Michael Yates writes....."When Hamish Henderson died in 2002 I felt that I wanted to do something to mark the passing of this fine man. I had met Hamish on a couple of occasions and, like all before me, had been bowled over by his sheer presence, enthusiasm and vitality. Hamish had virtually kick-started the present day Scottish folk music revival and it was only fitting that we should not forget such a man.....
Norman Chalmers, writing in Scotland On Sunday about this CD.........."Songs, Ballads and a Story from the School of Scottish Studies Library" is the album's subtitle - all captured on tape between 1952 and 1958 by the leading character (he only recently passed away) in the post-war Edinburgh University department which houses a national archive of folk song and recorded tales. Copious notes, fragments of Hamish himself bantering with the performers, and nearly two score authentic Scots gems from Jeannie Robertson, Bella Higgins, John Strachan, Willie Matheson, Finlay Maclean and Roderick Campbell make this essential listening for anyone interested in the Scottish identity."
Hamish Henderson in a Letter to the Scotsman dated 17th February 1953....." It would be a great irony if your readers assumed that I did not want my recordings of Scots folksongs to be broadcast. On the contrary, I believe that the broadcasting of them would be an event of great cultural significance in Scotland"