Jim, not meaning to have a go at MacColl, I know you hold him dear. But, as a Scotsman, I found and still find his recorded singing voice comical - like a Geography teacher called in at short notice to play a Scottish policeman in a community play.

But, each to their own. I am aware of his heritage. And maybe, as you say, singing as though he was Mr Barrowclough was what came naturally to him.