Dick Gaughan’s granddad was an Irish Gael who would refuse to speak English, writes a music critic.
A chip off the old block, Gaughan too speaks an ancient and beautiful language he refuses to compromise on but his is that of the Scottish radical tradition.
As I listened to Gaughan at the Gardyne Theatre on Friday night, I couldn’t help feeling like I was hearing the Battle Hymns of the Scottish Republic.
“Remember Thomas Muir of Huntershill” Gaughan tells us as he brings the Scottish Martyrs back into focus.
However, he is at pains to point out he abhors racism and is in no way anti-English indeed it is a country he knows intimately and loves dearly.
When he plays Both Sides of the Tweed we are treated to an honest and true interpretation of a song current in 1707 and still relevant in 2013.
Gaughan was recovering from illness and didn’t fully display his astonishing power.
However, turning down the power allowed us to savour the great artistry he also possesses.
