The Clutha were a traditional Scottish band

Early years

In 1957 Norman Buchan was a teacher at Rutherglen Academy. He formed a Ballads Club. Among the pupils who joined up were Archie Fisher and Gordeanna McCulloch. Gordeanna fell in love with singing and travelled to London to attend one of Ewan McColl classes. She joined the Clydesiders and in 1964 joined The Clutha. The name is the original Gaelic word for the river now called the Clyde. They played traditional Scottish tunes and songs in an uncompromising regional accent.

The Small Pipes

The idea of singing with a bagpipe accompaniment seems absurd but when the instrument is as quiet and sweet as the lowland Scottish bagpipes, the effect is enchanting. Another type of small pipe, the better-known Northumbrian bagpipe had never really died out. When the Cluntha added Jimmy Anderson on the lowland pipes on "Bonnie Mill Dams" (1977) they were pioneers. The instrument had rarely been heard for 100 years and not previously recorded. They won the Peter Cooke Cup for Scots ceilidh bands in 1971, 72 and 73. Although they did not record again until 2001, they have continued to host ceilidh dances.

Gordeanna solo

Back in 1965 Gordeanna had appeared on a compilation album on Topic. In 1978 she had a whole album, "Sheath and Knife". Spurning the well-known songs, she had unearthed obscure Scottish songs. Since then she has appeared on six compilation albums and recorded another solo album. Meanwhile Norman Buchan became a labour member of parliament and was the organiser of the Edinburgh Folk Festival for several years. Archie Fisher became a successful solo folk singer.

Discography

The Clutha

Scotia! (1971) The Streets of Glasgow (1973) Scots Ballads Songs & Dance Tunes (1974) Bonnie Mill Dams (1977) On The Braes (2001)

Gordeanna McCulloch

New Voices From Scotland (1965) Sheath and Knife (1978) In Freenship's Name (1999)