The White Heather Club never pretended to be anything other than what it was. It was not a "Folk Club", it was a TV "Entertainment". It did, however have an incredibly large following quoted as 10 million viewers (BLICKY)
Not bad for a "car crash".

Actually, my Grandad was a big fan of Andy Stewart, so I grew up listening to his records. Yes, he was a "professional kilted Scot", but he did more which got Scottish Traditional music heard than most Scots. He was a decent singer who alongside novelty stuff such as Donald Where's Your Troosers he did "straight" songs as well.

Of course, the British Folk world is based on ridiculing the people who have made what we do possible. We are not allowed to admit we grew up listening to the White Heather Club, The Spinners, Robin Hall & Jimmy McGregor or The Dubliners, because they are "old". Strange for a Folk Movement which prides itself on revering tradition and the past.

All in all, the BBC did more to promote Folk in them days than it does now. A couple of documentaries on an obscure digital channel, which will never be shown on the mainstream non-digital channels. Not really something to applaud, is it? Better than nothing? Maybe, but not enough. They used to do better.

Quack!
Geoff the Duck.

p.s. Full Scedule.