"These singers & their little songs, actually make a gnats hair of a difference, in the grand scheme of things."
Sounds like a great argument for lying down and letting the establishment kick the shit out of you.
I can't think of the Civil Rights Movement in the US without remembering the songs that came out of it. I doubt if they influenced the redneck racists the protesters went up against, but I know from experience that they act as a unifying force within such movements.

As I said, political songs are part of our heritage, not only in giving voice to protest, but also in recording events, many of which would have been forgotten; conditions in the mines and mills and at sea, recording disasters and strikes, anti-war songs, the transportation ballads which were part of the opposition to the enclosures, political movements for electoral reform and the formation of trades unions, the Famine, the enforced emigrations......; they are an essential part of our history from the Peasants Revolt to the ending of British rule in Ireland, and long may they continue to be so. Far from being ''little songs' they say "I'M ME AND THIS IS WHAT I THINK" - a statement everybody should have the right to make.

I fail to see the point of your Scots musicians story - it sounds to me about three brave lads in 'Deliverance' country - is the North (or should I say the North East) still so primitive? If so, it sounds as if a few songs would serve well as a reminder that we are all different and that that difference should be recognised and respected?

"but more often than not, take the greatest of care to keep themselves well clear of any trouble..."
"Examples please - I sang CND songs at Aldermaston; Anti-Viet Nam War songs in Grosvenor Square - who are you to judge what people who sing political songs involve themselves with outside a singing environment? At least they have the bottle to stand up in public and be counted, which is more than you can say about those who would silence them!!!

"....had no idea that The UK National Anthem 'The Queen' is about as popular to folks in Scotland, as a doze of Herpes!"
Are there still people in N.I. so stupid as not to realise that 'The Queen' is a political statement there?
Thirty odd years ago in London it was customary to sing 'The Soldiers' Song' at the end of Irish music sessions; I haven't heard it since the outbreak of the troubles.
The Willie Clancy Summer School is held here in Miltown Malbay every July; . It brings people from all over the world, of differing religions and cultures, including from The North (East). In thirty odd years I have never been aware of a restriction being put on any type of song; nor have I been aware of anybody taking offense at what is sung. A few years ago we had an excellent talk on Dolly's Brae by a Northerner; this year we will have one on Northern Protestant songs. Doesn't sound like a reciprocal one on Southern songs would be possible in your part of the world - perhaps southerners a more tolerant - what d'you think?
   
"In my book, I reckon, those singers who inflict provocative & inflammatory songs on an audience...."
Yup, I guess my last suggestion was right; that sound about as intolerant of free speech as it gets!
Jim Carroll