I don't disagree with you over MacColl. As far as I know when it came to the Scots songs he never claimed any particular academic understanding or authenticity and therefore none of us have the right to claim that for him. However with the travellers songs in 'Travellers Songs from England and Scotland', as far as I can see the scholarship of Ewan and Peggy and authenticity are beyond reproach. As for his parents' songs I'm certain they sang them and he also augmented them with poet's licence. Nothing wrong with that, but what a pity he did not carry out a scholarly study/publishing of these songs as well!