My new book is called The Eskimo Republic [Scots political song in action 1951-1999] and it will be launched Saturday 30th Oct, 8.30pm, in Out Of The Blue Drill Hall, 30-38 Dalmeny St, off Leith Walk, Edinburgh. Singers on the night will include Stuart Mchardy, John Greig, Nancy Nicolson, Eileen Penman, Ukes Against Nukes, Steven Clark, Geordie McIntyre, Alison McMorland, Billy Stewart and Ian Davison...


"Ewan McVicar's latest book investigates the historical roots of Scots political song, and considers the role of key activists and songmakers, and how new and old Scottish songs fuelled and reported on political actions and campaigns, from the 1950 reiving of the Stane of Destiny through the growth of the SNP to the 1999 reopening of the Scottish Parliament, and on peace campaigns and protests from the 1960s to the 1990s.
The work of Hamish Henderson, Matt McGinn, Thurso Berwick, Hamish Imlach, Ewan MacColl and Dick Gaughan is considered. Interviewees include Jim McLean, Ian Davison, Alistair Hulett, Ian McCalman, Eric Bogle, Marion Blythman, Billy Wolfe, Jim Kelman, Fiona Hyslop MSP, Archie Fisher, Geordie MacIntyre, Ann Neilson, John Greig, Peggy Seeger, Ian Walker, John Powles, Stuart McHardy, Nancy Nicolson, Sheila Douglas, Rab Noakes, Cathie Peattie MSP, Hugh MacDonald, Rob Gibson MSP, Danny Couper, Donald Smith, Dolina MacLennan, Eileen Penman, Ronnie Clark and John Barrow..."