppose you’d consider doing such a site for other Scottish greats of the same era, such as Kenneth McKellar, Callum Kennedy, and The Alexander Brothers?
I would really like someone to help me out here, my mother danced in The White Heather Club with Andy Stewart. She sadly passed away in 1996 when I was 11 years old and I’d really like some footage of my mum performing. Her name was Joyce Campbell D.O.B 4/4/54.
Help, Many years ago Andy had an EP record out, one of the tunes was about a Scots boy and an Irish girl… anyone know the name of the song?
Reply from Admin:
I think the song you are referring to is Oh Kate! from the EP ‘Andy Sings’.
Excellent site all round, and highly informative. Andy Stewart was a credit to Glasgow and to entertainment, as well as being a graduate of the city`s Royal Conservatoire.
His successful and record-breaking seasons at the Glasgow Empire in the 1960s should have made Moss Empires Ltd think again about their policy of short visits by USA performers, but the Moss board had decided to sell out and concentrate on running commercial television companies.
Thanks for the memories… Andy was a great entertainer, Scottish Hogmanay has never been the same without him and the wonderful artists who were on his shows.
Thank you for the Hogmanay link to “This Is Your Life”! Truly a “mega-treat”! A fitting tribute to Andy Stewart, the person and his work. Hope to see that again some day!
Sad that STV no longer has Andy’s excellent “Scotch Corner” series in their archives (1972-1974). Perhaps someone out there has video-taped copies that they’d be willing to share?
Thanks for that. Made my Hogmanay very special!
Many thanks for keeping memories of Andy ‘alive’. It is fashionable now in some quarters to sneer at Andy’s work. I am just a bit younger than Andy was. He was very popular and unlike some performers he was multi-talented. Acting, impressions, singing – he did it.
My dad used to play Andy’s records and so when I came across this web site I was delighted to listen to his music once again. I felt a certain sadness in one way because it brought back memories of my dad but at the same time this is life and in many ways he is still with us.
That goes for Andy Stewart as well.
Thank you.
A great treat to listen to – my mother and father both had Scottish ancestors, loved the White Heather Club and always were fans of Andy Stewart. Brilliant web site – thanks.
An excellent web page – Turns the clock back some 50 years. Is good to hear a genuine article – well done for your web work keep it up.
No favourite just love them all.
The best entertainer ever. Was at the final show in the Empire Theatre and it was brilliant.
Sadly missed by millions.
I listen to Robbie Shepherd every Saturday night,and it was nice to hear a tribute on Andy Stewart.
We can be proud of all Scottish entertainers and I enjoy listening to them by whatever means.
Good to see a web-site dedicated to Andy. Hard to believe it is now 20 years since he died, but his music will live on. My favourite song of Andy’s is his original version of ‘By The Lochside.’ I still play it every so often.
Just heard about this website on Radio Scotland – brilliant -well done!
I was brought up in the 1950s in south of England – Scottish father, Essex mum who absolutely loved Andy – especially seeing him on the White Heather Club.
She would have loved this website!
Many thanks for all your hard work!
Enjoyed going through the Andy Stewart discography. I began collecting his albums as a teenager back in the ’70’s, and never stopped! Recently purchased the compilation cd, “The Scottish Soldier”, from Amazon.
I agree with your comments about “Song of Freedom” (1975). It surely was hit material and I think would have made the charts in the 1960’s or even early ’70’s, when his voice was still at it’s best.
I like all Andy’s songs, but I have 2 particular favourites – “A Scottish Soldier” and “Take Me Back” (the original recordings).
I love those unreleased acetates!! Both “The Hawk” and “Jock Cameron” should’ve been released as singles 50 years ago: they’re that good! Thank You so much for sharing them with us!
A brilliant site and a brilliant tribute to Andy
The ‘new improved’ version of this wonderful tribute is, to say the least, ‘outstanding’. Congratulations on a marvellous ‘labour of love’ which has resulted in a tremendous tribute to Scotland’s greatest entertainer of modern times. It is a truly brilliant site thanks to Stephen Harris.
Been a fan of Andy for a long time. Wish they would show all his TV shows again or put them on DVD. He was the best.
Lovely website. Surely there is a call for the good old fashioned Scottish Hogmanay type programme on the telly on New Years Eve?
I’m a Scot now live in the USA and have been entertaining the ‘colonials’ for many years with (among others) the songs of Andy Stewart.
Favs are ‘Donald Where’s yer Troosers’ and ‘Campbeltown Loch’ but by far the most requested is ‘Scottish Soldier’
Long live the songs of AS!
I am thrilled that a fantastic web-site has at long last been created for a truly great Scottish ambassador. I have many long lasting memories of great shows he presented and the time he spent with my family.
Alex
Secretary:
Kettering & District Caledonian Society
www.ketteringcaledoniansociety.org
My auntie, SHEILA PATON spent many years working with Andy and loves him to bits. She will be thrilled to see this site.
A brilliant tribute to a brilliant man – as a child I developed a serious crush on him and now 50 years later, I can see why – his voice and passion are truly fantastic, and living abroad I shed a fond tear to ‘A Scottish Soldier’, and have a chuckle at ‘Donald, Where’s Your Troosers?’ I started teaching English in Vietnam 6 years ago and now I teach at a University in Turkey – in the process I rediscovered Andy, and my students adore him – I also did a project on Scotland here with some orphans for a competition – and at the end of their presentation, they joined Andy in a rendidtion of ‘A Scottish Soldier’ – they won the competition! Andy was the best!
I am looking for someone to assist me in trying to figure out the lyrics for once piece in the song ‘You’re Welcome, Jimmy Shand’. When listening to the song, at 01.47, we think the lyrics are (but doesn’t seem to make sense):
“Now here’s good health to Jimmy, May he find the Scottish days, Maybe I be fine and dandy, As the music that he plays.”
Could anyone help me please? I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
El
ANSWER from Admin:
“Now here’s good health to Jimmy,
May he find it all his days.
May he aye be fine and dandy,
As the music that he plays.”
I have enjoyed this site very much. Andy was a much loved performer. I recognised his acting ability early on before he became known for The White Heather Club. His Hogmanay shows did reflect reality at the time. I know, I was about Andy’s age. Remember Andy for the pleasure he gave a lot of people.
What a great website!
We’re featuring an article on Andy in the March issue of Scottish Memories magazine.
Matt
Editor, Scottish Memories
www.celebrate-scotland.co.uk
Fantastic website which my 7 year old daughter has enjoyed using to help prepare her class talk on her chosen ‘Famous Scot’. Thank you!
At long last an Andy Stewart website! It’s really brilliant just as was Andy! I grew up watching him on Hear Here and before that Scotch Corner. I am too young to remember his White Heather Club appearances.
I am hoping that maybe someone will put all Andy’s recorded work together into a boxed set of CD’s for us all to enjoy. Maybe they should also put some of his shows on DVD and how about someone writing a book on his life! The recent TV tribute was good, long overdue but too short! Still this is a good start and great tribute to a wonderful Scotsman, a marvellous singer and first class entertainer who unlike so many today was interested enough to meet and greet his fans and show an interest in them as people.
Long may his memory and music live on.
I recall as a kid, taping all of Andy’s shows especially, ‘Scotch Corner’ made with the Jimmy Blue Scottish Dance band in the 70’s. I was at school at the time, and could not stand missing one single programme!
I also recall, the many Hogmanay shows he made. To me, New years Eve meant scottish music, and Andy Stewart.
The memories, and the man’s wonderful music will live on.
Unfortunately I did not discover Andy Stewart until 4 years after his death, so I never got to see him in concert in the USA where I am from.
However, his music is timeless and is now the soundtrack to all my trips to Scotland! Andy’s tunes have taught me so much about the culture, geography and history of my ancestors homeland. When I listen to him I just want to dance and sing along!
Thank You so much for creating this excellent website. I now use it as THE definitive source for all things Andy: especially his discography.
A great website and a fitting tribute to Scotland’s greatest entertainer. There will never be anyone like him again. Andy’s music has been the soundtrack for most of my childhood and youth. I am a lifelong fan.
A wonderful, professional, entertaining site… much more than a “fan-site”.
Sally & myself worked with Andy a great deal over the years. I was also on Andy’s first White Heather appearance… and we were together again for his very last appearance in the Usher Hall!
He spent ages chatting & reminiscing with Sally and I, that night… and I’m so glad that he “triumphed”, in spite of the late, late appearance!
Thanks for this web tribute to Scotland’s greatest entertainer! I’ve been a fan of his since I was 11 years old. As a child growing up in South Africa, I saw Andy Stewart’s stage shows in Johannesburg, where he performed for large audiences in 1968, 1971 and 1973. A newspaper reviewer referred to Andy’s opening concert at the Johannesburg City Hall in May 1973 as “a gathering of the clans” – most of the men in the audience were in kilts!
An excellent tribute to a great Scottish entertainer. I remember well the White Heather Club and Andy’s shows at Glasgow Empire.
What a fantastic tribute to a great entertainer! Great content, superb design. Thanks for all the wonderful memories of an era which should never have ended.